Below are some questions, which will help you decide if ‘Island Life’ is for you.
Getting to Little Gasparilla Island
LGI is located approximately 1 hour south of Sarasota and 1.5 hours north of Ft. Myers. You can fly into Sarasota (SRQ) Ft Myers (RSW) Punta Gorda (PGD) or Tampa (TPA).
If you opt not to rent a car, we can offer several excellent suggestions for car services to and from each airport.
If you drive, you will park at Eldred’s Marina where you will catch the Pirate’s Water Taxi, which will bring you to the Island. 941-697-5777.
The Marina is located at 6301 Boca Grande Causeway, Placida. 941-697-1431
(The town ‘may’ come up as Rotunda West on GPS)
Parking is 8.00/day. You will prepay for the week(s) and get a pass to put on your windshield before boarding the water taxi.
To reserve the water taxi, you can call as early as 1-2 months ahead of time, (especially if it is a holiday week) to reserve your spot as the Captain can only accommodate 6 at one time. The water taxi ‘day rates’ run from 8:30 AM-5 PM, 7 days per week, 365 days a year. Rates will go up before and after normal business hours and the Captain will do his best to accommodate your schedule. The one way rate for 1-2 people is $25 and $15 for each additional person in your party.
Cash only – ATM available at Eldreds Marina.
Once we arrive at the Dock, then what?
We offer a complimentary greeter service to meet you upon your arrival at Dock 21.
You will need to make arrangements with Bret about a week prior to your arrival date and again as you are leaving the Marina. Bret will meet you at the dock and bring you, your luggage and groceries to the cottage. (Additional information upon booking).
The cottage has a large Rubbermaid cart, which you may use to bring your personal items from the dock. Cottage is only a 3-4 minute walk to the dock.
Do we allow dogs?
Yes, we allow ONE well behaved, fully vaccinated dog. Pups are required to be on Flea and tick control. No aggressive or extra large breeds allowed. There is a $100.00 non-taxable fee.
We will send our Pet Etiquette and Island Guidelines to you.
Turtle nesting season is May – October and all dogs must on on leashes during that time, no exceptions.
What is supplied at the cottage?
We supply most everything you would need for your Island vacation.
This includes linens, towels, (beach and bath), kitchen, bath and laundry soap, sponges, paper products, some pantry items, spices, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, and a large Weber charcoal grill. (We do not supply charcoal or fishing rods)
The cottage has a well stocked kitchen including a blender, many pots and pans, knives, serving utensils, fish poacher, crock pot, full size stove/oven, large refrigerator, large microwave, baking pans, etc. There are 2 drip coffee makers with filters, a coffee grinder and a French Press. (No Keurig)
What about bad weather or a hurricane?
In the event of a named hurricane where a mandatory evacuationis required, we will pro-rate the days you’re not at the cottage and refund the difference. We do not not offer refunds for poor weather or light to moderate red tide.
Where do I buy groceries?
There is a Publix grocery store close to Eldred’s Marina. There is a Winn-Dixie and Walmart in nearby Englewood. If driving, we suggest you bring a cooler.
LGI has an Island grocery delivery service where they will pick up your online, prepaid order and bring to the cottage.
This has been very popular with our guests as it takes away the hassle of grocery shopping prior to your arrival.
(Additional information upon booking).
Golf Cart Rentals?
A golf cart is not necessary as you can access the entire island on foot however if you’d like to rent one for a few days or a week you can contact Natalie at 216-645-2299 or LGI Golf Carts. Deric: 941-697-3820
Both Natalie and LGI Golf Carts have a very limited supply. Call early to book a cart.
Boats Rentals?
Gasparilla Marina offers boar rentals:
Gasparillamarina.com
Stand up Paddleboards and Kayak rentals?
Kayak rentals are available with an island resident who lives close to the cottage.
(Additional information upon booking)
What if there is a health emergency when we are visiting?
We have an excellent support team on LGI and there is a 24/7 Fire Department. In the event of an emergency, call 911. Chief Bill Underhill runs our fire department and he is an EMT/paramedic and on the island at all times.
In case of an extreme emergency, a helicopter can be quickly dispatched from the mainland and come to the island and take you to the nearest hospital.
We love to fish, do we need a license?
LGI is the epicenter of the state’s best inshore and offshore fishing. Tarpon, snook, redfish, shark, grouper, snapper, and whiting, just to name a few.
Enjoy great fishing from the dock or right on the Gulf.
Florida residents do not need a license. If you are from out of state, check the Florida fish and wildlife website for the latest rules and regulations at: www.myfwc.com
We can recommend several excellent fishing excursions.
Heavens forbid something goes wrong at the cottage, what then?
In the event something goes wrong, call or text us immediately and we will contact our on-island caretaker who will do their best to accommodate the situation as quickly as possible.
If a neighbor is there, they can be very helpful. We have a Grande Aire service contract for our appliances and AC should anything go wrong M-F.
I tend to over-pack, what do I need?
During the cooler months, pack a light jacket or sweater however always pack light as the cottage has a large washer and dryer.
All you need is your bathing suit, flip-flops, sneakers for long walks, a few pairs of shorts, T-shirts, sunglasses hat and sun lotion. We recommend sand shoes to protect feet as some days the shells are so plentiful and makes walking along the shore a bit easier.
No need to lug heavy bottles of water to the island as our drinking water is excellent.
I love the idea of an Island vacation but what if I want to go off the island to eat, shop or explore for the day?
Call the Water Taxi to see what their availability is for the day you would like to go off and explore. Gasparilla Island where the charming village of Boca Grande is located has upscale shops, restaurants, and a State park with a historic lighthouse museum. Turn right out of the Marina and go through the toll booth and you will be on Gasparilla Island. Consider renting a golf cart or bike for the day which will allow you to explore Gasparilla Island easily.
There is an excellent Farmer’s Market on Thursdays on Dearborn Street in Old Englewood.
Cancellation Policy?
We hope you will not have to cancel your little Gasparilla Island Beach vacation but in the event that you do, our policy is as follows:
Guests who cancel at least 36 days prior to check-in will receive a 100% refund less a $100 administration/cancellation fee. If cancellation occurs between 35 and 16 days prior to check in, you will receive a 50% refund. 15 days or under, there will be no refund.
We accept personal or bank check, Venmo or PayPal.
Reviews?
If you’d like to read our many reviews (Of which we have been very humbled by), please click on this secure link which will bring you to our VRBO listing.