What Esplanade by the Islands Is
Esplanade by the Islands is a 1,121-planned-home 55+ community in south Naples by Taylor Morrison — the national luxury home builder known for the Esplanade brand across Florida and other Sun Belt markets. The community sits on Collier Boulevard in south Naples, positioned near the Collier Boulevard/US-41 corridor that connects to Marco Island. The "by the Islands" designation refers to the community's proximity to the Marco Island and Ten Thousand Islands area — the waterway canal access within the community connects to the broader South Florida water system.
Taylor Morrison's Esplanade brand consistently delivers a wellness-and-resort-focused amenity package: spa, culinary kitchen, resort pools, fitness, pickleball, bocce, and an activities director. This community follows that formula in a south Naples setting.
The waterway canal access at Esplanade by the Islands is one of the community's primary differentiators from other south Naples active adult communities. The canals allow kayaking and paddleboarding directly from community docks. For buyers who want on-the-water recreation without a marina membership fee, this provides meaningful daily access to Florida's water lifestyle. Motorized boating access depends on the specific waterway connection and vessel size — verify with the HOA before assuming Gulf or Ten Thousand Islands boat access.
Location and Marco Island Proximity
The Collier Boulevard corridor puts Esplanade by the Islands approximately 15–20 minutes from Marco Island's beaches — making it one of the closest non-Marco-Island active adult communities to Marco Island beach access. Downtown Naples is 20–25 minutes north. RSW airport is 30–35 minutes. The location is meaningfully stronger for Marco Island beach access than north Naples communities, which trade off Marco Island proximity for better access to the Immokalee Road commercial corridor and RSW.
HOA and True Monthly Cost
HOA fees at Esplanade by the Islands run approximately $400–$600/month. On a $650,000 home with Collier County homestead (year 2+): HOA $400–$600, property taxes ~$355–$455, insurance (newer Taylor Morrison construction, south Naples proximity to coast) ~$400–$750. True all-in: $1,155–$1,805/month. Verify CDD status per parcel and flood zone classification — south Naples proximity to coastal waterways affects both.