When was the last time you relaxed in tropical weather, enjoying a panoramic water front view, watching tropical birds soar, pelicans dive, and dolphins and manatees frolic... all while sitting on your porch? This is what awaits you at Inn on the Bay Bed and Breakfast in Matlacha on serene Pine Island, Florida.

Inn on the Bay offers large rooms with private bath, queen beds and sofa beds, and decks. Lodging accommodations include air conditioning, refrigerators and televisions. One-bedroom efficiencies are available as well, and no matter what room variation you decide on, a canoe will be supplied for your enjoyment. Each morning, island sunlight kisses you awake to begin your day with a delicious continental-plus breakfast.

Inn on the Bay has a two 90-foot fishing piers with boat dockage. There is much to do on your island paradise, such as visiting local crafts and shell shops, witnessing Loggerhead turtles nesting in season, and taking boat trips on the Tropic Star to Cayo Costa Island with Gulf Beaches. Enjoy lunch or dinner at Cabbage Key Restaurant (Jimmy Buffet's inspiration for the song "Cheeseburger in Paradise"). Visit the fantastic Caloosa Indian Shell Mounds and Museum. Fish local waters for Snook, Redfish, King Mackeral, or Grouper. Buy fresh shrimp right off local shrimp boats, or charter a boat to Boca Grande Pass, known as the Tarpon Fishing Capitol of the world (it was fished by President Bush). Perhaps you'd like to take a kayak tour of the island with Gulf Coast Kayaking. Visit Pine Island's own public lighted tennis courts, heated swimming pool, and fishing pier. Drive to five championship golf courses within minutes. It is 20 minutes to Manatee beach by canoe.

The surrounding area offers Fort Myers, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford's winter estates, the world's largest shell factory and gift shops, and the winter home of the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox. Take a day trip to Sanibel's shelling beaches and lighthouse, drive the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, tour the Barry-Matthews Shell Museum, or drive to Fort Myers Beach for a cruise on a casino ship. Enjoy shopping the Sanibel factory stores and Edison Mall, or catch the ferry express to Key West.

Come stay in the historical fishing village of Matlacha at Inn on the Bay Bed and Breakfast, where you'll relax and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of nature while having a whale of a good time.