An Expert Outdoorsman’s Guide To Florida’s Paradise Coast

Welcome to the ultimate guide for outdoorsmen exploring Florida’s Paradise Coast! This region is a dream destination for those seeking the perfect combination of adventure and natural beauty, from fishing for exciting catches to paddling scenic blueways and camping under the stars.

Imagine a vacation where your family relaxes in the comfort of a luxury resort while you venture out onto the water. Florida's Paradise Coast offers the perfect balance, with top-notch resorts providing easy access to exciting outdoor activities. Keep reading to discover the best things to do and accommodations for serious outdoorsmen in Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades.

THINGS TO DO

FISHING

What makes Florida’s Paradise Coast such a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts? First of all, all types of fishing are available, from offshore to backcountry and freshwater fishing. Secondly, you’ll likely catch a range of fish in just one outing! For example, many anglers will target an inshore slam: snook, speckled trout, redfish, permit, and tarpon.

Snook, in particular, are some of the most sought-after fish in Paradise thanks to their difficulty to catch and bag limit of one fish per person per day. Additionally, it’s illegal to buy or sell snook. So, if you want to eat one, you’ll literally have to go catch one for yourself!

If you’re looking to take advantage of some of the backcountry and deep-sea options, guided fishing charters are the best way to go. Companies like Dalis Fishing Charters, A & B Charters, and Ms. B. Haven Fishing & Eco Charters in Naples, or Sunshine Tours or Six Chuter Charters on Marco Island are a great way to reach more remote spots with an experienced local captain.

For those looking to go kayak fishing, consider booking a Yak Attack trip with Everglades Area Tours. On this experience, you’ll be transported deep into Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands via a mother ship, along with your kayaks and gear. These prime fishing spots, known for excellent snook, redfish, and tarpon fishing, are typically too far to reach by paddling alone.

It’s important to note that you don't need a fishing license if you’re fishing with a professional, licensed charter guide on their boat. However, if you're kayak fishing–even with a hired guide–you must have your own license.

KAYAKING

Florida's Paradise Coast offers a plethora of thrilling paddling opportunities for adventurous kayakers. The Paradise Coast Blueway is ideal for intermediate to advanced paddlers, featuring a range of routes varying in length and difficulty. Currently, the Ten Thousand Islands section is complete, extending from Everglades City to Goodland. Paddlers can choose between the main trail–a multi-day adventure involving wilderness camping–or six-day trip routes running through Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

One of our favorite day trips is kayaking to Sandfly Island, a moderate 5-mile paddle through Everglades National Park. This 2.5 to 4-hour journey takes you out to an island that was once inhabited by the Calusa Native Americans. Once there, you can take a short, 40-minute hike and see remnants of these ancient people, including their impressive engineering efforts to create this largely manmade island.

Another classic kayaking trip is the Turner River to Chokoloskee Island. You can either paddle the entire route, which will take 5-8 hours, or choose to do a shorter, 2-3-hour tour with companies like Everglades Area Tours or Everglades Adventures. If you decide to kayak the whole route, remember to arrange pick-up in Chokoloskee and bring plenty of food and water to make it through the day comfortably.

CAMPING

Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades has exceptional camping opportunities for outdoorsmen. For example, Big Cypress National Preserve has eight designated campgrounds, including Bear Island, Midway (the only campground with an electric hookup), and Monument Lake. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, consider backcountry camping here. Just remember that you’ll need to secure a permit!

Located just 17 miles southeast of Naples, Collier-Seminole State Park is positioned on the outskirts of the Everglades. Its 104 campsites include electricity, water, grills, and picnic tables. Keep in mind that you can reserve your camping spot here up to 11 months in advance. Moreover, the park offers a primitive campsite for hikers who plan to trek the Strand Swamp Trail.

Trail Lakes Campground in Ochopee offers unique “glamping” experiences, including well-equipped tents and rustic Chickee Huts. This campground makes an exciting base camp for exploring the Everglades. Plus, the campground’s owners (who have been Gladesmen for generations) conduct eco-tours in the area, taking guests kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and on traditional pole boats.

WHERE TO STAY (WHEN YOU’RE NOT CAMPING)

THE RITZ-CARLTON NAPLES, TIBURÓN

The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, assists guests in choosing the ideal local backwater or offshore fishing tour, ensuring a tailored and memorable experience. Beyond fishing, the resort offers a variety of water activities, including parasailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and wave runners. It also features two Greg Norman-designed golf courses and a shuttle service to its beachfront sister property.

NAPLES BAY RESORT & MARINA

Naples Bay Resort & Marina is ideal for outdoorsmen thanks to its unique status as the only luxury waterfront resort on Florida’s Paradise Coast with a fully operational marina. Guests can enjoy kayaking, fishing, and paddleboarding directly from the on-site marina. The resort also features luxury accommodations and amenities, like five swimming pools, a lazy river, and a world-class spa so that you can relax after a day full of adventure.

EVERGLADES CITY MOTEL

Everglades City Motel features clean, spacious rooms and ample parking for boats and trailers, making it perfect for fishing and boating enthusiasts. Enjoy direct access to the Barron River and other important amenities, like back door access to your boat trailer, outdoor hoses, and outdoor electrical outlets.

OUTDOOR RESORTS OF CHOKOLOSKEE

Outdoor Resorts of Chokoloskee offers motel units with kitchenettes, waterfront condos, and a 283-site RV resort with full hookups. Amenities include three pools with hot tubs, a fitness center, tennis courts, and shuffleboard courts. The resort also features a full-service marina, boat rentals, charter fishing, and a kayak launch, providing everything needed for a comprehensive outdoor adventure.

Whether you prefer casting a line, paddling serene blueways, or camping under the stars, Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades caters to all your outdoor desires. For those who demand the best in both relaxation and adventure, Only Paradise will do.