Florida has more islands than any state but Alaska, and hundreds of these islands are in southwest Florida. The first celebrity visitor to these pristine coastal keys was Ponce de Leon, who “discovered” them in 1513, much to the chagrin of the Native Americans living there. In modern times, Thomas Edison and Teddy Roosevelt declared this paradise a favorite fishing spot, and authors Edna St. Vincent Millay, Mary Roberts Rinehart, and Richard Powell all claimed the islands as their writer’s retreat. Today, some of southwest Florida’s islands are populated, and some remain wild. But they’ve all got something to discover for the nature lover and archeology buff. Don’t miss these Fort Myers–area islands on your next trip!
1. Pine Island
Pine Island, the largest island in southwest Florida, used to be predominantly a commercial fishing hub, but today art competes with fishing as the main industry. Visitors come to wander Easter egg–painted artist studios and galleries in Matlacha and to browse the island’s mom-and-pop shops and fish markets. If they get lucky, they can sample the lush lychee and mango that grow on the island. Unlike sandy Sanibel and Captiva, Pine Island’s coast is mostly mangroves. That draws shore birds and marine creatures alike. Visit one of Pine Island’s three aquatic preserves by kayak or paddleboard. The island is on the Great Calusa Blueway paddling trail. In Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge and on nearby Little Pine Island, also a wildlife refuge, you’ll find ospreys, herons, egrets, ibises, and roseate spoonbills, as well as owls, hawks, bald eagles, and a huge variety of songbirds. Anglers can drop a line off the bridge that spans Matlacha Pass, locally called “The World’s Most Fishingest Bridge.” And when you’re ready for dinner, the Olde Fish House Marina restaurant, which is housed in a retired fish-packing plant, features delicious native recipes.
2. Galt Island
Off the west coast of Pine Island, Galt Island, which some say was originally called Goat Island, is best known for its archeological district. On Galt, you can find nine significant ancient remains: three shell complexes, two canals, two isolated shell mounds, a sand burial mound, and mangrove wetlands. It’s one of the few islands with rare Middle Archaic cultural archaeological remains. Artifacts found on Galt show that the Calusa, Florida’s original inhabitants, settled it. Explore on your own, or arrange an archeological tour from Pine Island.
3. Captiva Island
Just off Florida’s…
