Visit Matlacha

World Class Fishing Opportunities!

Whether you want to fish from land, power boat, sail boat, kayak, jet ski, or book a professional charter - there's no fishing like what you find in and around the waters of Matlacha, Pine Island, and the Gulf. Our visitors catch everything from record breaking Snook, to Tarpon, Redfish, Snapper, Sheepshead, Bluefish, Flounder, Mackerel, and a myriad of lesser species. Not to mention the massive schools of bait fish waiting to lure in the catch!

Endless Kayaking

Follow the Blue Trail or venture out on your own path - the kayaking in this area is truly magnificent. The possibilities for wildlife viewing are plentiful - from dolphins, to manatees, osprey, eagles, fish, and alligators - it's a nature lovers dream!

Eclectic Shopping

Got funk? We do. Whether you're looking for the perfect shirt to commemorate your visit, or that special piece of unique jewelry, or browsing world famous art pieces - or you just want to get some bait to catch the big one - Matlacha has something for everyone.

The Gateway to Pine Island

Matlacha is the gateway to Pine Island and everything that Old Florida has to offer. From hiking preserves, bait & tackle shops, fresh seafood shops, charter fishing adventures, boat rentals, mango farms, palm farms, and a bike path that covers the full island - there is always something enticing to do on SW Florida's largest barrier island. If you've been yearning for the Old Florida - you've found it!

Eating on the Island

If you're hungry, you're sure to find something delicious while walking around the island. From eating Italian at Miceli's on the water with live music, to fresh caught local seafood at The Blue Dog, or smokey BBQ at That BBQ Place, and enjoying a delicious breakfast or lunch at the Perfect Cup - finishing the day with quality ice cream and homemade chocolate at CW Fudge - we've got your food and drinks covered!

Accommodations on the Island

Although we don't have big chain hotels and high rises, we think you'll find yourself right at home staying at one of the myriad of VRBO properties, or the Matlacha Tiny Village, the Angler's Inn, Sugar Sand Beach RV Resort, or the Matlacha Cottages. Each has their own unique character and amenities, great views, and all are within easy walking or biking distance to everything downtown Matlacha has to offer!

The Story of Matlacha

The Cutest Artsiest Fishingest Town in Florida

When commercial fishing took a turn for the worse in the 1990s, the residents of Matlacha Island decided on their own unique destiny. With brushes and buckets of paint in hand they literally painted the town with bright topical colors.

It could have been a disaster, but the residents’ initiative to reinvent their town has led to Matlacha’s reputation as a funky arts community that still does a whole lot of fishing.

You won’t find upscale accommodations, high-rise condos, or fast food restaurants. Even laid-back Sanibel and Captiva aren’t nearly as funky. In Matlacha it’s bright colors rather than soft pastel shades, and it’s where someone else’s junk becomes sculpture and art.

It seems like with every visit, there’s a new gallery and the place is cooler than before. Where else do telephone poles become works of art!

Just off the coast of Cape Coral, Matlacha Island is a small spit of land located offshore between north Cape Coral and just about the center of Pine Island. It’s a perfect small town in Florida where you can chill for the day in a truly unique atmosphere. Think 'Florida Fish Camp meets Andy Warhol in Key West' and you’ll get the idea.