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The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental

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Exterior
Exterior
Bathroom
Bathroom
Miscellaneous

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Matlacha, FL
  • Place, Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Matlacha Bridge
    ‪9 min walk‬
  • Place, Griffen American Center for Haitian Art
    ‪14 min walk‬
  • Airport, Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.)
    ‪55 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

guest bedroom

1 Queen Bed

master

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental

* We survived IAN, we have completely remodeled and are back to being fully functional. **

Get away to the Crab Shack, a waterfront hideaway on beautiful Matlacha Island. Enjoy a fully equipped kitchen, large screened in patio with a Smart TV, gas grill, washer/dryer and private dock with complimentary use of kayaks !


The Crab Shack is a 2 bedroom waterfront vacation rental! Newly renovated bathroom and pristine kitchen appliances making staying a pleasure. An outdoor screened in patio has a smart TV and a new gas grill, perfect for grilling burgers - or today's catch! Enjoy the local art scene, eat at famous restaurants, and recharge on the water. Whether you're on Matlacha for the wildlife - or to get away from your wild life - the Crab Shack is the perfect place to hang your hat! Please be aware that we do store our personal boat on a lift behind the house. If you are bringing a boat and would like to rent a boat slip, we recommend The Olde Fish House Marina, conveniently located walking distance next door.

This island is known for it's ability to take you away from the hustle and bustle of life, reconnect you with nature, and provide the kayaking, fishing, and weather you need to recharge your soul. A vibrant and growing art scene, as well as the Historic Matlacha Fishing Village (where this unit is located) make for a fun trip. Even though Matlacha doesn't have beaches the way Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach do, trips to visit nearby beaches make a perfect day trip (an average 45 minutes by car). We look forward to hosting you in our fun and laid back island vacation home!





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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Matlacha

Located in Matlacha, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens and Griffen American Center for Haitian Art are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Royal Tee Golf Club and Wicked Dolphin Distillery. Tropical Breeze Fun Park and Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park are also worth visiting. With kayaking, power boating and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
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Map
Matlacha, FL

What's nearby

  • Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Matlacha Bridge - 9 min walk - 0.8 km
  • Griffen American Center for Haitian Art - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Sirenia Vista - 3 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Key West Express - 45 min drive - 40.7 km

Getting around

  • Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪7-Eleven - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Miceli's Restaurant - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Circle K - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental?

As of 22 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental on 31 May 2026 start from AU$188, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Crab Shack - Fully-equipped and Updated 2-bedroom Waterfront Vacation Rental located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens and Matlacha Bridge. Griffen American Center for Haitian Art and Sirenia Vista are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 36 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.2/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place On The Water

Super cute property in a quiet area. The owners are very quick to respond to questions. Would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A quaint cottage with all the essentials for a successful trip.

The people that own this are all about customer service with a hands on approach. I would stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great weekend getaway

Property is as represented on VRBO. Owner is so very nice. Walking distance to shops and restaurants. Had a great time!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vaca in Matlacha

This property was well equipped- linens,kitchen, as well as toweling,detergent, etc. comfortable beds, good location
Stayed 7 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nigel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bohemian stay in hippie town

Loved the whole vibe of Matlacha (Matt La Shay). Bet it was something before the hurricane and looking forward to visiting again as the rebuild continues. Interesting locals, warm and friendly.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Dan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dan's stay

Good
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Randall W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It worked out very well for us. I would recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Jill S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Funky little space with everything you need

The Crab Shack made us happy - not crabby. Neat and equipped kitchen and nice outdoor porch made for a very comfortable space. Directly across from the Blue Dog restaurant and the Perfect cup made for easy eats. The town of Matlacha is still rebuilding from Hurricane Ian but we did find some gorgeous spots on Pine Island and on Captiva with rugged natural ocean access.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great week!

Very clean and tidy home. Easy access from Punta Gorda airport. Not a lot of open shops nearby. A few restaurants were open. Blue Dog 5 minutes walk was great. Miceli’s had the best crab cakes we ever ate. Some good hiking in Alva and Pine Island if you like the birds.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice quiet area neighbors very friendly

Loved being on water and walking distance to restaurants and stores. Home was clean and updated. Master bed and pillows a little worn. Lighting in kitchen needs to be looked at sometimes not all lights came on Overall we had a nice relaxing time at the crab shack
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kellie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Time to reconnect and reinvest.

We have friends that retired in Cape Coral and St. James then got hit with Ian. Being able to contribute to the recovery by supporting the local economy and hosting our friends who have hosted us in the past was a God sent blessing. The Crab Shake was 'so stinking cute'.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Oasis to get away and relax

Arrived and they had left light on for us and got in at dark. Lock Box to enter. Was very clean and spacious as was deceiving, with a Lanai, living room. Had a full kitchen with a nice bath room shower. Two cozy bedrooms with Queen Size Beds. On a canal with a couple Kayak's that leads to the Bay. Has seating to sit outside. Restaurants in walking distance. If back in the area will book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Doreen F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, fun, and relaxation!

Though small, this house had everything we needed for a wonderful two weeks in Matlacha. We especially loved the screened-in porch, which is where we ate every meal. The living room was comfortable for reading and watching TV, and the bedrooms were sufficient. The kitchen had all the dishes, pots and pans, and tools that we needed. It was interesting to be in the midst of the rebuilding process following Hurricane Ian. We've been returning to Matlacha for 12 years, every February, and were shocked at how much was just gone this year. Encouraging to see the rebuilding.
Stayed 13 nights in Feb 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dawn F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Three Cs……Cute, comfy and convenient

Pictures don’t do the house justice. Cute! Had everything we needed. Beds were very comfortable. Perfect spot for an active outdoorsy couple. We absolutely enjoyed our stay. Access to the water for fishing, birdwatching and kayaking an area of The Great Calusa Blueway. Walking distance to cute shops. The Perfect Cup for breakfast/lunch. The Blue Dog for outstanding seafood. There is even an ice cream shop! The locals were very friendly too! We will be back! Matlacha and Pine Island is a special place. Thanks for the opportunity to stay here.
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paige C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

We spent the weekend in Matlacha and Pine Island, and this property is in a great centralized location. Less than five minute walk to the main Matlacha strip with restaurants, shops and activities. Everything was available and in working order at the property. Would definitely recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ida B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rain can’t stop us

The property was well represented in listing. Clean and well stocked with dishes, towels, etc. Quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheila L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Everything you need!

We enjoyed staying at the Crab Shack! Matlacha is a cute town and this property puts you right there. It is close to everything. It was clean and comfortable. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute place

One good size bedroom and two micro bedrooms. Kitchen has everything that you need. Small, but very nice bathroom, as well.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Helen O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stay at the Crab Shack! It’s Amazing!

Our experience staying at the Crab Shack was incredible. Heather the owner couldn’t be more accommodating of our needs and location was perfect. We loved Matlacha and will definitely be going back to the Crab Shack again! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Qing X.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

a clean and sweet cottage

nice and clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Jeanne P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice place!

We enjoyed our stay at the Crab Shack. It’s walking distance from the shops and restaurants of Matlatcha. It’s a close drive to Pine Island.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Richard L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

updated pictures needed

The cottage was clean and neat. There were many ceiling lights out so we called the owner and she arranged for it to be taken care of. Two days later the electrician showed up and after half of our day gone he finishes with several other problems he couldn't fix. The discription of the place did not match the outside arrangement. When sitting outside, you had to look at the side of a large boat that took up the little view of the channel. Cabinets took up the side area where you had to sit when outside. The online pictures need to be updated to reflect the actual description. This place does however have a great location.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chad B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Description was right on, it was great to have the grill and screen porch.

The property is a lot packed into a small package. but just as described. No surprises. The owner was great to work with and very responsive. It fit our needs perfectly. Walking distance to restaurants and bars.
Stayed 5 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quirky little place in a quirky area ❤️❤️❤️

Everything about the Crabby Shack and Matlachi was old Florida. Loved it all. The Crabby Shack was comfortable for the two of us. Easy to find, easy to walk to the bars, restaurants and shopping in Matlachi.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

evelyn r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best vacation ever!

Lovely location, lovely town and great fishing!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2019

About the host

Hosted by Heather Ames

Host profile image
Hello! We are an adventurous family of 5 that loves to travel and have fun! We knew instantly when we found Matlacha Island that it was a perfect fit for us ! We fell in love with the laid back island vibe, live music, cold drinks, boating, fishing and amazing fresh sea food! We know that you will enjoy island life as much as we do! We look forward to hosting you in our fun and laid back island home !

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English
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