Marco Island Naples News | November 10, 2026
NAPLES, FLORIDA — Beachgoers enjoying a peaceful Sunday afternoon at Lowdermilk Beach received an unexpected surprise when a large reptile was spotted swimming in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
And no, it wasn’t a dolphin, a manatee, or somebody’s inflatable pool toy.
According to WINK News, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) confirmed that the animal was a crocodile, not an alligator, after footage of the unusual encounter began circulating online.
The reptile was spotted on Sunday, November 8, at approximately 3 p.m., attracting attention from people enjoying the popular Naples beachfront.
Witness Britney Cardullo told Gulf Coast News that she and her family had never experienced anything quite like it during their visits to the beach.
The sighting quickly became a talking point among residents and visitors, with footage spreading across social media.
Initial reports described the animal as an alligator, but subsequent reporting by WINK News identified it as a crocodile following confirmation from FWC.
Absolutely.
Unlike American alligators, which primarily inhabit freshwater environments, American crocodiles can tolerate saltwater and are naturally found in coastal habitats.
Although sightings along busy Naples beaches are unusual, American crocodiles inhabit parts of South Florida, particularly around the Everglades, Florida Bay and coastal mangrove ecosystems.
Their appearance in the Gulf of Mexico is therefore biologically possible, even if it isn’t exactly what tourists expect when booking a relaxing beach vacation.
Anyone encountering a crocodile or alligator near a swimming area should take sensible precautions:
🐊 Keep well away from the animal and leave the water.
📸 Never approach it for photographs or videos.
🚫 Never feed crocodiles or alligators.
👨👩👧👦 Keep children and pets away from the shoreline.
📞 Report potentially dangerous wildlife encounters to FWC at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).
There is no confirmed information in the reports reviewed indicating that anyone was injured during Sunday’s encounter.
As if a crocodile at the beach wasn’t enough, Collier County experienced an extraordinary weekend of wildlife encounters.
Local reporting also documented a bear crossing Immokalee Road and a roughly 15-foot Burmese python discovered near a Naples resort.
Three rather unusual encounters in one weekend — even by Southwest Florida standards.
The sighting does not establish that the crocodile remains in the area.
As of this report, there is no verified announcement of a beach closure specifically connected to the reptile. However, visitors should check for any updated notices from the City of Naples or FWC before entering the water.
Wild animals can move considerable distances, and their presence at a particular location can change rapidly.
Lowdermilk Beach is famous for its beautiful white sand, spectacular sunsets and views across the Gulf of Mexico.
Crocodiles, however, are not normally featured in the tourism brochures.
For residents and visitors, Sunday’s sighting provides another reminder that Southwest Florida’s extraordinary wildlife doesn’t always stay in the Everglades.
Sometimes, apparently, it fancies a day at the beach.
Sources: WINK News, Gulf Coast News and Weather, Naples Today, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Editorial note: Early news coverage identified the reptile as an alligator. WINK News subsequently reported FWC confirmation that it was a crocodile. The animal’s present location has not been independently verified.
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