Aquatic Preserve Matlacha Pass
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Aquatic Preserve Matlacha Pass is a protected area in the state of Florida that spans over 23,000 acres and is home to a diverse range of marine life and plant species.
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Summary
There are many good reasons to visit the preserve, including the opportunity to observe manatees, dolphins, and various species of fish in their natural habitat. Visitors can also enjoy boating, fishing, and kayaking in the area.
Some specific points of interest to see in the Aquatic Preserve Matlacha Pass include the mangrove forests, which provide a vital habitat for many species of marine life, and the Calusa Heritage Trail, which showcases the rich cultural history of the region. There are also several islands within the preserve, including Pine Island and Matlacha Island, which offer opportunities for beachcombing and birdwatching.
Interesting facts about the area include that it is home to the largest contiguous seagrass bed in Southwest Florida, and that it has been designated as an "Outstanding Florida Water" by the state's Department of Environmental Protection. The preserve also has a rich history, having been inhabited by the Calusa people for thousands of years before being settled by European explorers.
The best time of year to visit the Aquatic Preserve Matlacha Pass is during the winter months, when temperatures are cooler and the area is less crowded with tourists. However, visitors can enjoy the preserve year-round, with opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports during the summer months. Overall, the Aquatic Preserve Matlacha Pass is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in experiencing the natural beauty of Florida's Gulf Coast.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Calusa Land Trust and Nature Preserve of Pine Island
Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pelican Sports Complex
Arboricultural Park
Caloosa Lake
Killarney Lake
Apache Lake