Bonita Naples Blog

Naples Florida Best Secret Beach

Written by Melinda Sullivan | Jul 15, 2014 12:00:00 AM

Keewaydin Island Beach has been named as one of the top ten best secret beaches in the United States.

There’s no denying that there is always something to keep you busy in Naples Florida.

If, like thousands of others, your dream is to relocate here or purchase a vacation home, or you’re looking for a perfect retirement destination, you’ll find that the communities are well equipped to occupy you.

With a beautiful coastline, thriving city life and superb golf courses all vying for your attention, Naples will not let you be bored.

But if you’re looking to enjoy some solitude, one local place may appeal to you.

Keewaydin’s beauty lays in its solitude; it’s a very special place to get away from a busy life for a few hours and recharge in the natural beauty of the environment.

Keeywaydin Island is a primary barrier island just off the coast of Naples. There are no cars, roads or bridges, and the environment is managed by The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and The Conservancy of Southwest Florida, who, among other conservation duties, monitor the Loggerhead turtle nesting activity.

The shoreline is also closely monitored for changes, especially after significant weather activity.

When other barrier islands, such as Marco Island, was developed and populated in the late 1950s, it was thought that Keewaydin might follow.

However, when the government proposed a road and bridge out to the island, 1,000 local residents signed a petition to stop the plans and any other future developments.

The environmental protesters got their way, and Keewaydin has avoided the high-density development so prevalent in nearby areas. It is truly a place to relish and treasure, and enjoy peace, quiet, and the abundance of wildlife that lives there.

The only way to reach Keewaydin is by boat; you can either rent a boat or join one of the tourist boats that travel there. Once you’ve arrived, there is seven miles of white sandy beach on which you can enjoy the peace and quiet.

At the weekends, a boat docks on the south end to dish up icy cold drinks and fresh seafood.

Nature lovers can spend their time at Keewaydin looking out for deer, eagles, iguanas and sea turtle hatchlings. The homes here stand on stilts, get their power through solar panels and their water is collected in rain barrels.

While you may enjoy a trip to this island paradise, going home to fresh running water and power at the flick of a switch may seem like a guilty pleasure!