Caxambas Pass
A turquoise inlet where the Gulf and the islands quietly trade places.
Gallery
5 moments
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The story
Why people return here
At the southern tip of the island, Caxambas Pass quietly performs one of Marco's most beautiful disappearing acts. At high tide, a thin ribbon of sand vanishes beneath the turquoise; six hours later, it reappears, wide enough to walk for a quarter mile.
It's the kind of place that rewards a boat — or a long paddle from the launch. Dolphins are common in the channel, and the colors of the water shift from emerald to deep teal in the span of a wingbeat.
What to expect
The vibe, at a glance
Boaters' paradise
Best accessed by boat, kayak or paddleboard.
Aerial-worthy
Bring a drone (where permitted) — the water is unreal.
Untouched
No facilities. Pack in, pack out.
Adventurous
Currents are strong at the pass — watch the tide chart.
Practical info
Before you go
Address
909 Collier Court, Marco Island, FL 34145 (Caxambas Park boat ramp)
Hours
Open daily · Sunrise – Sunset
Fees
$10 boat ramp · Free walk-in
Parking
Boat trailer & passenger parking on-site
Insider tips
- Check the tide chart — the sandbar is only walkable around low tide.
- Bring water, snacks and reef-safe sunscreen.
- No lifeguards. Strong currents at the pass — adults only past the bar.
BeachTigertail Beach
Powder sand and a tranquil lagoon famous for shelling at low tide.
MarinaEsplanade Marina
Yacht-lined docks and sunset cocktails on the water.
AdventureMangrove Tunnels
Kayak through a green cathedral in the Ten Thousand Islands.
CultureMarco Island Historical Museum
The story of the Calusa people and the island's frontier era.
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Aerial view
Caxambas Pass