Keewaydin Island: A Complete Guide to This Hidden Island Gem

Want a glimpse of Southwest Florida the way nature intended? Then a day trip to Keewaydin Island is in order — one of the best places to experience nature in southwest Florida!

With nearly eight miles of unspoiled and mostly deserted white sand beach, Keewaydin Island is part of the Ten Thousand Islands and only accessible by boat, which makes getting there part of the fun.

Plus, it’s main beach, Keewaydin Island Beach, is one of the best beaches in Naples — actually in all of Southwest Florida.

Ecologically, Keewaydin Island Florida is an important sanctuary and breeding ground for wildlife, most notably as a vital nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles.

Surprisingly, it’s also the only pet-friendly beach in Naples and Marco Island, so understandably pets must always be kept on a leash to protect the nests and new hatchlings of birds and turtles.

Visiting Keewaydin is absolutely one of best things to do in Naples and Marco Island, and a rare opportunity to experience the spectacular nature this part of Florida has to offer.

This Gulf Coast barrier island hiding in plain sight is a rare gem that’s well worth a visit!

What’s in this Keewaydin Article?

Where is Keewaydin Island?

Interesting History of Keewaydin

How to Get to Keewaydin

What to Do on Keewaydin

Food Boats on Keewaydin

What to Pack for a Day at Keewaydin

Keewaydin FAQ: Important Stuff You Should Know

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Where is Keewaydin Island?

Keewaydin Island is situated between Naples and Marco Island in Collier County on Florida’s southwest coast.

You can’t see it from most places you visit in the area other than on a boat, and even then it’s hard to even appreciate the island’s true beauty — one lush mangrove cluster serenely fades into the next as you pass by.

This island near Naples Florida is one of the most natural places to see in southwest Florida with miles of deserted beach strewn with nothing but seashells, low pine scrub, and swaying palms.

That’s because the majority (over 80%) of Keewaydin remains undeveloped and just a few private homes can be seen shrouded by the low-lying trees and foliage.

By boat, the lat/long of Keewaydin is 26.0704° N, 81.7869° W.

The Interesting History of Keewaydin

Originally called Kee (Key) Island in the 1890s and through the turn of the century, Keewaydin Island FL operated as one of the original Keewaydin camps for boys across America at that time.

In 1922, after a building was constructed on the north side of the island and the Camps began to fall on hard times, the Keewaydin Club on Key Island became a popular (and more profitable) winter destination for northerners escaping the cold and snow.

During the ‘50s and ‘60s, several efforts at building a bridge and developing the island were thwarted by a growing group of local residents, who petitioned the government to stop construction and any future development on Keewaydin.

Thankfully their efforts succeeded and we owe this beautiful sanctuary to them.

In 1987, the Keewaydin Club building was placed on the National Registry of Historic Places, but that distinction was short-lived when in 1992 the property was sold and the building torn down.

Today the Florida Department of Environmental Protection owns 85% of the island with the remaining 15% being privately owned.

Since 1980 this pristine and unspoiled habitat has been managed by the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve to ensure the delicate ecosystem remains forever protected.

How to Get to Keewaydin

So how do you get to Keewaydin Island is it’s only accessible by boat?

There are 3 unique ways to get to this amazing paradise destination:

1. Hemingway Water Shuttle

Because it’s just 8 miles long and surrounded by natural mangrove estuaries, there is no “Keewaydin Island ferry” you might expect in the traditional sense.

But there is a small water taxi — the Hemingway Water Shuttle — which departs seven times a day from Rose Marina in Marco Island to the beach on Keewaydin, and can drop you off and pick you up.

On your way to and from Keewaydin, you’ll see dolphins, a variety of birds, and even manatees.

What you’re not likely to see on the boat ride out are alligators as these Everglades creatures live in fresh and brackish water.

The Keewaydin Island shuttle ride from Marco Island to Keewaydin Island takes about 30-40 minutes one way.

NOTE: We’ve seen it written to the contrary, however The Hemingway Shuttle is not dog-friendly. The island is dog-friendly however, so if you want to bring your dog, it’s best to consider the other options.

2. Take a Boat Tour, Shelling or Dolphin Cruise

There are several regular sightseeing boat trips which include stops at Keewaydin for exploring and shelling.

Rookery Bay offers regular boat tours to the island as part of their ongoing education programs and several boat tours from Naples and Marco Island tours offer shelling cruises, dolphin cruises and eco tours to Keewaydin and surrounding islands.

Or, if a quiet sailing or sunset cruise is more your speed, these exceptional sunset cruises will be a highlight of your vacation.

3. Rent a Boat

A third way to get to Keewaydin is to rent your own boat for the day.

There are many places to rent a boat in Naples and Marco Island at marinas all around the area.

In the off-season, prices can range from $350 for a half-day rental to $650 for a full-day rental, to $500 (half-day) to $1200 (full-day) during the season depending on the size and quality of the boat.

What to Do on Keewaydin

Keewaydin is a nature-lover’s paradise, from exploring the island’s natural state to swimming in the azure water.

Water temps in the winter months between December through March can run a tad chilly (64-68 degrees F) for some visitors, though not too bad if you’re visiting from much colder climates.

In the summertime, the water temps range from pleasant to bath water (82-86 degrees) though it’s still refreshing — and there are no crowds in the summer, which is even better!

If you love shelling, Keewaydin is one of the best places for shelling in Naples and Marco Island!

Because of the remoteness of the island and its direct-facing beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, the shells you’ll find on Keewaydin will blow your mind!

Check out the handful of little gifts from the sea that we scooped up in just a few short minutes!

As you can imagine, the possibilities are endless when you spend the day on Keewaydin.

Pack a picnic lunch and let the kids run around knowing they can’t roam far.

Food Boats on Keewaydin

One of the most unique sites on Keewaydin have to be the colorful food boats that can be found serving food to happy, hungry beach-goers.

From ice cream and sandwiches to hot dogs and the "burger barge", these pontoon boats laden with yummy food, beer, and soda will make your beach hangriness disappear.

Most food boats accept credit cards so stash one along with your cash.

What to Pack for a Day at Keewaydin

Shelling bag — Keewaydin is all about the shelling, and you will find a million beautiful shells!!

A shell bag has lots of small holes to let the water flow through but still hold your valuable shells!

Sunscreen - This goes without saying — protect yo’ self with a good high SPF-rated sunscreen that won’t wash off!

Shelter - If you’re planning on spending the day, a collapsible sun shelter is a great idea, whether it’s just the two of you or you’re bringing your family or your family dog (especially with kids and pets).

Camera - You’ll want to snap pics all day long, but for cool action shots, bring a GoPro.

At the very least, protect your phone from disaster with a waterproof covering.

Food and snacks - pack a cooler for the day and lots of snacks for the kids.

Cash to tip (or credit card) - If you’re taking a shelling cruise or boat tour, bring small bills to tip the Captain.

Most food boats accept credit cards, but always bring cash just in case.

Keewaydin FAQ: Important Stuff You Should Know

Keewaydin is a special place, and we’ve tried to cover most of what you need to know before you visit the island.

Check here for more rules and regulations.

1. How long does it take to get to Keewaydin Island?

From Marco Island, the boat ride to Keewaydin takes around 30-40 minutes one way.

2. Are dogs/pets allowed on Keewaydin?

Keewaydin is dog-friendly, however they must be kept on a leash and away from turtle nests (look for the yellow tape surrounding the nest).

3. Are there restrooms on Keewaydin?

No, due to its undeveloped nature, Keewaydin Island does not offer bathrooms, showers, or restroom facilities.

4. Is Keewaydin a State Park?

No, there is no Keewaydin State Park. The island is primarily owned and managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, though a small part of the island is also privately owned by residents.

5. Can We BYOB?

You are welcome to bring food, snacks, and drinks with you to Keewaydin. Alcohol is also permitted. However, see below.

6. No Garbage Cans

Once again, because of the pristine natural environment on the island, there are no garbage cans to hold your litter.

Therefore, PLEASE make sure you leave nothing behind, and fill in any holes you make in the sand to prevent turtles from getting stuck in them. or impeding their trip ashore.

7. Shelters

There are no palapas, huts, or structure on the island to protect you from the sun. and it can get very hot in the summer.

If you’re planning on visiting Keewaydin in the warmer months, we highly recommend bringing a collapsible sun structure with you to guard against the sun.

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Are you adding a visit to Keewaydin Island to your next trip to the Paradise Coast?

Drop a line with any questions you may have — we’re always happy to help!