Pine Island Visitors Guide

Welcome to Pine Island

Come and enjoy the charm of old Florida

Pine Island is often described as one of the last “Old Florida” style communities. After you’ve crossed the Matlacha Bridge, you’ll officially enter into “Island Time,” where no one is in a hurry. Once you’ve stayed here for any length of time, you’ll learn the reason many consider Pine Island one of the most cherished destinations in Southwest Florida. This 17-

mile-long, two-mile-wide island is filled with tight-knit islanders who pride themselves with the community they have built with one another Many islanders were at one point, day trippers who stumbled upon this idyllic place and decided to make it their home From the Matlacha (most “fishing-est”) Bridge to the tip of Bokeelia or St. James City, you can breathe the salt air, while you listen to local musicians

singing or strumming their guitars, or you can sit back and enjoy fresh seafood, caught by local fisher-folk and delivered to family owned and run restaurants

Old Florida style is just one of the many, often used descriptors, that make Pine Island such an exceptional

Pine Island is considered one of the most cherished destinations in Southwest Florida.

Matlacha Bridge

Matlacha

Matlacha Pass

destination. This once-upon-a-time, commercial fishing village, still boasts many marinas, where locals drop off or stop in to clean their daily catch. In Matlacha, boutiques and shops line the road with sights that are likely to fill your day When

you’ve shopped, examined, and studied the various artistic expressions of the locals, let them fill your belly with fresh shrimp, grouper, or trout. If education piques your interest, some of these destinations should top your list

Whether you’re here to shop, eat, or play, from Matlacha to Bokeelia and Saint James City, Pine Island has something for everyone Enjoy your visit to one of the most extraordinary finds in Southwest Florida!

Matlacha

Photo

PHOTOS BY PAULETTE LEBLANC

Tarpon Lodge Bokeelia

GREAT PLACES TO EAT

Blue Dog Bar and Grill

Blue Dog Bar and Grill is an upbeat watering hole with plenty of fresh seafood. Owners John Lynch and Jesse Tincher want to make sure you’ll feel welcome! Come and meet their friendly and hardworking staff, as well as local commercial fishermen They are located at 4597 Pine Island Road in Matlacha. Hours are

Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a m to 9 p m

Wedge salad

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY JOHN LYNCH, OWNER OF BLUE DOG BAR AND GRILL IN MATLACHA Stone crab claws

Seared scallops

Salty Girls Café

Salty Girls Café is a great place to have breakfast or lunch. Owner Lisa Dence will make sure you feel all the small town charm Pine Island has to offer If you think you can’t get oyster, crab or fish dip at a café, just hold on to your hat! Located at 10700 Stringfellow Road #30 Bokeelia, Fl. 33922 Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 7:30 a m -3 p m ; Friday, 7:30 a m-8 a m ; Saturday and Sunday, 8 a m -2 p m

PHOTOS

Salty Girls Café, 10700 Stringfellow Road, is a great place to have breakfast or lunch.

Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant

Tarpon Lodge & Restaurant offers a tranquil getaway steeped in "Old Florida" tradition and is famous for its acclaimed dining and unparalleled inshore and coastal fishing in an "island casual" atmosphere.

They are located at 13771 Waterfront Drive in Pineland They are open daily II :30 a m - 9 p m Come by boat or car: N 26.39.562 W 82.9.180. 239-283-3999

More Great Places to eat

MATLACHA

Miceli's Waterfront restaurant

3930 Pine Island Rd.

282-8233

Open 7 Days

the Perfect cup

4548 Pine Island Rd.

283-4447

Open 7 Days

that BBQ Place

4590 Pine Island Rd 312-8557

Open 7 Days

Blue Dog Bar & Grill

4597 Pine Island Rd

558-4970

Open Tuesday-Saturday

cW Fudge Factory, llc

4548 Pine Island Rd

283-9911

Open 7 Days

CENTER

Pine Island Pizza

5465 Pine Island Rd

283-7992

Open 7 Days

street eatz & ale

5508 Avenue A

312-4697

Open Tuesday-Sunday

tacos el Viejon Food truck

5476 Avenue A 470-5830

Open Tuesday-Saturday

salty Girls Island cafe

10700 Stringfellow Rd #30 558-4912

O

Thursday, Friday

spots Ice cream, crepes & sauces

10700 Stringfellow Rd. #80 966-4036

Open Monday-Saturday

the eagle's Nest restaurant

10880 Stringfellow Rd 558-5577

Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday

Danny's cuban Pizza

10493 Stringfellow Rd

282-0168

Open Monday-Saturday

ST JAMES CITY

Pine Island Getaway cafe

5281 Doug Taylor Circle 283-3602

Open Tuesday- Sunday

the Frozen Flip Flop

10191 Stringfellow Rd

616 516-6118

Open 7 Days

Domino's Pizza 9860 Stringfellow Rd 283-8030

Open 7 Days

china Garden III

9846 Stringfellow Rd 283-8891

Open 7 Days

Froggy's Bar & Grill

3620 Stringfellow Rd 283-3773

Open 7 Days

Marker 3 coastal cantina 3421 Stringfellow Rd 966-4064

Open 7 Days

low Key tiki

3135 Stringfellow Rd 282-8454

Open 7 Days

Phuzzy's Boat shack

3051 Stringfellow Rd 283-5555

Open 7 Days

the Waterfront restaurant & Marina

2131 Oleander St 283-0592

Open Monday-Saturday

PINELAND

Tarpon Lodge Restaurant

13771 Waterfront Drive 283-3999

Open 7 Days

Salty Girl's Grab & Go 13921 Waterfront Drive

579-0292

Open Tuesday- Sunday

BOKEELIA

Lazy Flamingo Restaurant 3 16501-B Stringfellow Rd 283-5959

Open 7 Days

Capt N Con's Fish House 8421 Main St 283-4300

Open 7 Days

SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

SHUTTERSTOCK COM

SHUTTERSTOCK COM

PLACES TO GO AND LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Randell Research Center

Visitors can tour this internationally significant site and learn about Calusa culture and their environment The book store is now open 10 a m to 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday. The Calusa Heritage Trail is open daily for self-guided visits from sunup to sundown. Restrooms, book and gift shop, and classroom are open Monday-Saturday from 10 a m to 4 p m Guided tours are available by special request for family groups, with COVID protocols, dependent on guide availability. To request a guided tour, call the RRC.

More info: www floridamuseum ufl edu/rrc/ or 239-283-2157

Address: 13810 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia

Museum of the Islands

Located in Pine Island Center, this little gem’s exhibits include shells, dolls, household items, and fishing artifacts. The museum is housed in a former library building. It opened in 1989. Museum hours are: May-October, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. November-April, Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

More info: www museumoftheislands com or 239283-1525

Address: 5728 Sesame Drive, Bokeelia

Pine Island Tropicals

This tropical plant nursery and outdoor farmers market specializes in organically grown plants and vegetables Frequent visits to the nursery reveal the seasonality of the fruits and vegetables; therefore not all of the produce is available year round. They continually do research and development of different plant cultivars to further not only their education but enhance the wide varieties they offer.

More info: https://pineislandtropicals.com or 239283-4874

Address: 12870 Stringfellow Road, Bokeelia

FILE PHOTO

PHOTO BY PAULETTE LEBLANC

PHOTO BY PAULETTE LEBLANC

MORE PLACES TO GO

GALLERIES

If artwork is on your radar, you may enjoy a visit to what Pine Island has to offer:

Bokeelia Art Gallery: Hours are seasonal and subject to change This unique Art Gallery set in beautiful Charlotte Harbor features many local painters, pottery, glass and jewelry.

More info: www bokeeliaartgallery com or 239-738-5280

Address: 8315 Main Street, Bokeelia

CABBAGE KEY

Only accessible by boat, this 100acre island proudly features the wellknown Cabbage Key open air restaurant with its "dollar bill bar" if you’re in the mood for a bite, or an historic inn and rental cottages for those who plan a longer stay than the average day-tripper. This is a great stop on your island-hopping tour, whether your interests are in fishing, reading

with a water backdrop, or simply stopping for lunch

More info:

https://cabbagekey.com or 239-2832278

Address: Channel Marker 60

USEPPA ISLAND

Located near the northern end of Pine Island Sound and currently the home of the private Useppa Island Club, this 100-acre, boat accessible, private island is a destination for many who have a desire for security as well as privacy. More info: www.useppa.com or 239-283-1061 General Island Status

Useppa Island Club is currently open to members and their accompanying guests Members are welcome to visit the island, but please understand there are some areas currently under construction and inaccessible Please excuse our dust and we appreciate your respect of the prop-

Useppa Island Club is currently open to members and their accompanying guests.

erties under repair and the individuals working hard to fix them. If you intend to visit the island, we ask that you notify our Reception staff by emailing reception@useppa com or call 239-308-9211, to ensure dock space is available at our marina and seating available to dine

Cayo Costa State Park is closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian

FILE

Navigate local waterways by kayak or paddleboard

Pine Island offers an abundance of opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy a look at "old Florida" up close and personal while navigating local waterways by kayak or paddleboard

Part of the Great Calusa BluewayThe Blueway to locals is a meandering 190-mile saltwater paddle trail that attracts visitors worldwide and the Pine Island Sound component is a popular one offering mangrove tunnels, secluded beaches and the opportunity to see birds, dolphin and a whole lot more

Rent a kayak and go solo or book a tour and enjoy the sights.

Carmen’s Kayaks, based in Bokeelia, is one of the places on the island where visitors can find what they need to hit the trail.

Carmen’s Kayaks co-owner Lisa Perry said they offer kayak rentals from sunrise to sunset seven days a week, weather dependent, as well as guided eco tours which can be customized to specific needs.

“If they want to go out one person, 15 people, they can do that. We customize to their group and needs,” Perry said of the 2.5-hour tour. “My

The Great Calusa Blueway

The Great Calusa Blueway - The Blueway to locals is a meandering 190-mile saltwater paddle trail that attracts visitors worldwide and the Pine Island Sound component is a popular one offering mangrove tunnels, secluded beaches and the opportunity to see birds, dolphin and a whole lot more.

For more information visit www.visit fortmyers.com/calusablueway.

guide is native to the island She gives history. She takes them to see wildlife as much as she can. Usually our location offers us the opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, and many species of birds.”

Paddlers often can go out in front of Caloosa Island and beach the kayaks, do some shelling, and learn history about the island.

Looking to go solo or plan to stay

a while? They can accommodate that, too.

“We can deliver where needed,” Perry said “We offer long-term vacation rentals If it has a launch point, we are happy to deliver to the house if they don’t have a kayak.”

Each month, they also host a community event that typically features a live band and Cajun food truck.

Carmen’s Kayaks is at 16499 Porto Bello St , Bokeelia For more information call (239) 333-7332, or visit www.carmenskayaks.com.

Another popular option for those looking to enjoy the real Florida, is Gulf Coast Kayak, which has served the area for more than two decades.

Gulf Coast Kayak, which has a location in Matlacha as well as neighboring Cape Coral, offers guided kayak eco tours and fishing tours as well as kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals

Guided kayak ecotours of Cape Coral and the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve are offered daily and include guided exploration of the mangrove wilderness with excursions suitable for a range of ages and experience levels, including firsttimers with children and older adults to seasoned paddlers.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CARMEN’S KAYAK

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CARMEN’S

Carmen’s Kayaks is at 16499 Porto Bello St., Bokeelia. For more information call 239-3337332, or visit www.carmenskayaks .com.

KAYAK

Gulf Coast Kayak, which has a location in Matlacha as well as neighboring Cape Coral, offers guided kayak eco tours and fishing tours as well as kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals .

Visitors will find touring the mangrove ecosystem, with it abundance of birds and wildlife, a unique and memorable experience.

"This mangrove system is Florida's rainforest providing sustenance for a variety of marine life Calusa Indians paddled these very same waters over a thousand years ago, " said Bryan Stockbridge, co-owner of Gulf Coast Kayak

Pine Island Sound and Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve are each famous for their shallow grass flats averaging 1-4 feet in depth which are home to a variety of marine life and birds.

For those who prefer to blaze their own trail, Gulf Coast Kayak has a variety of kayaks from which to choose.

"We have a wide variety of stable and easy-to-paddle kayaks from recreational single and tandem sit in and sit on top kayaks to fishing kayaks and paddle boards as well," Stockbridge said.

Operating in Cape Coral and Matlacha since 1992, Gulf Coast Kayak has a reputation in the com-

munity that spans more than 20 years. They are family owned and operated by "avid outdoor enthusiasts whose mission is to promote paddle sports safety and environmental stewardship through education and outreach."

"We believe in building community partnerships through meaningful participation and engagement and are active members of the Florida Paddling Trail Association and American Canoe Association," Stockbridge said.

Gulf Coast Kayak recently earned a 2023 Traveler's Choice Award by

Trip Advisor, putting them in the top 10 of attractions worldwide.

Gulf Coast Kayak is currently mobile in Matlacha as they continue to recover from damage from Hurricane Ian. Their island location, soon to reopen, is at 4120 Pine Island Road NW, Matlacha, 33993

Their second location is at 5971 Silver King Blvd., Marina Village Shops at Tarpon Point, right behind the Westin in Cape Coral

More information may be found at gulfcoastkayak.com, via email at GulfCoastKayaks@gmail.com or at 239-283-1125

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY GULF COAST KAYAK

Scanning the waters for resident dolphins

By Capt. Cathy Eagle

As I cruise along the waters of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor, I am vigilant, watching for our resident bottlenose dolphins

Sightings of the dorsal fin surfacing, the tail fluke slapping or the spray from the blowhole, tell me we are close. I am aware that the daily activities of our dolphins range from feeding, socializing, traveling and resting It is important to be aware and observe their behavior so as not to interrupt their world.

Dolphins never completely sleep but they do take catnaps If both sides of the brain would shut down for sleep, the dolphins would drown. They must surface to breathe While one half of the brain is asleep, the other half is awake. If the left brain is asleep, the left eye is resting. If the right brain is asleep, the right eye is resting This switches every two hours.

When dolphins nap, they surface less often and are rarely alone as they

need others for protection. They typically rise up together to breathe at a much slower pace than when they are playing, eating or mating I would never interrupt their nap. They could have a calf in tow and this would interrupt much needed rest

Social behavior comprises most of the dolphin’s daily activities. Feeding usually peaks in early morning and late afternoon

Dolphins frequently ride on the bow wave or the stern wakes of boats. One of the reasons for this activity is that dolphins exfoliate their skin every two hours. As they ride in the wake they are twisting and turning while the bubbles clean their skin. It is a bit of a spa treatment which exfoliates what we call “marine dandruff,” aka, slime.

When the dolphins ride my wake, it is always a thrill for my onboard guests Dolphins have been seen jumping as high as 16 feet from the surface of the water and landing on their backs, bellies or sides while riding the wake

Dolphins love to play. Both young and old dolphins chase each other They carry objects around, toss seaweed to each other and use objects to solicit interaction. They sometimes use fish in seemingly playful ways, tossing them in the air or to each other They even use air forced out of their blowholes as a form of play, sometimes creating bubble rings of air to play with Playtime is lovely to watch

Dolphins are very social creatures and live together in pods. Pod life provides individuals with the companionship which is so important to them. The pod members look after one another and cooperate to catch food, raise their young and defend each other from predators.

Capt Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in our local waters. As a professional charter captain she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy com or call/text 239 9942572.