Learn about Florida’s Exotic Islands

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Your clients don’t need to travel far and wide for an exotic escape—Florida has the sun-kissed islands they are craving. With a plethora of award-winning beaches to choose from, beautiful views and unique experiences are just a drive away. Whether your clients are looking for luxurious resorts or a nature retreat, the following list of islands provide exotic vibes right here in the U.S.

SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLAND These neighboring islands are known for outdoor exploration. Located near Fort Myers off Florida's Gulf Coast, both Captiva Island and Sanibel Island offer opportunities for biking, sailing, birding and water activities. Captiva Island is an ecotourism hub, while Sanibel Island is famous for its sunsets, lighthouse and high-end resorts. By far, the most popular activity on Sanibel Island is shelling – the island is ranked the top shelling beach in the world.

Sanibel Lighthouse

Horseback Riding in Amelia Island

AMELIA ISLAND A must-visit for nature lovers. Only 30 miles from Jacksonville, this peaceful island feels like a world apart. Your clients can enjoy horseback riding on the beach, biking on unspoiled trails and spotting dolphin or even an endangered right whale. All of this, plus luxury hotels and a wonderful selection of bed and breakfasts make Amelia Island the perfect spot for gentle recreation, historical exploration (it was controlled by France, Spain and England) or just enjoying a good book. In fact, the Condé Nast Readers' Choice Awards panel agrees: Amelia Island consistently ranks among its "Top 10 U.S. Islands."

ANNA MARIA ISLAND Only 20 minutes from Bradenton, this island is lined by seven miles of white-sand beaches and the turquoise Gulf of Mexico. Explore this destination by trolley and head to iconic Bridge Street for a night of exquisite seafood, live music and boutique shopping. Looking to do some island hopping? Advise your clients to go to the nearby cities of Longboat Key, Lido Key and Siesta Key.

SUP in Anna Maria Island

Marco Island

MARCO ISLAND Luxury resorts, top-notch golf courses and high end shopping are just some of the main draws when visiting Marco Island. Just a short ride from the Florida Everglades and close to Naples, this island is the largest and only developed land in Florida's scenic Ten Thousand Islands. Another lure for your travelers might include the Briggs Nature Center—a half-mile boardwalk to observe wildlife and even canoe or discover beach shells if they’re up for it. Plus, nearby Collier Seminole State Park offers primitive camping, canoeing, fishing, boating, picnic grounds, and a mile-long nature walk.

Hutchinson Island

HUTCHINSON ISLAND Looking for a trip filled with rich history? Hutchison Island, off the coast of Martin and St. Lucie counties, is home to the Elliot Museum, the historic House of Refuge and the Florida Oceanographic Society. Hutchinson Island actually has about three dozen beaches, each of them distinct in its own way. Some spots will be white sand, while others will be rocky. Some will be great for fishing, while others, because of 200-year-old wrecks submerged offshore, will be great for diving. If you’re here between March 1 and Nov. 15, nighttime brings a very special experience—Turtle Walks. This is one of the greatest sea turtle nesting spots in the world.

SINGER ISLAND For a blend of luxury and exotic, advise your clients to visit Singer Island—an oceanfront neighborhood part of the city of Riviera Beach. Lavish hotels with a spectrum of fine dining and shopping opportunities are scattered around the area; however, John D. MacArthur State Park is also conveniently located, for your nature-seeking clients. The park features almost two miles of picturesque beach, snorkeling and scuba diving, hiking and biking trails, mangrove forests, and other natural wonders.

Florida Keys

THE FLORIDA KEYS & KEY WEST Dangling somewhere between Florida and the Caribbean, you will find the Florida Keys with their easy-going attitude, renegade spirit and vibrant coral reefs that make them a favorite island destination. Your clients can visit the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary which is the world’s third largest barrier coral reef and where countless marine life call the reef home. To ogle sea critters without getting wet, your clients can head to Islamorada, home to Theater of the Sea, which offers dolphin and sea lion interaction programs as well as shows and exhibits. The Seven Mile Bridge, often known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, will lead your clients to some of America's best beaches including Big Pine Key and Bahia Honda State Park.

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Dry Tortugas National Park

John D. MacArthur State Park

Florida Keys

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