Crystal Shores / Marco Island Advice

[travelhacker]

I booked 3 rooms for us and a couple of friends and their families. There will be a total of 15 people -- 6 adults, and kids aged 2-12. We will be there for 5 nights (Saturday -> Thursday) -- then we'll spend two nights at the Hyatt Vacation Club at Coconut Cove. We will be there mid October (hoping for the best with hurricane season....we weren't able to make it last year because of Ian).

I like to plan activities, but since we're only there 5 nights, should we just relax and enjoy the resort / beach?

What would you consider must do when in the area?

A few ideas, I have:
Book an airboat tour. It looks like there are some combos that we would enjoy (animal sanctuary, hold a gator, etc).

Go to Keewaydin Island. I think kids would enjoy the short little boat ride each way, and I think they'd like going looking for seashells, and spending time at the beach.

Watch the fire dancers at the JW Marriott.

Does anyone have any recommendations for wallet friendly food options? Any other tips for Crystal Shores in general for families?

I'd love to hear everyone's thoughts. Thanks!

 

[NboroGirl]

I would get The Marco Review Visitor Guide app and look at the activities and discounts in the app.

We did a pirate cruise "Pirates of Marco Island" with the kids, who loved it. The same outfit does a sunset cruise "Marco Island Sunset Cruise" that is more of a water tour that also serves alcoholic beverages to adults ) and was also enjoyable.

 

[ljmiii]

For "things to do" the Everglades National Park is always at the top of the list for us. Boat rides out of the western side, Shark Valley, and some of the nature trails (early risers beat the heat). And of course an airboat tour.

For "wallet friendly food options" my biggest piece of advice is get off of Marco Island. There are some great seafood shacks in Everglades City and the HavAnnA Cafe in Chokoloskee is quite good.

 

[curitiba_tapley]

The boat tour that goes out of the Everglades National Park (in Everglades City) is very relaxing and fun. No guarantee, but last time we went we saw manatee and dolphins. Alligator Ally (going the same direction) and the world's smallest post office just costs your the gas to drive out there (same direction as the Everglades). The fire dancer at the JW Marriott is an easy and fun activity.

Home cooking is a great way to keep food costs down. There is a Wal-mart on the way to the island, a two Publix and a another grocery store on the island.

 

[Superchief]

The boat tour that goes out of the Everglades National Park (in Everglades City) is very relaxing and fun. No guarantee, but last time we went we saw manatee and dolphins. Alligator Ally (going the same direction) and the world's smallest post office just costs your the gas to drive out there (same direction as the Everglades). The fire dancer at the JW Marriott is an easy and fun activity.

Home cooking is a great way to keep food costs down. There is a Wal-mart on the way to the island, a two Publix and a another grocery store on the island.

If you fly into RSW (Ft Myers), there is a Costco near the airport for stocking up. It is also convenient for gas on the way back.