Discover the beauty of Southwest Florida with Private Boat Tours in Lee County Florida by Florida Gulf Discovery. From the sparkling Gulf waters to hidden mangrove estuaries, our private charters offer an unforgettable way to explore the coastline between Venice and Naples. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re a local looking for a fresh perspective, our custom boat tours showcase the very best of Lee County’s waterways in comfort and style

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Lee County is home to some of Florida’s most scenic coastal landscapes. As we cruise along the shoreline, you’ll experience the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, quiet back bays, and winding mangrove tunnels teeming with wildlife. Our tours are completely private, giving you the flexibility to design your perfect day on the water — whether that means island hopping, waterfront dining, wildlife watching, or simply relaxing under the Florida sun.

Wildlife Encounters on the Water

One of the highlights of our private boat tours is encountering Southwest Florida’s incredible marine life. It’s common to meet playful dolphins riding alongside the boat, gentle manatees gliding through calm waters, and majestic ospreys soaring overhead. These natural encounters create unforgettable memories for families, couples, and groups seeking a deeper connection with nature.

Waterfront Restaurants & Beaches We Visit

Our tours frequently include stops at popular local waterfront restaurants and destinations accessible by boat, including:

• • Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
  • Dixie Fish Company
  • Parrot Key Caribbean Grill
  • Flippers on the Bay
  • The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill
  • Coconut Jack’s Waterfront Grille

For beach lovers, we visit some of Southwest Florida’s most stunning coastal destinations:

• • Lovers Key State Park
  • Fort Myers Beach
  • Sanibel Island
  • Captiva Island
  • Cayo Costa
  • Keewaydin Island

Each stop offers its own unique charm — from shell-covered shores to vibrant coastal villages and quiet sandbars perfect for swimming and relaxing.

Enhance Your Adventure with Watersports

To expand your range of sports activities, consider adding exciting on-the-water experiences to your private tour. Florida Gulf Discovery offers:

• • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP)
  • E-foiling adventures
  • Kayaking
  • Other paddling experiences

These activities allow you to explore shallow flats, glide silently through mangroves, or experience the thrill of flying above the water on an electric foil board. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced water enthusiast, we tailor each experience to your comfort level.

Create Unforgettable Memories on the Water

Spending time on the water in Lee County creates truly unforgettable experiences. Anchor at a secluded sandbar, swim in calm Gulf waters, collect shells along pristine beaches, enjoy a sunset cruise, celebrate a special occasion, or simply relax with friends and family surrounded by panoramic coastal views. The area offers year-round boating weather, vibrant marine ecosystems, and countless hidden gems waiting to be discovered. From peaceful morning cruises to golden-hour sunsets, every tour is designed to create lasting memories.

Our Service Area

Our service area spans the beautiful Southwest Florida coastline from Venice to Naples, including:

• • Fort Myers
  • Fort Myers Beach
  • Sanibel Island
  • Captiva Island
  • Estero Bay
  • Bonita Springs
  • Marco Island
  • Surrounding Lee County coastal communities

If you’re searching for the best Private Boat Tours in Lee County Florida, Florida Gulf Discovery delivers custom adventures that combine relaxation, exploration, wildlife encounters, and waterfront fun — all from the comfort of your own private boat.

Book your private tour today and discover Southwest Florida the way it was meant to be seen — from the water.

 

Matlacha Pass is one of Southwest Florida’s most scenic and vibrant waterways, yet many visitors never experience its true beauty from the water. A private boat tour in Matlacha Pass offers an unforgettable way to explore mangrove islands, encounter marine wildlife, and discover hidden waterfront gems between Cape Coral and Pine Island.

Unlike crowded public beaches or large group excursions, a private boat tour allows you to design your own experience. Whether you want a peaceful wildlife cruise, a family adventure, a dock-and-dine outing, or an active watersports day, Matlacha Pass provides the perfect setting.

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A Rich Coastal Ecosystem Full of Wildlife

Matlacha Pass is part of a protected estuary system connected to Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico. Its calm, shallow waters create the ideal habitat for marine life.

During your tour, it’s common to see:

• • Dolphins riding alongside the boat
  • Gentle manatees surfacing in the warm shallows
  • Ospreys nesting on channel markers
  • Pelicans diving for fish
  • Schools of mullet jumping across the flats

Every private boat tour feels like your own personal nature documentary unfolding in real time. No two trips are ever the same — each day brings new wildlife encounters.

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Dock and Dine at Waterfront Restaurants

One of the best parts of exploring Matlacha Pass by boat is arriving at restaurants the way locals do — from the water.

Popular dock-and-dine stops include:

• • Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island
  • Miceli’s Restaurant
  • Blue Dog Bar & Grill
  • Cabbage Key

Pulling up by boat adds a classic Old Florida charm to your dining experience. Many guests combine sightseeing with lunch on the water, turning a simple meal into a memorable coastal adventure.

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Beyond Sightseeing: SUP, E-Foil & Watersports

Matlacha Pass is not only perfect for wildlife tours — it’s also ideal for watersports.

The protected waters make it excellent for:

• • Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
  • E-foil adventures
  • Kayaking and other paddling experiences
  • Sandbar swimming stops
  • Relaxing sunset cruises

Glide quietly through mangrove tunnels on a paddleboard or experience the thrill of flying above the water on an e-foil. Adding watersports transforms your private boat tour into a fully customized Gulf Coast experience.

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Explore Southwest Florida from Venice to Naples

Florida Gulf Discovery provides private boat tours throughout Southwest Florida, with service extending from Venice to Naples along the coast.

Whether you’re staying in:

• • Venice
  • Englewood
  • Boca Grande
  • Cape Coral
  • Fort Myers
  • Sanibel Island
  • Marco Island
  • Naples

Matlacha Pass offers one of the most authentic and scenic boating experiences on the Gulf Coast.

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Create Unforgettable Memories on the Water

Spending time on the water creates a different kind of connection — one that blends relaxation, exploration, and adventure.

You can:

• • Search for dolphins
  • Watch manatees glide through calm waters
  • Anchor at a secluded sandbar
  • Photograph coastal wildlife
  • Paddle through peaceful estuaries
  • Enjoy a private sunset cruise

A private boat tour in Matlacha Pass gives you space to breathe, freedom to explore, and moments that turn into lasting memories.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Private Boat Tours in Matlacha Pass

What wildlife can you see during a private boat tour in Matlacha Pass?

During your private boat tour in Matlacha Pass, it’s common to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat, gentle manatees surfacing in shallow waters, and ospreys nesting high above the mangroves. You may also spot pelicans, herons, egrets, and schools of fish throughout the estuary. Every tour offers unique wildlife encounters.

How long are private boat tours in Matlacha Pass?

Private boat tours are fully customizable and typically range from 2 to 6 hours. Whether you prefer a short sightseeing cruise, a dock-and-dine experience, a sunset tour, or a full adventure day with watersports, we tailor the trip to your schedule.

Can we visit waterfront restaurants by boat?

Yes. One of the highlights of exploring Matlacha Pass by boat is dock-and-dine access to popular waterfront restaurants like Tarpon Lodge, Miceli’s Restaurant, Blue Dog Bar & Grill, and Cabbage Key. Arriving by boat adds a unique Old Florida charm to your dining experience.

Absolutely. The calm, protected waters of Matlacha Pass make it ideal for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), e-foil rides, kayaking, and other paddling adventures. The shallow estuary and mangrove shorelines create safe and scenic conditions for watersports.

What areas does Florida Gulf Discovery serve?

Florida Gulf Discovery provides private boat tours throughout Southwest Florida, with service extending from Venice to Naples along the Gulf Coast. We serve guests staying in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, Pine Island, Marco Island, Naples, and surrounding areas.

Is this tour private or shared with other guests?

All tours are completely private. Your boat, your group, and your customized experience — designed specifically for your family, friends, or special occasion.

Ready to Experience Matlacha Pass?

If you’re looking for an authentic Southwest Florida adventure, there is no better way to experience it than by private boat.

Book your Private Boat Tour in Matlacha Pass with Florida Gulf Discovery today and discover the Gulf Coast from a whole new perspective — on the water.