Top Ten Beach Tips

  1. Leave Only Your Footprints Behind. If you bring it to the beach, take it away with you. Though we have regular beach cleanups, everyone is responsible for his own trash!
  2. Keep It Clean. Use appropriate containers for trash, including cigarettes and fishing line. Our wildlife can become entangled in monofilament and they can eat plastic materials.
  3. Glass Cuts. Glass containers or bottles are not allowed on the beach for obvious safety reasons.
  4. Share the Beach With Our Wildlife. Our beaches provide nesting habitats for birds and turtles. It is important to observe but not disturb or feed them. PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH THE BIRDS. From March to September four species of beach-nesting birds, Wilson Plovers, Snowy Plovers, Black Skimmers and Least Terns call Sand Dollar Island and adjacent Tigertail Beach home. The past couple seasons, though not this year, nesting did continue farther south in front of the condominiums. The area is posted when nesting occurs. By walking too close to nesting sites, beachgoers may step on and crush the eggs or small chicks which are almost invisible in the sand. Disturbance may cause parent birds to abandon their nests. If birds become agitated, take flight or swoop at you, YOU ARE TOO CLOSE. But, you can help! Please keep your distance, never flush the birds, avoid posted areas and encourage others to do the same thing.
  5. Turn Lights Out For Sea Turtles. May 1st through October 31st is Sea Turtle Nesting Season. Keeping our beaches dark helps the turtles return to the water. By 9 PM, turn off or shield outdoor lights, close the drapes, or turn off indoor lights to prevent lights from shining onto the beach at night. Lights disturb nesting turtles and hatchlings and causes disorientation.  Flashlights, lanterns, cell phone and flash photography on the beach are not allowed during nesting season. It is against the law to touch or disturb nesting sea turtles, their hatchlings or their nests. They are protected by Federal, State and local laws. Please call 1-888-404-FWCC (3722) if you witness any disturbance.
  6. Let Living Creatures Lie. No live shelling is allowed on Marco Island. Shells that do not contain a live organism can be taken from the beach; however, if you are unsure, leave the shell for others to enjoy and the creature to survive.
  7. Wheeled Vehicles Are Not Allowed. Cars, trucks, bicycles, or Segways are not allowed on the beach. Strollers, wheelchairs and licensed Beach Vendors are permissible.
  8. Dogs and Pets Don’t Go. We all love our pets, but they cannot go to the beach. Service dogs with the visually/hearing impaired are allowed.
  9. Respect Others. Respect others who are enjoying the beach. Keep noise levels low (i.e. radios, cell phones, and talking).
  10. Get Informed and Involved. Learn more about the beach ordinances protecting the beach at the Code of Ordinances. Friends of Tigertail (www.friendsoftigertail.com) or the Collier Shorebird Stewards (www.colliershorebirds.wordpress.com) are both active beach groups that help our beaches!  Be a volunteer to help monitor, clean up or educate our visitors about Marco Island’s beautiful beach.

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