Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge located in southwest Florida near Sanibel. This refuge was established by executive order of President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908 in order to protect the habitat of native birds and other resident wildlife.

Wildlife: Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge spans over 23 islands and helps protect the home of numerous wild animals including seagulls, terns, pelicans, ospreys, wod storks, bald eagles, sea turtles, and West Indian Manatees.

Due to the fragility of this ecosystem Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge is not open to the public.