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About

Matlacha Boating Adventures

Meet The Fleet!

A white boat docked near a building with large windows and bicycles parked nearby.

The World Cat

Ride in style on our World Cat from Matlacha, Burnt Store Marina, and Boca Grande! The newest addition to our fleet, our World Cat 266 is fast, comfortable and stable. The twin hull design provides a steady, comfortable ride, even in a Charlotte Harbor chop.
Two men relaxing on a boat at a dock surrounded by mangroves.

Hurricane Fun Deck

The Hurricane Fun Deck is a 19-ft deck boat powered by a Yamaha 150. It has comfortable seating for eight passengers and shade in the back.
Man with a beard sitting at the helm of a boat in a marina.
Matchala Boating Adventures Story

Our Story and How it All Started

The Boat Safety Academy, LLC, DBA, Matlacha Boating Adventures, has been serving Southwest Florida since 2012. The company is veteran owned and operated by Captain Will Olds.

We offer unique boating adventures, always with a personal touch. Whichever cruise you choose, we get you there in safety and comfort while you experience the beauty of nature along the way.

To learn about each cruise we offer, please click on the Tours link above in the menu bar. You can then call or TEXT Captain Will to book your cruise AT (941) 301-8687.

We look forward to having you aboard!

An osprey perched on a wooden post with buildings in the background.

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

Florida's natural beauty on a Sightseeing Boat cruise in Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound.

Pine Island Sound is a body of water located between Pine Island and Cayo Costa. Myers Beach, in southwest Florida. The Sound is shallow, with an average depth of only 10 feet, and is known for its clear, calm waters and abundant marine life. Charlotte Harbor is a large bay located just North of Pine Island Sound. It is a popular destination for boaters, fishermen, and nature lovers, and is home to several species of dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles.

If you're looking for a vacation that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the next year, look no further than Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound in Florida.

A heron standing on a rocky shore near water and greenery.

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.
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.

Book Your Water Adventures Today.

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