Marina Cantina – Waterfront Dining at Salty Sam’s Marina

Located at Salty Sam’s Marina on Fort Myers Beach, Marina Cantina Waterfront Tin Tiki delivers a lively dockside dining experience rooted in boating culture, waterfront views, and classic island atmosphere. Overlooking Matanzas Bay, the restaurant blends casual coastal dining with colorful Florida character, offering guests a place where boats arrive throughout the day and sunsets become part of the meal. Designed to bring back the charm of traditional Fort Myers Beach waterfront gathering spots, Marina Cantina has quickly become a favorite stop for locals, boaters, and visitors exploring the island’s bayside district.

A Historic Waterfront Setting Reimagined

The restaurant occupies a historic tin building once used by the Fort Myers Beach shrimping fleet to distribute Pink Gulf shrimp — a nod to the island’s working waterfront past. Following Hurricane Ian, the space was renovated with bamboo accents and nautical design elements, creating a relaxed “tin tiki” atmosphere that celebrates Old Florida heritage while offering a refreshed dining environment. Guests enjoy expansive elevated dockside seating with sweeping views across Matanzas Bay and the marina’s constant boating activity.

Casual Coastal Cuisine with Island Flavor

Marina Cantina’s menu reflects a mix of coastal seafood and Caribbean-inspired favorites designed for relaxed waterfront dining. Offerings include fresh grouper dishes, seafood bowls, tacos, sandwiches, and tropical specialties alongside handcrafted cocktails and frozen drinks ideal for warm Southwest Florida afternoons. Signature items range from lobster mac and cheese and grouper sandwiches to shrimp tacos and seafood entrées that highlight local flavors.
The approachable menu and casual setting make it equally popular for lunch after boating, sunset dinners, or evening gatherings with live music.

A True Dock-and-Dine Destination

Situated within Salty Sam’s Marina, Marina Cantina embodies Southwest Florida’s dock-and-dine lifestyle. Boaters can arrive directly by water, with abundant dock space allowing easy access from Matanzas Pass and nearby Gulf routes. Watching boats come and go while dining is part of the experience, reinforcing the connection between waterfront recreation and everyday island living.

Live Music and Social Energy

Live entertainment plays a central role in the Marina Cantina atmosphere, with regular performances turning the waterfront patio into a social gathering space. The restaurant also hosts private events and large celebrations, supporting groups of up to several hundred guests in a casual marina setting. This lively environment reflects the social rhythm of Fort Myers Beach — relaxed, welcoming, and centered around the water.

The Real Estate Connection: Fort Myers Beach Lifestyle

Restaurants like Marina Cantina often serve as a first introduction to the lifestyle that attracts buyers to Fort Myers Beach. The surrounding area includes marina-front condos, boating-access homes, and neighborhoods offering walkable access to waterfront dining and recreation. Buyers exploring the island frequently discover how daily life revolves around boating, sunset dining, and community gathering places like Salty Sam’s Marina. Experiences here help visitors envision living where waterfront entertainment and dining are part of everyday routine.

A Symbol of Island Resilience

Marina Cantina represents Fort Myers Beach’s ongoing revival — blending historic maritime roots with renewed energy following the island’s rebuilding period. Its mix of history, waterfront views, and social atmosphere reflects the resilience and evolving character of the community.

Planning Your Visit

Marina Cantina Waterfront Tin Tiki
2200 Main Street
Fort Myers Beach, Florida 33931
Phone: (239) 463-3043
Located at Salty Sam’s Marina
Elevated waterfront patio seating
Live music and events scheduled regularly
Tip: Visit near sunset for panoramic bay views and active marina scenery.

Why It Matters to Buyers

Today’s coastal buyers are increasingly drawn to places where lifestyle happens naturally — not just destinations, but communities built around water, gathering, and experience. Marina Cantina showcases what everyday living on Fort Myers Beach can feel like: arriving by boat, dining outdoors, enjoying live music, and watching the sun set over the bay. For many visitors, a meal here becomes the moment Fort Myers Beach shifts from vacation destination to future home.