Where
Marco Island is home to two public beaches, South Marco Beach and Tigertail Beach. The latter is located at 480 Hernando Dr., Marco Island, FL 34145.
Vibe
Secret two-in-one beach with a mild and wild side. Tigertail Beach has a split personality, encompassing two distinct areas, one by a tranquil lagoon with amenities that include restrooms and a bird-watching tower that promises soaring views. Reaching the second area involves an adventure: Wade across the lagoon’s shallow waters to discover three miles of untamed beaches where nature is at her resplendent best.
See, feel
Tigertail Beach curves into the Gulf of Mexico, with a saltwater lagoon on one side. To get to the beach, balance your belongings above you as you ford the lagoon. If you’re not sure where to go, follow someone else. Be prepared for the mucky bottom—you may want beach shoes-- and for the armies of fiddler crabs that will scurry out of your path at low tide. Even at high-tide, the lagoon’s water won’t be more than waist-deep. The reward is a glorious, white sand beach bordered by blue-green waters, staged against a landscape of dunes. Here, beachgoers scoop up colorful shells along the shoreline; ospreys glide on the laminar salt air; and dolphins are frequent visitors. If you’re not up for the escapade across the lagoon, you can walk around it to the south, but it will take longer to reach the beach, perhaps 20 minutes. While the water is usually calm, winds, tides and offshore systems can occasionally make conditions rough.
On or near the beach
Swimming, sunning, and birdwatching are popular here, and the sunsets are epic. You can bring home more than a tan, because Tigertail is a prime spot for shelling, with abundant Fighting Conchs, Lightning Whelks, and Calico Scallops. Make sure to peer into the gin-clear tidal pools along the shore; they’re brimming with sea stars, sand dollars and other tiny sea creatures.
Accessibility
Tigertail Beach is ADA compliant.
Facilities
Tigertail Beach currently offers a picnic area, a playground, and restrooms. Pack in whatever supplies you need, including food, drink, sunscreen and insect repellent. Brochures and
maps are available. Due to damage from Hurricane Ian, the concessions, food/beverage service; jet ski rental; paddleboard rental; watersport/beach gear rental; beach wheelchair; and guided tours are all closed or unavailable until further notice. Here’s where you can check the park’s current status, or call 239-252-4000.
Lifeguards
There are no lifeguards; swim at your own risk.
Parking
Tigertail Beach offers 210 parking spaces, and includes ADA parking. Here’s more information about parking.
