At seventeen miles long and two miles wide, Pine Island is one of the largest islands off Florida’s Gulf Coast. The island is surrounded by mangroves and three aquatic preserves.
Visitors will not find a single traffic light or paved road on this sparsely populated island. What they will find however, are 5 quintessential small towns filled with quirky island charm.
Pineland, Matlacha, St. James City, Pine Island Center and Bokeelia comprise the five island communities and each of them has their own unique flair.
Pinelands, St. James City, and Pine Island Center are known for their archeological significance and topography whereas Bokeelia and Matlacha are known for their fishing and shopping areas.
Randell Research Center
At the heart of Pineland is an internationally significant archeological site and accompanying research facility known as “Randell Research Center.”
“Randell Research Center” encompasses over 50 acres and its primary focus is to learn from and preserve the largest Calusa Indian shell mound in the state.
The mound is approximately 38 feet high and extends more than 200 acres from the Mangrove coastline, and was create by the Calusa Indians centuries ago.
The site includes the “Calusa Heritage Trail.” The “Calusa Heritage Trail” consists of 3,700 feet of interpretive trails that wind through the massive archeological site.
The trail is open daily from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. During the peak season, which runs from January through April, visitors can partake of a guided tour of the site. The guided tour is available on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Unlike the guided tour, self-guided tours are available year round.
As of 2010 admission to the site is a suggested donation of $7.00 per adult, $5.00 per senior citizen and $4.00 per child. Visitors should allow at least 2 hour time to fully explore this archeologically rich site.
Randell Research Center
13810 Waterfront Drive
Pineland, FL 33945
239-283-2062
Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve
The “Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve” is located in St. James City and consists of 669 acres of pine flatwoods. It features 1.12 miles of natural hiking trails and wildlife observation areas. Long considered one of the best places to bird watch and photograph wildlife, the “Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve” is open daily year round from dawn to dusk.
Pine Island Flatwoods Preserve
6351 Stringfellow Road
St. James City, FL 33956
239-533-7346
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Charlotte Harbor protects 70 miles of shoreline and encompasses 42,000 acres of mangrove forests, marshes, pine flatwoods and scrub habitats.
Visitors to the preserve should consider exploring the park by kayak or canoe. The park features two paddle trails that are replete with the wildlife, flora and fauna. Along their journey intrepid kayakers can expect to see manatees, bottle neck dolphins, sport fish, a variety of land mammals and over 100 species of birds.
In addition to the waterways there are six miles of marked hiking trails that would be trekkers can either explore alone or with a seasoned guide.
Those wanting more information on the “Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park” should log onto the park’s informative website.
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Pine Island Road
Pine Island, FL 33922
941-575-5861
Calusa Ghost Tours
Charlotte Harbor is not the only Pine Island waterway that visitors can enjoy. “Calusa Ghost Tours” affords visitors with several different river kayaking excursions such as three day fishing safaris.
The fishing safari takes visitors to the premier fishing spots along both Estero Bay and Pine Island Sound. Would be anglers can fish using both the wade and kayak method for grouper, red fish, snook, snapper and more.
Another one of the many excursions offered by “Calusa Ghost Tours” is the four hour “Adventures to Mound Key” tour. The “Adventures to Mound Key” tour takes travelers through the areas once inhabited by the Calusa people. At a price tag of $65.00 per person it is a fun and affordable way to get up close and personal with Florida’s history and ecology.
Those wishing to learn more about “Calusa Ghost Tours” varied trip offering can find additional details on the company’s web site.
Calusa Ghost Tours
16305 Quail Trail
Bokeelia, FL 33922
239-938-5342
Matlacha Community Park and Boat Ramp
Known for its fishing Matlacha is the perfect place for sport fisherman of all ages and skill levels. There are a lot of fishing spots and quaint shopping areas through Pine Island including the “Matlacha Community Park and Boat Ramp.”
The “Matlacha Community Park” is a great place to have a picnic lunch, kick back and cast your line. The park is open year round Monday through Sunday from 6:00 am until 10:30 pm and the boat ramp area is open from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm.
A Florida fishing license is required and they can be purchased at most sporting goods stores and outfitters. Anxious anglers can even purchase their fishing licenses in advance online or by calling 1-888-347-4356.
Matlacha Community Park and Boat Ramp
4577 Pine Island Road
Matlacha, FL 33993
239-283-4110
Additional Information
Additional information about other Pine Island attractions and details on each of the island communities can be found on the area’s tourism website.
