Deep-water canal with a new boat hoist to 24ft — minutes to Pine Island Sound
A three bedroom, two bath waterfront house on Pine Island, built around the thing that actually matters here: the water access. A new boat hoist takes a boat up to 24 feet, and the deep-water canal means you are not waiting on a tide to get out.
From the dock it is a short run to Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay and out to the Gulf of Mexico. The fishing is the draw for most guests, and the beaches nearby are the quiet kind rather than the crowded kind.
Inside there is a spacious living area, modern appliances throughout and coastal decor that has not been overdone. The backyard is set up for grilling and for sitting still — it backs onto water, so wildlife watching happens whether you plan it or not.
Six guests across three bedrooms. St. James City sits at the south end of Pine Island, which keeps it calmer than Fort Myers Beach while staying close enough for a day trip.
WOW! We had the pleasure of staying at this lovely house on the water. We trailered our 24' boat and ventured out daily to: captive island, sanibel island & cabbage key (just to name a few). We saw dolphin, manatee & sting ray. We lots of shelling and saw amazing sunsets. I would highly recommend this rental property. Beautiful home and super clean. 👍👍 Our stay was from 8/7-8/14/2026.
We were able to see so many islands and beaches from this well maintained and equipped house. We cooked out Lobster, snapper, steaks and spent our days island hopping with Dolphin, Rays and Manatee. Awesome time and will certainly return.
The place was lovely. Easy to fish and did see many manatees! We plan to stay again.
We had a wonderful stay at the Fish Shack! The location is fantastic and made it easy to enjoy everything the area has to offer. The house was fully stocked with everything we needed, and the boat lift was a huge bonus for being on the water. The host was incredibly responsive and helpful from start to finish, which made the whole experience easy and relaxing. We would absolutely stay here again!
The house was just as listed. Very clean and very accommodating to all ages. Beds were comfortable and AC blows cold!
I’ve stayed at a lot of vacation rentals and I have to say this place was one of the most well-stocked properties I’ve ever stayed at. Typically I bring one or two of my own knives because everything is dull and some of my own seasonings. I didn’t have to bring any of that stuff I had all I needed. Great location. We brought our own boat and was able to use the boat lift. I would definitely stay here again.
Pine Island has no beaches, and that is the point — no beach means no beach traffic, no high-rises and no crowds. What it has is water on every side, the best fishing in southwest Florida, and the islands everyone else lines up for a short boat ride away.
Out through the pass for the Gulf, or work the bay and the backwater for snook, redfish and trout. Guides run out of St. James City daily and the flats start close enough that a half day is a real half day.
Shelling, the Ding Darling refuge and a slower pace than anywhere on the mainland.
A barrier island with no road to it — miles of beach you will have largely to yourself, and the best shelling in the region.
Run down the sound and tie up for lunch. Far easier from the water than fighting the bridge traffic.
A bridge lined with galleries painted every color there is, plus seafood that came off the boat that morning.
Lunch at the inn with the dollar bills on the walls, which is exactly as good as it sounds.
The Edison and Ford winter estates, the river district, and the airport when it is time to go.
November to April is the season — warm, dry, and busy enough that booking early matters. Summer is hot, green and empty, with afternoon storms that clear as fast as they arrive, and it is the cheapest time to have the water to yourself.
