Naples · boat-only beach

Keewaydin Island

About 8 miles of beach, no bridge, no road

Gordon Pass to Little Marco Pass

You can only get to Keewaydin by water. Most of the island is protected land in the Rookery Bay Reserve, with homes on parts of it. There are no restrooms, lifeguards or shade, so bring what you need and take it all home.

🛥️ Get boat time to Keewaydin →

Getting there

Three ways to the island

Tap one to see the place, then plan your route on the map from wherever you launch.

⚓

From Naples Bay

Out through Gordon Pass from Naples City Dock (fuel, pump-out, ice and bait) or Bayview Park ramp. Keewaydin starts on the south side of the pass.

Naples City Dock → 🚢

From Marco Island

The Hemingway Water Shuttle leaves Rose Marina, 951 Bald Eagle Dr, several times a day. The shuttle does not allow dogs, per Islands.com.

Rose Marina → 🚤

From North Naples

Launch at Cocohatchee River Park (four lanes) and run south along the Gulf from Wiggins Pass to Gordon Pass.

Cocohatchee River Park →

Estimates, not navigation. WTR boat times follow connected water data, not a nautical chart. Check NOAA charts, tides and the marine forecast before you go. Manatee slow and idle zones are on the map under 🐢 Slow zones.

Food boats & floating vendors

Lunch from a boat

Food boats come to Keewaydin most days in season, usually late morning to mid afternoon. They move and depend on weather, so nothing here means a boat is there today.

Bring your own water and lunch in case the boats aren’t out. Run a food boat at Keewaydin? Send us your days, hours and photos.

Know before you go

Keewaydin rules

Dogs on a leash at all times. Unleashed pets are not allowed.
No glass on the beach or beach access areas.
Nesting season: access is restricted in posted areas from March to August for nesting shorebirds, and sea turtles nest in the warmer months. Stay out of roped or signed areas.
Take only empty shells. Don’t remove plants, animals or anything living.
Camping and fires only at designated sites; no unattended fires.
Private property: parts of the island are private homes and lots. Respect posted signs.
Report wildlife violations to FWC: 888-404-3922.

Source: Rookery Bay Reserve, Exploring Rookery Bay and Visit Florida, checked Oct 26, 2026. Official rules and posted signs take precedence.

A simple Keewaydin day

How locals tend to do it

Go early. Weekends get busy, so get there in the morning for room to anchor.
Pick your side. The Gulf side is usually calmer for swimming and shelling; the east side faces the bay. A popular anchorage is off the isthmus at the southern tip.
Lunch from a food boat if they’re out, or bring your own.
Watch the tide so you don’t end up aground, and leave with enough light to get through Gordon Pass.
Dinner on Naples Bay. Dock and dine at one of the spots below.

On the water nearby

Naples, Isles of Capri & Marco

Places on the WTR map near Keewaydin. Tap one for hours, docking and directions.

Something wrong or out of date? Report it and we’ll check it.