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Cape Coral and Punta Gorda Boat Tours

Sightseeing Boat cruises: The best way to see nature up close!

Come Aboard and Explore the Beauty of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound!

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Who we are

Come aboard for a tour you'll never forget!

At Matlacha Boating Adventures, we offer boat tours on a scale never seen before. Our boat tours are well organized and will take you to the untouched areas of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound! Don't miss out on this chance to observe some of the finest Flora and Fauna found in Charlotte Harbor/Pine Island Sound.

We love pristine beaches as much as you do; that is why we are dedicated to providing you with exciting boat tours. Choose from a variety of cruises to Cabbage Key, Boca Grande, Cayo Costa, and remote beaches. Our boat is located in Knight's Landing Marina. Matlacha Boating Adventures has a wide range of boat cruises to ensure there is something for everyone. Our sunset cruises from Bokeelia are beyond ordinary since they offer an exhilarating way to watch as the sun disappears beyond the Gulf of Mexico.

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A flock of pelicans flying over a large group of resting pelicans by the water.
A manatee's snout is near a boat motor in shallow water.
Five white pelicans swimming in a calm waterway with greenery in the background.
A pod of dolphins swimming in the ocean, creating splashes.
Matlacha Boating Adventures

Explore our activities

Sunset Cruise
Duration
1 hour
Group Size
Up to 6

Sunset Cruise

Sunset Cruises are a magnificent way to celebrate the end of another day in paradise. These cruises are available from Bokeelia. All waters serve as habitats for dolphins and manatees, making sightings plentiful. The disappearance of the sun beyond the Gulf of Mexico is spectacular! We depart 1 hour before sunset.

from
$350
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Cayo Costa Cruise
Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Up to 6

Cayo Costa Cruise

These cruises depart from Bokeelia, Knights Landing Marina.

from
$75
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Boca Grande Cruise
Duration
3 hours
Group Size
Up to 6

Boca Grande Cruise

You could drive the enormous loop - it's almost 3 hours round trip from Cape Coral! Fight the traffic, curse the tailgaters, search for parking. OR you could book our beautiful, hassle-free cruise to the village of Boca Grande from Matlacha. Boca Grande was, at one time, a small fishing village; then, a bustling port with a scenic lighthouse. Now, it's a historic village with one of Florida's most fabulous beaches. There is a wide variety of dining options and small shops to explore and the island is full of fascinating history! Make sure to visit the historic lighthouse! Time on Island: 3 hours.

from
$350
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Tours From Boca Grande
Group Size
Up to 6

Tours From Boca Grande

THE BOAT CRUISES for all our friends staying at the Gasparilla Inn -and others close by- originate from the Pink Elephant Docks, across the street from the Pink Elephant Restaurant (491 Bayou Street). The Docks are about one block east of the Inn. There are several pedestrian entrances- use the one closest to the fairway on the golf course. There are 8 docks there. Captain Will will send you a text when he arrives to let you know where to find the boat.

from
$495
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Cabbage Key Nature Cruise
Duration
3 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
Up to 6

Cabbage Key Nature Cruise

Take a spectacular cruise for lunch or dinner to Cabbage Key - where Jimmy Buffet either did or did not write his biggest hit "Cheeseburger in Paradise"! This tour runs from Bokeelia. Tour Shell Pass, Jug Creek, Back Bay, and Pine Island Sound. Enjoy a beautiful boat ride and nature cruise, plus One and a half hours on the Island. **Similar Lunch/Dinner Cruise is now available at The Tarpon Lodge. Call for details.**

from
$75
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Why choose us?

Unparalleled Boat Tours That Will Never Fade From Your Memory

We offer breathtaking sightseeing cruises to make sure a boat tour with us remains in your memory for life. If you are looking for a different experience on the water and you love learning the history and nature of the local area, you can expect us to add excitement and fun moments on any of our outstanding cruises. Our boat tours are not just fun; they also offer the opportunity to learn more about Lee County.

Fun

We believe that harbor tours in southwest Florida should be fun; that is why we offer different packages, including Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound tours, and an hour sunset cruise, to ensure y...

We believe that harbor tours in southwest Florida should be fun; that is why we offer different packages, including Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound tours, and an hour sunset cruise, to ensure you are not left out. Our boat tours on Charlotte Harbor allow you to learn more about the fun and incredible features that are in the area.

Family-Friendly

If you have kids and wish to take them out to explore Cabbage Key, we are still the real deal for you. We understand that family bonds need to be strengthened time after time, and one of the best ways...

If you have kids and wish to take them out to explore Cabbage Key, we are still the real deal for you. We understand that family bonds need to be strengthened time after time, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to go on a boat tour. For an eventful, adventure filled day with the kids, book a boat tour with us and enjoy an encounter with dolphins and manatees ! Choose the Cabbage Key boat tour and hike the remote island, climb the water tower and meet the Gopher Tortoises!

Exciting

At Matlacha Boating Adventures, we offer boat tours to redefine excitement. The trip brings you closer to manatees and dolphins to ensure you interact with them in a way never seen before. Our boat to...

At Matlacha Boating Adventures, we offer boat tours to redefine excitement. The trip brings you closer to manatees and dolphins to ensure you interact with them in a way never seen before. Our boat tours are also exciting in the sense that you get the opportunity to explore an incredibly large region full of amazing features. The scenery is gorgeous, and you will love the idea of watching many different species of birds.

Location

Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, Florida

Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound showcase the beauty of nature in the most stunning way possible. In other words, these destinations are a tourist’s dream since they offer more than just fun. With an intriguing history that dates back a thousands of years, there is a lot to do in these destinations. Come with us and discover the magic of Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound!

Our cruises offer a unique experience, allowing you to encounter bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat and explore more than 650 different species of fish and other marine life. We provide an opportunity to get close to nature and appreciate its wonders, while also enjoying all the comforts of modern cruising. Our experienced crew will make sure that your journey is as safe and enjoyable as possible. So, why not come join us on a cruise today?

A quiet street lined with palm trees and boats in a marina.

Frequently asked questions

Most frequent questions and answers

Yes. We operate on pre-paid reservations made in advance. For reservations call us at 772-214-6359. We accept payment by cash, credit card, and Venmo.
Each tour is unique. Dolphins are the main attraction, but we usually see a wide variety of wildlife including nesting osprey, herons, egrets, brown and white pelicans, a variety of fish, and sometimes manatee.
Jug Creek Marina is located at Knights Landing Marina 16489 Porto Bello St, Bokeelia, FL 33922 The closest major intersection is Pine Island Road and Burnt Store Road/Veteran's Parkway in Cape Coral. Proceed west on Pine Island Road toward Matlacha. Obey speed limits- they are strictly enforced. Continue to Pine Island. Pass the Publix. At the 4-way stop, turn right on H. Stringfellow Road. Go about 5 miles. The turn onto Tortuga is near Mile Marker 14. It is a very slight right turn as Stringfellow Road angles to the left. Keep straight on Tortuga- do NOT turn onto Barancas. Where the road ends, the fun begins! Our boats are located in Slips 14 and 15, on the left, just past the big white tanks. Parking at the Marina is $8 per day, payable in the Ships Store. Drinks, snacks, hats, tee shirts, charts, sunglasses, and ice are available there. You are likely to see osprey, pelicans, egrets, herons, and dolphins at the main dock. For cruises from Boca Grande pick up is at the Pink Elephant Docks directly across the street from the Pink Elephant Restaurant located at 491 Bayou Street. Its about one block east of the Inn. Use the pedestrian entrance closest to the fairway on the golf course.
Yes. The boat is owned and operated by a Florida Corporation, the Boat Safety Academy, LLC.
The tour usually runs in light rain and minimally poor weather conditions. If we determine the conditions are unsafe, we will cancel the cruise. We monitor the weather and cancellation decisions are made up to one hour before the cruise is set to depart. In that case, you will be given the opportunity to reschedule or receive credit toward another cruise. Our boats are fully covered, but open on the sides.
Unless it's raining, you will most likely not get wet. You might experience misting or sea spray if it's windy or choppy, but you will not get drenched.
You are welcome to bring your own food and drink with you, as well as small coolers. Usually, we carry a cooler stocked with water and drinks. No food and drinks are allowed off the boat at Cabbage Key. Their lunches and dinners are excellent and their menu is available on their website, www.cabbagekey.com. Please keep in mind that our docking privileges there mean that's where we all eat when visiting the island. Thank you.
No. We always recommend using the facilities at the marina before each departure.
Not likely, but it can happen depending on the severity of your sensitivity. If you know you are motion sickness or sea sickness sensitive, we recommend using a remedy that works for you and using it in advance. Our recommendation is ginger.
Yes. Small coolers are acceptable.
Yes, there is parking available at our locations. At Knight's Landing parking is available and the charge is $5 per vehicle.
Yes, Bunny and I encourage this. Please remember to bring protective covering for the items and a strap if you have them, as you will be on the water.
Tips are expected in the boat service industry. 15% is the standard. Captain Will shares tips with The Wounded Warrior Project and with Bunny.
Yes. The Captain has a wonderful selection of good, suitable music. He usually plays it while you board and on the way home. We play Amato Mio, among others, during Sunsets.
Yes!
Yes, but a charter contract is required. The vessel can accommodate 10 passengers. TEXT 772-214-6359 for vessel charter information. All charter agreements are bare boats and will require a qualified and Coast Guard-licensed Master aboard for any cruise (other qualifications also apply- we can provide a list of fully qualified captains).
We require 5 days' notice for cancellation of cruise participation. Participants/passengers who fail to appear for a cruise and who do not give a 5-day notice-- confirmed by email or text-- will not receive a refund nor credit toward another cruise. Cancellations made before 5 days will receive a refund minus a $50 fee. Private tours may have some departure time flexibility, but all other cruises must depart on time. We can not issue refunds for late arrivals.
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Two people relaxing on a beach with a boat in the background and clear blue skies.
Two people relaxing on a beach with a boat in the background and clear blue skies.

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Explore the beautiful Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound in Florida!
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