Marco Island in southwest Florida is known for its robust hotel industry, golf courses and prime real estate. However, what may interest the summer vacation goer is the sand bar that occupies the entire western part of this curious looking island that looks half-submerged into the sea if seen from above. This is where you can find the Tigertail beach. This is a long stretch of shoreline that extends for miles and miles on end, facing the Mexican Gulf. Here, you will be treated with white sand beaches, cool waters, playful dolphins, seabirds and the most absolutely stunning sunset you’ll get to see. However, the beach does not simply give you this paradise without a fair bit of a trial.
The way this beach is formed is quite interesting as it was made as a result of Hurricane Wilma. The wake of the hurricane left a pile of sand along the western coast of Marco Island and this formed the sand barrier that we now know today as Tigertail beach. Now with that out of the way, you should know that getting to the island may not be as straight-forward as one might expect. The beach is part of a sand barrier that’s separated from Marco Island itself. The sands pile up in a narrow sort of way, kind of like a knife or, you guessed it, a tiger’s tail. What separates the main island from the sand barrier is a lagoon. This is a lagoon that most visitors cross on foot if they don’t have a watercraft with them. The water is waist deep and you will have to carry your stuff above your heads. But, right before the starting point of the lagoon cross, there will be a decently built snack bar where you can sort your belongings and even grabs some snacks before you take the plunge which is just right next to the parking lot. This snack bar is your last contact to civilization before you leave it once you cross the lagoon because in the Tigertail beach there will be no facilities and concessionaires, it’s just you and Mother Nature.
Once you’ve gone through this little trial, you will be rewarded with possibly one of the best beaches you will have ever gone in your entire lifetime. The memories you will be making in Tigertail beach will surely be remembered as was seen in one corner of the beach where there’s a tree that people hang shells on. On the shells people wrote messages of how they had a fun time in Tigertail beach. Believe us when we tell you that there’s no reason why you should not have a fun and memorable experience as well.
If you wish to know more about similar beaches in the Paradise Coast, head on to our website and check out our Articles section. But if you’re in a hurry, tune in to our podcast the Divine Naples Daily. Or, if you find yourself wandering in the downtown area of Naples, why don’t you swing by our Visitor Center for a quick chat? You may also book an appointment where we will provide concierge services plus a nice cup of hot espresso.
