Activities

If you don't just want to "kick back", activities abound and there is something for everyone. Here are just some of the local attractions:

Fishing: Fish right off our dock, rent one of our kayaks or let us put you in contact with local fishing guides. Fish are abundant and include snook, redfish, tarpon, trout, snapper, sheepshead, and mullet. Walk to the " Fishingest Bridge" in the world.

Golfing: There are many golf courses in our area. An 18 hole course open to the public is right on Pine Island in Bokeelia (about 9 miles away) as well as a 27 hole course right off of Pine Island Road (about 3 miles away).
 

Nature:  Matlacha and Pine Island have an abundance of wildlife and sea life everywhere. You will see many water birds such as herons, egrets, ospreys, gulls and pelicans and hopefully a roseate spoonbill or two. Also you may observe bald eagles nesting or soaring.  Manatee and dolphins are also plentiful. Sit by the dock and watch or take one of the guided tour boats that are available. These are also great for shelling and swimming  on the beaches of the nearby outer islands. Pine Island is proud of the many preserved areas and walking tours are guaranteed to provide fascinating discoveries.

 

Historical Information: The area was once inhabited by the Calusa Indians. There is ample evidence of their presence especially in the Pineland area where their mounds made of shells are still visible. The University of Florida Randall Research Center is still actively involved in archeological digs there and a tour can be scheduled. For more information visit:  www.flmnh.ufl.edu/rrc .  Be sure to also visit the Museum of the Island to view and obtain information about the early settlers.

Biking: Pine Island offers a bike path than spans most of the island, which is approximately 18 miles long.

Tropical Trees and Vegetation: We are blessed with a tropical climate which means lots of wonderful fruits to see and try (mango, lychees, papaya, jack fruit and more). Many different flowering trees and plants can be observed throughout the area. Oleander, Hibiscus, Bougainvillea, Orchids, Royal Poinciana, Plumeria and many more can be seen on the islands. 

Galleries: Numerous art galleries are scattered throughout the island with the largest concentration right in Matlacha. You will find unique pieces in every medium. There are paintings, ceramics, pottery, jewelry and more and the majority are produced by local artists.

Entertainment and Food: Lots to choose from here with a variety of menus and lots of great local seafood. Most of the restaurants offer outdoor dining, many on the water with live entertainment.

Annual Events:

Mango Mania: Every year in July at the peak of mango season the island celebrates with a two day festival. Join us then and get a free admission to enjoy the food, music and more. This year MangoMania will be held on Saturday and Sunday,  July 11 and 12.  For more information visit:  www.floridascreativecoast.com

Calusa Blueway Paddling Festival: October 21 through November 1, 2009. This "signature event" celebrates Southwest Florida's 190 mile marked paddling trail, The Great Calusa Blueway, which meanders from its southern tip at Bonita Springs to its northern-most points around Pine Island Sound and up the Caloosahatchee River. A great event for kayakers and nature lovers.

For more information visit:   www.calusabluewaypaddlingfestival.com

South Florida Music Festival: Held in November, this event features both locally and nationally known artists. This year the event will take place on November 21,2009   For more information visit: www.matlachamariners.org