While plenty of residents own boats to enjoy the beautiful water whenever they like, boat ownership isn’t for everyone. Perhaps you’d rather take advantage of an occasional rental so you get the joy of boating without any upkeep or maintenance. That’s understandable!  

Whether you’re only visiting or trusting Gulfstream Homes to craft your custom house, tourists and residents alike can stop at one of many Marco Island marinas to find the perfect boat rental. 

The 3 Best Marco Island Marinas for Renting Boats 

Remember, there are scores of charter boats and tours available, too! But if you prefer to pilot the boat yourself, these Marco Island marinas are where you should start. Remember that you’ll need a boater’s safety card or a Captain’s license. Most marinas will also require you to be at least 25 years old. 

1. Dolphin Cove Marina 

Dolphin Cove Marina offers flexible boat rental times that last from as little as four hours to multiple days. However, anything longer than two days requires you to keep the boat at your own dock. Dolphin Cove Marina can provide pontoon boats for the budget-minded, deck boats for family outings or high-speed thrills, or hybrid deck boats for ultimate luxury. 

This marina is an excellent starting point for waterway day trips with some fantastic locations nearby: 

• Keewaydin Island 
• Goodland 
• Naples 
• 10,000 Islands 

Renters can opt to add coolers and bagged ice at check-in. 

2. Rose Marina 

If you want to enjoy a charter so you can just relax while someone else tackles all the hard work, Rose Marina is host to more than 20 captains. They also feature boats for sale if you decide that the boating life is for you after all. And, of course, they provide boathouse storage as well. 

Their Island Coastal Outfitters shop is worth a trip on its own. It’s a well-stocked store that caters to boat owners, anglers, and anyone who loves the island lifestyle.  

3. Walker’s Coon Key Marina 

Renters may choose between the center console and pontoon boats, and Walker’s Coon Key Marina is a stellar choice for renters who want to get all the necessary supplies in one place. They provide food, beverages, bait, and fuel, to name a few. Additionally, their upper deck is a wonderful place to sit, relax, and enjoy some sunshine. 

As long as you don’t take your rented boat into the Gulf, Walker’s Coon Key Marina doesn’t restrict where you travel. Rental boats can travel as far as Cape Romano where the infamous dome houses once stood. Sadly, the remaining dome houses at Cape Romano were washed away by Hurricane Ian in 2022. 

Live the Marco Island Dream with Gulfstream Homes 

Once you’re done with your boating adventure, wouldn’t it be perfect to head home to a custom house built just the way you want? At Gulfstream Homes, we specialize in creating incredible houses designed with you in mind.  

The post A Guide to Marco Island’s Best Marinas: Boat Not Required first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Luckily, the Gulfstream Homes team is here to give you the answer. Here are the top picks for the best pickleball spots on Marco Island.

Marco Island Racquet Club

Marco Island’s public pickleball courts are perfect for the dedicated pickleball enthusiast. The community has seven courts which can all be lit for nighttime play. The courts are new and well-kept, making it easy for players of any skill level to hop in and play.

It’s also an all-ages center that’s open year-round, with many activities to enjoy. You can reserve courts and make reservations ahead of time. We highly suggest the Marco Island Racquet Club for the most straightforward, satisfying pickleball experience.

South Seas

South Seas is the place for you if you want Incredible views and a resort-like feel. It’s the only Marco Island pickleball community with beach access. South Seas has four pickleball courts for guests to use. Moreover, it has plenty of other amenities to make it easy to spend your entire day doing something fun, including:

• Bike and jog paths
• Bocce court
• Fishing pier
• Shuffleboard
• Tennis Court
• BBQ and picnic area

The resort even hosts exciting pickleball camps where you can enjoy a fully immersive experience. And of course, play lots of pickleball! We love South Seas for its stunning scenery. Starting here is always a good choice if your question is, “Where can you play pickleball on Marco Island?”

The Greater Marco Family YMCA

The YMCA of South Collier saw the need for more pickleball and delivered it to the community. They recently built nine additional pickleball courts and now boast an incredible fourteen total courts. Five are covered, while the nine recent ones aren’t, and all are lighted. The pickleball courts can be reserved, but you need a membership to play.

East Naples Community Park

Even though it’s across the bridge in Naples, this park is a must-visit for Marco Island residents and visitors. The park has a staggering 64 courts, making it far and away the most accommodating place on the list. They have organized and open play with multiple clinics for all skill levels happening daily. You can purchase an annual membership or pop by for the day. It’s open every day of the week. This spot is one of our top picks based on accessibility alone.

The Ball is in Your Court

Having options is exciting and comforting. These Marco Island selections give you plenty of ways to play pickleball and perfect your game while having fun.

For some things like building a custom home, having options is crucial. Hiring Gulfstream Homes for your new build gives you the control to customize and create the perfect environment. Contact our team today to learn more and schedule your appointment.

The post Pickleball on Marco Island: Our Favorite Places to Play first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Marco Island River Area Homes Provide Convenient Water Access

If you have a boat, you can enjoy convenient access to it from your own dock. Boaters in this community can cruise down the Marco River on their short trip to the Gulf of Mexico without worrying about low bridges. Oh, and be on the lookout for friendly dolphins along the way.

Larger Homes and Lots

Homes in the River Area are sizeable, and with an average listing price of over $2 million, it’s no wonder why this is one of the most prestigious areas on the island. Overall, vacant lot sizes on Marco Island are bigger than the national average. While most lots throughout Florida and the rest of the country are 80’ x 100’, many on Marco Island are 100’ x 110’. This can give you more room to build a larger home, or a more modest one with a grandiose yard.

Enjoy a Variety of Outdoor Activities

Marco Island River Area homes are close to some of the region’s most exciting outdoor attractions.

This includes Tigertail Beach, where you can swim in the lagoon, rent kayaks and paddleboards, or reserve a beach shelter for a short stay. There’s also the Briggs Boardwalk Nature Center at Rookery Bay, where it’s possible to observe seven different bird habitats.

Find Fun for the Whole Family

If you’re looking for fun kid-friendly activities on Marco Island, you’ll have no shortage of options to choose from.

Within close proximity to Marco Island River Area homes, you’ll find the Dolphin Explorer Eco Cruise, sunset fire dancers on the JW Marriott beach, the March Seafood and Music Festival, and much more.

Dine Out When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking

While cooking meals at home can help you save on your household budget, there’s nothing like enjoying a night out on the town. You’ll find plenty of seaside restaurants that can offer a different dining experience each week.

To get started, try visiting these local favorites:

● Sale e Pepe in the Beach Ocean Resort

● The Snook Inn

● Marco Prime Steak & Seafood Restaurant

● La Tavola Restaurant & Bar

● Mango’s Dockside Bistro

You’ll also find many beachside bars and cafes, such as Doreen’s Cup of Joe and Kane’s Tiki Bar & Grill.

Know Where to Shop

While there are many standard grocery stores on Marco Island, you also have the option of supporting local farmers and browsing a greater variety of fresh produce at the Marco Island Farmers Market. The market is in Mackle Park, making it easy to find. Along with fresh produce, you can also buy art and other goods made by island locals.

Trust the Home Building Pros

When you’re ready to build your custom home on Marco Island, Gulfstream Homes can make it easy.

From offering spacious layouts to helping you add the extras that matter most to you, we take the difficulty out of designing and building your ideal home. Reach out today to schedule a consultation.

The post Building a Home in the Marco Island River Area — What You Should Know first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

1. Davinci’s

The first restaurant on our list is Davinci’s, which is a stunning Italian style restaurant that is the perfect location for a special celebration or just a nice evening out. Founded by the Carvelli family, it has a charming ambiance that will remind you of a beautiful trip to Italy without having to worry about the travel time.

Every person that steps foot into the restaurant will feel like family and enjoy a great selection of signature dishes that stem from northern, central, and southern Italian cuisine. They also offer an incredible selection of wines, which makes it a great choice for stopping in with loved ones.

Their menu includes an array of delicious Italian dishes including:

• Campagnola and Prosciutto pizzas
• Spaghetti Con Polpette
• Pollo Romano
• Gnocchi Alla Sorrentina
• Ravioli Di Formaggio

2. Marco Prime Steaks and Seafood

Marco Prime Steaks and Seafood is a great place to enjoy a delicious meal in the heart of Marco Island. Their modern atmosphere has a unique taste on a classic steakhouse with hints of French, Italian, and Asian cuisines.

Not only do they serve incredible steaks, but they also have an excellent selection of seafood along with hand-crafted cocktails and an abundant wine selection. Their steaks are American Black Angus Hi Choice & Prime Steaks which feature Australian Wagyu Beef to provide the best flavor possible. When it comes to their seafood they have fish that is received daily in the restaurant from around the world and prepared by highly skilled chefs.

3. Doreen’s Cup of Joe

For a more relaxed atmosphere, but still some of the best food in Marco Island, you should plan to make a stop at Doreen’s Cup of Joe. They are only open for breakfast and lunch, but boast a menu that is sure to make your stomach happy!

They are proud to offer local and specially sourced ingredients including cage free brown eggs, sausage patties from a local country store in Tallahassee, milk products from a farm in Myakka City, and premium coffee from a local roaster.

Their menu includes items such as omelets, skillets, breakfast sandwiches, waffles, french toast, and homemade donut holes for breakfast as well as sandwiches, salads, and burgers for lunch.

4. The Oyster Society

Named as a must-stop when in Marco Island, you must try The Oyster Society. Owned by the same family as Davinci’s, this restaurant is known to have some of the best seafood around. The restaurant is located in one of the best locations in Marco Island and within walking distance to some of the top resorts.

Their menu includes almost any type of seafood you could want including oysters, sea scallops, shrimp, salmon, sushi, sea bass, and lobster along with an incredible drink and dessert menu. It is worth your time to stop in!

Best Restaurants in Marco Island

No matter what kind of food you are looking for, Marco Island has incredible restaurants that are worth stopping into! Be sure to let us know if you enjoy any of the restaurants mentioned above.

Gulfstream Homes is ready to help you build a home on Marco Island! Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started.

The post The Local’s Guide to Marco Island Restaurants first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Otter Mound Preserve

Built on ancient Calusa territory, Otter Mound Preserve (1831 Addison Ct, Marco Island, FL 34145) has been captivating visitors for decades. As part of one of the rarest tropical habitats in Collier County, this area is home to various animals, including 57 species of birds, as well as an abundance of plant life, with over 127 species of plants known to accent this historical landmark. Not only is this area teeming with Calusa history, with various landmarks and signs depicting Otter Mound Preserve’s past, it’s also perfect for a stroll. Plenty of shade, trails and benches can be found in this area, making it the ideal place to take in history, as well as stay active, while you enjoy your serene surroundings.

Tigertail Beach

When shelling and soaking up the sun is on your agenda, Tigertail Beach is where many Marco Island residents choose to spend their days. If you’re looking for a place to find some of the most beautiful shells on the Island, Tigertail Beach won’t disappoint. This white sand beach isn’t just a shelling enthusiast’s dream, it’s also the perfect spot to bird watch, recognized as one of the best birding sites in Southwest Florida by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. From bald eagles to pelicans, ospreys and more, you’ll find on Tigertail Beach.

Marco Island Mangroves

Florida houses over 600,000 acres of mangrove forests, and if you’re looking to kayak deep into these ecological wonders, Marco Island offers plenty of ways to take it all in. From kayak tours to boat rides from favorites, like Eco Endeavors and Paradise Coast Sailing, experiencing the Florida mangroves is easy on the Island. Say hello to the area wildlife while you’re cascading through the waters, as this area is home to many versatile creatures, including crabs, shellfish and of course alligators. If you want to experience true Florida lifestyle at its finest, you’ll want to take a trip into the mangroves.

Other Nature Destinations Near Marco Island

Nature excursions offer fun for the whole family, and when you’re looking for something to do on the Island, here are some other fantastic ideas for nature enthusiasts:

• Briggs Nature Center (401 Shell Island Rd, Marco Island, FL 34113)
• Capri Paddlecraft Park (3620 Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34113)
• Keewaydin Island

When you live on Marco, you get to experience a diverse array of natural sights and wildlife that you won’t be able to see elsewhere, and it’s all in your backyard. So, the next time you’re looking for something exciting to do on the Island, consider exploring these nature and wildlife areas and see what you’re able to discover.

Gulfstream Homes is excited to help you build your ideal home on Marco Island! Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started.

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The post Nature on the Island: Best Places to Catch a Glimpse of Nature & Wildlife on Marco Island first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

 A Dedicated Guest Suite

It’s so important for anyone to feel as though they have their own private space to relax and unwind. This is why it’s advised to design a guest suite into your home, especially if you’re planning on having waves of guests visit you in paradise. Depending on the space, you may be able to have a separate wing for your guests or maybe just a simple room with its private bathroom. Either way, this space should allow for maximum privacy, so that your guests can enjoy their time in your home without feeling as though they’re interrupting you with late-night catch-up sessions, and you’re not waking them up with early work meetings. Design the perfect guest suite by incorporating the following:

• A hotel-like atmosphere, complete with crisp linens and bed sheets.
• Refreshments, like water bottles and snacks.
• Toiletries in the private bath.
• Ample closet space.
• Plant life and calming aromatics

A Kitchen Built for Entertainment

It doesn’t matter what type of gathering you’re hosting, whether it’s just a couple of friends in town for the weekend or a larger gathering with all of your neighbors, everyone always ends up in the kitchen. Make your kitchen ideal for hosting guests with a wide-open space and plenty of room for guests to mingle and sit. Double islands are perfect for entertaining, as you’re able to present appetizers and drinks properly, while guests mingle about. You’ll also want a dedicated area to prepare food, so ample counter space is a must. If you need even more space, consider adding in a butler’s pantry, so that you’re able to prep food without getting in the way of your guests.

An Incredible Outdoor Oasis

When you live on Marco Island, chances are your guests are going to want to spend time outside, enjoying our temperate weather and balmy breezes. That’s why your outdoor living area should always be ready to welcome your guests. Plenty of seating, a pool and spa to relax, and even an outdoor kitchen can all be included in this popular space. Many homes here on Marco Island embrace what’s called indoor/outdoor living, so if that’s what you want to achieve, speak with your builder about ways to bring the outside in through features like sliding glass doors and large windows.

Marco Island Entertaining

When you’re entertaining on the Island, there’s no shortage of activities to partake in, but often times, your guests may just want to relax and enjoy your home. By keeping these key features in mind, you’ll be able to create an experience for them that they’ll always remember fondly.

Gulfstream Homes is excited to help you build the perfect home on Marco Island! Call (239) 259-8070 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to learn more.

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The post Entertaining Guests in Your Marco Island Home first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Unveiling its model home last year, the builder reported unprecedented demand, with record sales in the Marco Island market. Adjusting its model home hours to by appointment only for several months, the builder is preparing for a busy season, helping more and more part-time and full-time residents build their ideal homes in paradise. Emanating sheer beauty, Gulfstream Homes’ Marco Island model showcases a bright open floorplan with large windows illuminating the space, as well as contemporary design throughout, accentuated with luxury furnishings and décor. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home boasts 3,041 sq. ft. of living space, and perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Gulfstream Homes team and its capabilities.

Building homes to exceed expectations since 1998, Gulfstream Homes (www.gulfstreamhomes.com) has recently entered into the Marco Island area and has been met with high demand for its elegant homes. The team is not only well-versed in building on the Island and across Southwest Florida, they are also very prevalent in the community, participating in area events, charities and more.

Michael Peel, Co-Founder of Gulfstream Homes, speaks about the approaching season and what the team is expecting.

“The phones are ringing, car carriers are coming in, season is almost here and we’re looking forward to opening back up to the public on December 1^st. We are gearing up for an even busier season this year, and we can’t wait to help more clients create their perfect homes on the Island,” he says.

About Gulfstream Homes

Since 1998, Gulfstream Homes has been utilizing top level technology, project management tools, design and innovation to create the very best homes in Southwest Florida. With attention to detail and  long-term partnerships with the construction industry’s best providers, Gulfstream Homes ensures exceptional and timely workmanship. From On Your Lot building to remodels, Gulfstream Homes is a top choice for building and design in Southwest Florida.

For more information about Gulfstream Homes, please call (239) 259-8070, email info@arcs-gh.com or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com.

The post Marco Island Builder, Gulfstream Homes, Ramps Up for Season, Re-Opening Its Model Home on December 1st first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Coastal Contemporary

Perhaps the most famous beach home style around, the coastal contemporary look continues to be a favorite for many types of homeowners. Bright and airy spaces, clean lines and a minimalist look are all key elements of coastal contemporary style, and if you want to seamlessly blend modernism with beachy vibes, this home style is perfect. Opt for windows throughout to enhance your Marco Island views, and incorporate high ceilings and an open floorplan to really make the space inviting. Coastal contemporary homes do a fine job of giving off that beach house ambiance, combined with the contemporary touches that we see in many homes across the country. Add in pops of blues, greens and yellows to really amplify the space and make it an enjoyable oasis to enjoy every day.

Southern Farmhouse

The modern farmhouse style is a crowd-pleaser all over the country, especially here in Southwest Florida. Beamed ceilings, wood details and a rustic charm throughout make the farmhouse home style a must for many looking to build or buy a new home. Take it a step further by adding in some coastal charm throughout, like light wood-look tile flooring, perfect to weather the elements, as well as staple southern enhancements, like wrap-around porches, columns and shutters adorning the exterior of the home. A classic look that’s not going away any time soon, the southern farmhouse style is a charming way to accentuate the beauty of the Island through your home.

West Indies Design

Reminiscent of the styles found in the British Virgin Islands, Barbados and Cayman Islands, the West Indies home style is becoming quite popular here on Marco Island as well. A mix of coastal contemporary and southern farmhouse, West Indies designs feature columns, louvered shutters and large expanses of sliding glass doors and windows throughout to perfectly capture the Island’s coastal ambiance. Stucco and siding intermingle to create the signature West Indies look, as well as metal roofing materials to add more modernism to this design. Tongue and groove, as well as herringbone patterns reign supreme, as do vaulted ceilings to really provide some serious style to the space.

More Popular Marco Island Home Styles

You’ll find a beautiful mix of homes on the Island, many of which feature the home styles mentioned above. While these are extremely popular, other styles you’ll see on Marco include:

• Mediterranean

• Cottage style

• Old Florida

• Modern minimalist

Whether you’re searching for the ideal island oasis or you’re seeking to build it from the ground up, choosing the right home style is imperative. From modern beachfront bungalows to timeless classic cottages, anything is possible when you’re living on the Island.

Gulfstream Homes is excited to help you build your ideal home on Marco Island! Call (239) 259-8070 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to learn more.

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The post Popular Marco Island Home Styles first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Illuminate the Space

The best way to enjoy the exceptional views of the Island is to let them into your home with a nice amount of windows throughout. Everything from windows lining the rear of the home to skylights and bay windows throughout can let the outdoor charm into your house to create a one-of-a-kind ambiance. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again…be sure to illuminate your space and make it bright and inviting to get that island feel you’re looking for in your home.

A Sense of Openness

Living on the Island, chances are you’ll want to enjoy your spectacular views from every angle of your home, which means an open and airy space is a must. Many Marco Island homeowners opt for an open floorplan, so that no matter where they are in the home, they’re graced by outstanding views. From prepping a meal in the kitchen to enjoying a good book in the master bedroom, an open floorplan will provide you with that sense of openness you need in your Marco Island home.

Outdoor Luxury

A must-have in any Marco Island home is an outdoor living area. After all, there’s no competing with the famous Southwest Florida sunsets and being able to enjoy them from your very own paradise can’t be beat. Fill the space with comfortable lounge chairs around the pool and an outdoor kitchen, so you’ll never have to miss out on anything when entertaining guests. Add in a water feature or a fire pit for enhanced style.

Designing Your Home Around Your Views

Many designers recommend proper positioning of furniture, walls and appliances, so that you’re able to get the most enjoyment out of your pristine Marco Island views. Keep the following in mind when designing your space:

• Arrange furniture to focus on the views.

• Make the windows the center of attention.

• Create an indoor/outdoor space with pocketing sliders.

• Add in floor-to-ceiling windows for a more dramatic effect.

The moral of the story is to take your views and enhance them as best as you can in your home. When you make your views the focal point, designing your home around them is easier. Remember, keep the space light and bright and take advantage of an openness to create a view from every room in the home. When you live on Marco Island, it’s as though reality just fades away, and when you design your home to work with the Island, you’ll feel like you’re on vacation every day.

Gulfstream Homes is ready to help you build the perfect home on Marco Island! Call (239) 259-8070 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to learn more.

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The post How to Maximize Your Views In Your Marco Island Home first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

1. Dominated by the Calusa Tribe

The Marco Island that we know and love today is a far cry from what it used to be, and how it began. The Calusa tribe reigned over the land thousands of years ago, known for their ferocity and ability to survive in the island’s harsh climate. With plenty of food from the land and the sea, the tribe did well in the area, and continued to thrive for years.

2. Largest of the Ten Thousand Islands

Located just off the coast of Southwest Florida lies a chain of islands, known as the Ten Thousand Islands, which are pretty much uninhabited, except for one. Marco Island, the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands is the only populated part of this wonder of nature. You can visit the others on various boat tours, where you’re able to see the abundant plant life and other native creatures that call these islands home.

3. Best Shelling in the Area

Marco Island is known for a lot of things, and shelling is one of them! With so many ties to its rustic past, the Island is a hot spot for tourists and visitors alike who want to get their hands on some one-of-a-kind shells. By far the best place to shell on Marco Island is Tigertail Beach, where you’ll find spectacular shells like:

• Atlantic Calico Scallop

• Sunray Venus

• Atlantic Fig Snail

• Lettered Olive

If you want to carry a piece of the Island with you, even when you’re not there, pencil some shelling into your schedule.

4. Many Opportunities to Learn

The Island also caters to those thirsty for knowledge with a wide array of museums and landmarks, open to the public. Take a trip over to the Marco Island Historical Museum to learn more about the Island’s rich history, or enjoy a family outing to the various nature preserves found on and around the Island to view the local wildlife.

5. Home of the Cape Romano Domes

You may have noticed the spaceship-like domes dotting the Island’s coast, and you’d be mistaken if you thought they were placed there by aliens. No, these domes served as a vacation destination for a prominent oilman many years ago, and the beach has since eroded away from disuse. If you want a fun day out on the seas, take a trip by the famous Cape Romano domes.

As you can see, Marco Island is teeming with adventure and history. Whether you’re new to the area or you’ve lived here all your life, there’s always something to learn about the Island. So, get out and explore and when you’re ready to build or buy your perfect Marco Island home, let Gulfstream Homes help. Call (239) 259-8070 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started.

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The post 5 Fun Facts About Marco Island first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.