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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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 Cape Coral Historical Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Royal Tee Golf Club and Tropical Breeze Fun Park. Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park and Sun Splash Water Park are also worth visiting. With kayaking, power boating and fishing nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Griffen American Center for Haitian Art - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
Sirenia Vista - 3 min drive - 2.8 km
Sanibel Island Southern Beach - 60 min drive - 60.0 km
Getting around
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) - 35 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Miceli's Restaurant - 3 min drive
Yucatan Waterfront - 11 min walk
Street Eatz And Ale - 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 28 May, 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 S$169, 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. Sirenia Vista is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) away.
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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.
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.
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.
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
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'.
Kellie B.
Stayed 6 nights in Feb 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Feb, 2024
Thank you so much! We appreciate you! We hope you will come visit again soon !
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
Cindy I.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Feb, 2021
We are so glad to hear you enjoyed your stay at the Crab Shack! We hope you will come visit again soon!
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 !