Pelican Bay Lifestyle And Buying Guide

Picture this: you finish a morning workout, hop on an open-air tram, glide over a boardwalk through mangroves, and land right on the sand where your chair and umbrella are already set. You can do it in flip-flops, or you can make it a whole “sunset cocktails and dinner” ritual. That is Pelican Bay in a nutshell, effortless coastal living with real infrastructure behind it.

Big-Picture Appeal

• Private beach lifestyle without needing a golf membership: Pelican Bay’s beach access and dining are core amenities, while golf is optional and separate.

• A true “active luxury” community: tennis and pickleball are a big part of daily life here.

• Nature woven into the neighborhood: the tram stations and boardwalks run through protected mangrove areas, so even a quick beach trip feels like a mini nature escape.

• Location that makes Naples easy: tucked between the Gulf and US-41, close to Waterside Shops, Artis Naples, Mercato, and top medical. (One of the reasons Pelican Bay holds value so well.)

Amenities That Define Pelican Bay

The private beach experience

Pelican Bay is known for its resident tram system that connects multiple neighborhood stations to boardwalks and the beach. It’s designed to be convenient, safe, and genuinely pleasant.

Two beachfront dining destinations

There are two beach locations with dining (North and South), each with its own vibe, plus easy “come as you are” access that still feels polished.

Tennis and pickleball culture

If you like a social calendar that’s built around wellness, Pelican Bay is a standout: the Foundation highlights 26 tennis courts and 20 pickleball courts across multiple locations, plus programming and instruction.

Fitness and community programming

Pelican Bay’s lifestyle is not only beach and racquets. The community is designed around year-round living, with fitness, classes, and social programming supported through the master association ecosystem.

Understanding Pelican Bay’s “Sections”

Think of Pelican Bay less like one subdivision and more like a collection of villages that share the same signature amenities.

1) Beachfront and near-beach high-rises

For buyers who want Gulf views, sunsets, and a lock-and-leave lifestyle with higher service levels. These tend to be the most in-demand in season. (Only Bay Colony has condos directly on the beach in Pelican Bay)

2) Golf course view towers, mid-rises, coach homes, and villas

This is where you often find the best blend of space and value, especially if you want generous floor plans, pretty views, and easier pricing than true beachfront.

3) Bay Colony, for the ultra-private buyer

Bay Colony is often described as an even more exclusive enclave within the broader Pelican Bay umbrella, with its own private clubs and a very “gated within gated” feel.

Pricing Ranges and What They Typically Buy

Pelican Bay pricing moves with view, building, and renovation level, but here’s a realistic “mental map”:

• Entry point (often under $1M to around $1.5M): older residences, smaller footprints (especially closets and bathrooms), carports instead of garages, or locations farther from the beach.

• Core market (roughly $1.5M to $4M): renovated mid-rises, larger coach homes, many high-rise options that feel turnkey and lifestyle-forward.

• Premium (roughly $4M to $10M+): best views, best renovations, beachfront positioning, and higher-service buildings.

• Top of market (often $10M+ and beyond): trophy beachfront and rare, headline-level residences - typically in Mystique and Bay Colony.

For a quick snapshot, Realtor.com currently shows a median listing price around $1.65M (in January 202^)  in Pelican Bay, while other local search portals show condos stretching from the low hundreds of thousands into eight figures depending on market timing and inventory.

Who Pelican Bay Is Perfect For

• Beach people who also want a “real life” neighborhood with fitness, programming, and community.

• Tennis and pickleball lovers who want an active scene without joining a country club.

• Seasonal residents who value lock-and-leave simplicity, plus easy access to dining and culture.

• Buyers who want optionality: beach lifestyle included, golf if you want it, not if you don’t.

• Nature lovers who appreciate that Pelican Bay protects the mangroves and builds the lifestyle around them.

Smart Buyer Notes

• Two layers of costs are normal: a master community fee (The Pelican Bay Fee) plus your specific building or neighborhood association dues (which vary a lot by amenities, staffing, insurance structure, and reserves).

• Golf is separate: Club Pelican Bay is a private golf club with its own membership structure.

• Rules vary by community: rentals, pets, and even renovation guidelines can differ significantly building to building, so due diligence is everything.

Pelican Bay FAQ

1) Do Pelican Bay residents get private beach access?
In most cases, ownership includes access to Pelican Bay’s beach amenities through the community structure, but the exact entitlements should always be verified for the specific residence during due diligence.

2) How does the tram work?
Pelican Bay operates an open-air tram system with multiple stations that connect to boardwalks through mangroves and out to the beach and restaurants.

3) Are there restaurants right on the beach?
Yes, Pelican Bay has two beach dining locations, generally referred to as North and South.

4) Is golf included when you buy in Pelican Bay?
No. Golf membership is separate through Club Pelican Bay (and other nearby clubs, depending on the buyer’s goals).

5) How strong is the tennis and pickleball scene?
Very strong. The Pelican Bay Foundation highlights 26 tennis courts and 20 pickleball courts across multiple locations.

6) What’s the difference between Pelican Bay and Bay Colony?
Bay Colony is an ultra-private enclave within the broader Pelican Bay area, with its own beach club and additional layers of security and amenities.

7) What price range should I expect for “nice but not beachfront”?
Often the sweet spot is in the broad mid-range where condition and view drive value. A practical starting point is to look at the area median and then adjust for renovation, view corridor, and building services.

8) Are there residences that feel more “lock-and-leave”?
Yes. Many high-rises and some gated enclaves are designed exactly for that, with amenities and staffing that reduce friction for seasonal owners.

9) Does every part of Pelican Bay feel the same?
Not at all. Some pockets feel quiet and tucked away, others feel social and central. Picking the right “village” matters as much as picking the right floor plan.

10) What should I prioritize when touring?
In Pelican Bay, the big three are usually: view and exposure, building financial health (reserves and upcoming projects), and lifestyle alignment (beach ease, tennis, walkability, and whether you want golf as an add-on).

Ready to see it in person? Call Melinda.

Please contact Melinda Gunther with Premier Sotheby's International Realty who will be delighted to show you the available listings in Pelican Bay and Bay Colony. If you want, I can also build you a short “Pelican Bay short list” based on your ideal view, service level, and lifestyle priorities.