Matlacha Florida
A unique waterfront setting is the wonderful area of Matlacha, the famous boating and fishing hot spot, located in Lee County. Matlacha, pronounced Mat-luh-shay, has it going on. It is a wonderful place to take a day trip, go biking, take in the art scene, kayak the wilderness, and boating through water at its best. Our vacations to Pine Island are made special by the cutest little boating community in Florida.
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Matlacha Florida Photos
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The boating starts right at the Matlacha Community Boat Ramp, and you are in for a treat as the area is known for being a fishing paradise.
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After you launch the boat, you are only minutes from Porpoise Point Island, Matlacha Pass, Lanier Key, Deer Key, and Bear Key.
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You will have lots of places to cast your line, including the "World's Fishingest Bridge" right on Pine Island Road.
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Here are a few kayaks cruising the sheltered waters of Jug Creek, part of this area's aquatic preserve.
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The community park has a great fishing pier on the south side of the park. You can also fish from the Matlacha drawbridge, take a fishing charter boat, or hire a fishing guide.
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Matlacha is located at the entrance to Pine Island, and has gained a reputation for its wonderful fishing village and unique artist community.
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How about this colorful display of the Matlacha entertainment and art district, just part of what gives the city its charm.
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Matlacha has a nice collection of markets, seafood restaurants, art exhibits, gift shops, and motels.
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Boating is the biggest draw to the island. If you want to rent a boat, try the Old Fish House Marina or Viking Marina.
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We just loved the scenic nature and the casual island atmosphere.
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11298 Matlacha Avenue, Matlacha FL 33993 - 239-283-0888 -
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Matlacha Travel Guide
∴ Visitor Comments
∴ Matlacha Boating
Matlacha Questions or Comments
Boat Ramp
Q: Hi, I heard a lot of good things around the Pine Island Boating and so we are going to make a weekend of it. We are driving down from Bradenton with our boat in two, and are going to spend one night in Boca Grande and two nights in Pine Island. How did the community boat ramp look? We have a 30-foot bow runabout, which need a decent ramp to launch. Thanks for any thoughts.
Thanks, John Pepper (Bradenton Florida)
A: The Matlacha boat ramp is located at 4577 Pine Island Road NW. It looked like it had deep water access, as it sits at near the end of a canal. We noticed some pretty big boats using it, so I don't think you will have a problem. You could check here or call the Lee County people at 239-283-4110 for further details. Please let us know how the boating goes. We would love some feedback on water depth around Matlacha Pass.
Boater Friendly Restaurants
Good news for boaters planning a fishing trip down to Pine Island or Sanibel Island, boater friendly restaurants are here to greet you with open arms. If a restaurant or bar is located on the water in lee county, all nearly have free boat docking. Boater friendly restaurants are just the normal mode of business all over lee county.
Jill Hancock, Matlacha Resident
Cape Coral Fishing and Boating
What a nice spot for living the fishing and boat life is the City of Cape Coral. I have searching for a home around the cape, just trying to decide which is best area to buy for boaters and fishing. The Ceitus Boat Lift provides quick access to Matlacha and Pine Island.
Stuart Foster, Hunting for Waterfront Entertainment
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Matlacha Boating
Matlacha Boating
C: Just wanted to let you know that our Matlacha fishing trip was really neat. That area just was too cute. Our itinerary included boating, fishing, and kayaking. It is a very special place, just a laid back fishing village style community. The seafood is so good, as it is caught and served daily at the local waterfront restaurants.
Take care, Lucy Catalina (Dunedin Florida)
A: Thanks for the information Lucy. We love the Pine Island area, it has gained a terrific reputation for having some of the best boating in Florida.
Chiquita Boat Locks Removal
The latest Cape Coral Agenda revealed that the city has set aside $10,000 to pay a law firm to review options for the removal of the chiquita boat lock. The $15,000,000 price tag for the originally proposed boat lock is too pricey relative to the city's income stream. This is a huge deal to the boaters in SW Cape Coral, easing access to the great boating in Matlacha Pass and Pine Island. Environmental studies may have so much red tape that the Chiquita Locks and the Ceitus Boat Lift are there forever.
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