Kayaking in Matlacha, Florida
Stay at the Sun and Moon Inn and Paddle the Great Calusa Blueway
Jul 5, 2009
Matlacha is a tiny (reported population of only 735) old fishing village located just before Pine Island in southwest Florida. Part of the Creative Coast, visitors will find charming accommodations, wonderful restaurants, art galleries and gift shops, fantastic fishing and plenty of nature trails. It is the perfect kayaking destination.
Stay at the Sun and Moon Inn
Advertised as a bed and breakfast and waterfront fishing resort, the Sun and Moon Inn, is convenient to all that Matlacha has to offer. The six cozy rooms, all decorated with the sun and moon theme, have cable, central air-conditioning, ceiling fans and mini refrigerators. The morning meal is self-serve from the array of items that provide the makings of a continental breakfast located on the second floor porch. Other amenities include a pool, hot tub and fire pit.
The host, Curt Peer, provides a laid back, make yourself at home atmosphere. He is very knowledgeable about the area and willing to help visitors choose restaurants, acquire boat rentals, or go on fishing trips or sightseeing tours. For those who don't have luck fishing during the day, the dock at the Sun and Moon Inn has a snook light, where 150-200 fish congregate nightly. Also available for guest use are a fishing station and massive Jenn Air Grill.
The recent addition of a floating dock makes it quick and easy to launch kayaks right into the Great Calusa Blueway.
Kayaking the Great Calusa Blueway
The Great Calusa Blueway is a 190-mile marked canoe and kayak trail that meanders through the coastal waters and inland tributaries of Lee County, Florida. This scenic trail beckons beginner to advanced paddlers. It offers flat, protected waters that put beginners at ease. The Blueway also offers long treks and overnight adventures perfect for advanced paddlers.
The views are spectacular along the Great Calusa Blueway. The tranquil atmosphere provides the opportunity to observe a remarkable number of species in their natural habitats. Dolphins and manatees frequent the backwaters. Birds can be spotted anytime and everywhere. Among the species found in southeastern Florida are bald eagles, herons, egrets, ospreys, pelicans, roseate spoonbills and wood storks. Game fish, like tarpon, redfish and snook, are bountiful and kayak fishing is a popular sport.
It is important to note that some portions of the trail may be inaccessible during periods of extreme low tide. In addition, paddlers need to be aware that the trail crosses busy boating channels used by recreational and commercial power boats in some areas. And, although the Blueway is marked, marker numbers do not necessarily run in consecutive order due to forks in the trail.
Florida's Creative Coast
Matlacha and nearby Pine Island are part of Lee County and what's known as the Creative Coast. Traveling through the village the reason for the name is quickly obvious. Along Interstate 75, the midsections of telephone poles are beautifully painted with unique designs in bright colors. The middle of the village itself resembles an artist colony, where tourists can wander in and out of colorful cottages set up as galleries with displays of sculptures, fountains, jewelry, paintings, photography and mixed media pieces. Several times each year, Creative Coast Weekends are held and feature new gallery openings, artist demonstrations, workshops and classes, scavenger hunts, great music and fantastic food.
Visitors will enjoy the beauty of nature and the local artists in the cozy fishing village of Matlacha. A retreat to experience Florida's Gulf Coast lifestyle will find guests promising to return.
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