If you love Pelican Bay for its beach lifestyle and golf scene, you are not alone. Many buyers hear “Beach Club” and “Club Pelican Bay” and assume they are the same. They are not, and the difference matters when you buy, sell, or rent in North Naples. In this guide, you will learn exactly what each club is, who gets access, and what questions to ask so you can choose a home that matches your lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
Pelican Bay’s two “clubs”
The big idea is simple. The Pelican Bay Foundation, the community association, gives residents private beach access and community amenities through the Beach Club. Club Pelican Bay is a separate, private 27-hole golf and social club with its own optional membership.
- Pelican Bay Foundation Beach Club: Included with most Pelican Bay property ownership through association membership, subject to the rules in the community documents.
- Club Pelican Bay: Optional private club membership with a separate application, initiation fee, and dues.
What the Beach Club includes
The Beach Club is the resident-only beachfront experience managed by the Pelican Bay Foundation. It focuses on coastal access and community enjoyment.
- Private beach access points for residents and authorized guests.
- Beachfront facilities such as pavilions or clubhouses, restrooms and showers, outdoor seating, and member parking.
- Community programs that may include beach-focused activities. Specific offerings can vary.
- Funding through association assessments. Some guest passes or special programs may have additional fees.
Access is tied to your status as a Pelican Bay property owner, or as an approved guest or tenant, based on association rules. Always verify the exact privileges for your address in the governing documents.
What Club Pelican Bay offers
Club Pelican Bay is a private, member-governed golf and social club that operates independently from the Pelican Bay Foundation.
- 27-hole golf course, typically organized as three nines, with practice facilities and a pro shop.
- Clubhouse with dining, social events, and event spaces.
- Fitness, tennis, and programming that vary by membership materials.
- Membership categories that may include full golf, social, tennis, or limited options.
- Cost structure that usually includes an initiation or capital fee, ongoing dues, and incidentals like carts or dining minimums.
Membership is limited to club members and their guests. It is not included with homeownership in Pelican Bay.
Key differences at a glance
Governance
- Beach Club: Managed by the Pelican Bay Foundation, a community association governed by a board elected by property owners.
- Club Pelican Bay: Operated as a private club with its own bylaws and executive staff.
Who gets access
- Beach Club: Pelican Bay property owners and their authorized guests or tenants, per association rules.
- Club Pelican Bay: Approved club members and their guests only.
How you pay
- Beach Club: Included in association assessments paid by property owners, with potential fees for guests or special programs.
- Club Pelican Bay: Separate initiation fees, monthly or annual dues, and other incidentals, which vary by membership category.
Buying in Pelican Bay: what to check
If you plan to use the beach often, entertain guests, or play golf, confirm these points early in your search and again during due diligence.
Confirm Beach Club eligibility
- Ask for the property’s association documents, including CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules and regulations.
- Verify that the specific deed or unit has Beach Club privileges and how they transfer at closing.
- Request recent association budgets and any notices about assessments.
Clarify Club Pelican Bay interest
- If you want golf or social membership, ask the seller if they hold a club membership and whether the club allows any transfer.
- Ask about waitlists, typical initiation fees, and dues. These change over time, so confirm them directly with the club.
- Review the club’s membership categories to match your lifestyle and budget.
Renting and guest access
Short-term rental and guest policies can affect your plans.
- Beach Club: Tenant access is governed by the association’s rules. Owners may need to register tenants or arrange guest badges, often with fees. Confirm the exact process before leasing or booking seasonal tenants.
- Club Pelican Bay: Membership generally stays with the individual member. Renters do not receive member privileges unless they are a guest of a member.
Closing and transfers
A smooth transfer requires a few admin steps.
- Beach Club access typically moves with the property, but you may need to complete owner registration, pay a transfer fee, and secure new access cards.
- Club Pelican Bay membership, if involved, follows club rules. Expect an application, approval process, and separate financial arrangements. Do not assume membership is included in a sale.
Which option fits you
- Choose a home with Beach Club access if your top priority is easy, private beachfront days, casual seaside dining, and the community vibe.
- Pursue Club Pelican Bay if golf, club dining, and a program-rich social calendar are central to your routine.
- Many owners enjoy both, but only the Beach Club is typically included with Pelican Bay property ownership.
What buyers should ask: quick checklist
Use this as a reference during showings and contract review.
Association and Beach Club
- Request CC&Rs, bylaws, and rules. Confirm that Beach Club privileges are included with the property.
- Ask about association assessments, any special assessments, and transfer steps or fees.
- Clarify guest policies and seasonal parking or access rules.
Club Pelican Bay
- Ask if the seller holds a club membership, whether it is transferable, and what approvals are required.
- Confirm whether there is a waitlist and what initiation fees and dues look like for your desired category.
- Review program highlights such as golf access, practice facility use, and social or dining minimums.
Rentals and tenants
- For investment or seasonal use, verify tenant registration requirements and whether tenants can access the Beach Club.
- Note that club access stays with members only, not renters, unless invited as a guest.
Closing logistics
- Map out the steps and fees to transfer Beach Club access cards.
- If pursuing club membership, plan the timeline for the application and approval process.
Fees and budgeting basics
Expect two different cost models.
- Association Beach Club costs are part of your regular community assessments. These assessments fund operations and reserves for community amenities and services. Some optional programs or guest passes may carry separate fees.
- Club Pelican Bay uses a private club model with an initiation or capital fee plus monthly or annual dues, and incidentals based on your use and membership type.
Because fees and policies change, always confirm current numbers and waitlist status directly with the association and the club.
Local tip for out-of-state buyers
If you are comparing coastal and golf communities in North Naples, focus on how you want to spend your time. For many, Beach Club access alone delivers the year-round beach lifestyle that defines Pelican Bay. If golf is non-negotiable, plan your home search and timing around Club Pelican Bay’s membership process so your move aligns with your preferred playing schedule.
Ready to talk through which Pelican Bay option fits your goals and budget? Request a Complimentary Home Valuation or Private Consultation with Luxury by Chad Long. Our concierge approach helps you align your lifestyle vision with the right address.
FAQs
What is the difference between the Beach Club and Club Pelican Bay?
- The Beach Club is a community amenity managed by the Pelican Bay Foundation that provides private beach access for residents. Club Pelican Bay is a separate, optional private golf and social club with 27 holes and member-only access.
Does buying a home in Pelican Bay include Beach Club access?
- In most cases, yes, association membership includes Beach Club access for property owners, subject to the governing documents. Always verify the specific property’s entitlements during due diligence.
Is Club Pelican Bay membership included with homeownership?
- No, it is separate. Membership requires its own application, initiation fee, and dues. Any transfer would be subject to the club’s rules and approval.
Can renters use the Beach Club in Pelican Bay?
- Tenant access depends on association rules. Owners often must register tenants or arrange passes, and fees may apply. Confirm the process with the association before leasing.
Can renters use Club Pelican Bay amenities?
- Generally no, unless they are a guest of a club member. Club access is limited to members and their guests per club rules.
What should I verify before closing on a Pelican Bay home?
- Confirm Beach Club privileges and transfer steps, review association documents and assessments, and if you want club membership, check waitlists, initiation fees, dues, and any transfer options tied to the seller.
