Marco Island Water Sports & Naples Beach Water Sports Join Hoffmann Family of Companies

The Hoffmann Family of Companies is excited to announce the latest members to the family, Marco Island Water Sports and Naples Beach Water Sports. The acquisition of Marco Island’s oldest water sports company continues to support the family’s long-term commitment to Southwest Florida’s hospitality industry.

Water sports, boat tours and rentals continue to be an attractive option for tourists and locals in Southwest Florida. According to a recent report by Sandlear Research, adventure tourism is on the rise and set to grow by nearly 50% by 2020. The Adventure Travel Trade Association 2018 travel trends states of growth of 21 percent since 2013.

“Water sports enthusiasts typically lead active social lives,” says Hoffmann. “Those are the visitors and residents that we want to reach. We want the community to go out and have fun.”

The Hoffmann Family of Companies has previously acquired successful businesses in the local tourism sector including Naples Princess, the newly launched catamaran Miss Naples, Naples Transportation & Tours which operates Segway Tours, Everglades Tours, Naples Trolley, and many others.  From putt putt at Coral Cay Adventure Golf to ice skating at the most recent acquisition of Hertz Arena, the Hoffmanns are continuously adding to their hospitality & business portfolio.  Currently totaling 23 in Florida (some listed above, view all) while remaining the largest commercial real estate owners in Naples with 29 properties valued at over $400 million.

Founded by Marco Island businessman Mark Bahr in 1981, Marco Island Water Sports and Naples Beach Water Sports provides aquatic adventures including 10,000 Islands guided Waverunner tours, Parasailing adventures above the Gulf of Mexico, Banana boat rides, 49-passenger “Calusa Spirit” power catamaran eco-cruises in the 10,000 Islands. The 2.5 hour eco-tours offer encounters with dolphins, manatees, native birds and diverse marine wildlife residing along the mangrove forests.

Marco Island and Naples Beach Water Sports has 55 employees with a fleet of 75 Yamaha Waverunners, three custom built US Coast Guard Certified 12-passenger parasail boats, and a 49-passenger catamaran for eco and dolphin watch tours. The “Calusa Spirit” catamaran has a spacious shaded area and full bathroom facilities and is able to enter shallow areas so enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy seeing dolphins, shore birds and the diverse marine wildlife.

The family-owned company operates directly on the beach in Collier County at resort properties including JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort, Marriott’s Crystal Shores, and The Surf Club of Marco. A fifth location called Naples Beach Water Sports is located on Vanderbilt Beach at the Ritz Carlton Beach Resort serving hotel guests and beach visitors.

A nearby sixth location is in Goodland, nestled in a sheltered backwater cove at Calusa Island Marina. This backwater location is perfectly located in the heart of the 10,000 Islands and allows the fun to continue when surf conditions are not ideal for beachfront departures. Here, Waverunners and boats depart from floating docks affording the opportunity to enjoy the activities in nearly all wether conditions and giving guests an entirely different eco experience.

The success of the seven-days-a-week operation is greatly due to the plentiful, safe, first class equipment and a dedicated experienced team of hardworking professionals, many who have been with the company for years. A top choice for corporate gatherings as well as for vacationing families and locals. No matter which location or what activity guests may choose, guests can expect a personal, informative and exciting experience.

Mark Bahr, who spent his entire adult life owning and operating Marco Island Water Sports states, “I feel confident the Hoffmann Family of Companies will bring new opportunities and continued success. I’m excited to take this company to the next level. We rent fun! That’s what we do.”

Additional Coverage: Business Observer