The Marina at Bonita Fish Company: Now Open on San Carlos Island

As of April 1, 2026, The Marina at Bonita Fish Company is officially accepting reservations, marking a new chapter for the Fisherman’s Wharf area of Fort Myers Beach. Developed by the HM Restaurant Group—the team behind island staples like Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille and Dixie Fish Co.—this 30-slip marina is designed to be a premier destination for both local day-boaters and long-term tenants.

Located at the base of the Matanzas Pass Bridge, the marina provides a “boat-in, dine-out” experience that perfectly complements the “Old Florida” charm of the newly opened Bonita Fish Company restaurant.

Vessel Accommodations and Gulf Access

The facility is one of the few deep-water marinas in the immediate area capable of handling significant vessel sizes, making it a high-demand hub for the Southwest Florida boating community.

Large Vessel Capacity: The marina features reinforced docks that can accommodate vessels up to 100 feet in length.
Direct Gulf Access: Located on San Carlos Island, boaters have a straight shot through Matanzas Pass to the open waters of the Gulf, bypassing restricted channels or low-clearance bridges.
Versatile Slip Options: Slips are available for long-term leases, short-term rentals, and dedicated day-docking for restaurant patrons.

HM Restaurant Group’s Fisherman’s Wharf Transformation

The opening of the marina is the final piece of a broader vision by HM Restaurant Group partners Marty Harrity, Mark Marinello, and Joe Harrity. By managing three contiguous waterfront properties—Bonita Fish Company, Dixie Fish Co., and Doc Ford’s—the group has effectively created a unified “wharf experience” where visitors can transition seamlessly from their boats to world-class dining.

“The Marina at Bonita Fish Company adds to the character of the wharf and introduces a dynamic component to the ambiance we envision for this lively area,” said Joe Harrity.

Booking and Logistics

The marina began accepting rental reservations on Wednesday, April 1. While the docks currently offer full water hookups, the facility is undergoing a phased utility rollout to ensure peak performance.

Current Utilities: Every slip is equipped with freshwater hookups.
Upcoming Power: Marine-grade power pedestals are scheduled for installation in Summer 2026.
Restrictions: To maintain the environment of the commercial wharf and restaurant district, the marina does not accept liveaboards.
How to Book: Boaters can secure their slips via the Dockwa app or by visiting bonitafishco.com/marina.

Why This Matters for San Carlos Island

Since the 2022 storm season, the availability of deep-water dockage on San Carlos Island has been a primary concern for local maritime industries and recreational boaters alike. The addition of 30 slips capable of handling 100-foot vessels significantly boosts the local “blue economy” and increases the property value of the surrounding Fisherman’s Wharf district.