Closest airports

• Punta Gorda (PGA) - 28 Miles

• Sarasota-Brandenton International airport (SRQ) - 52 miles

• Southwest Florida international airport (RSW) - 68 miles

• Tampa International airport (TPA) - 100 miles

Driving Directions

From Sarasota/North:

Take I-75 to Exit 191 (River Road). Take River Road South, cross 41 and continue to Winchester. Turn left on Winchester and continue to 776 (McCall Road).  Cross McCall and continue on Winchester to Placida Road (775.)  Turn left on Placida Road and continue to the Boca Grande Causeway.  Turn right on the causeway and Eldred's Marina (where you park and catch the water taxi) is about 1/4 mile on the right.

From Ft. Myers/South:

Take I-75 north to Exit 170 (King's Highway). Exit left to first light, then right on Veteran's Boulevard. Continue several miles on Veteran's to 41. CROSS 41, you are now on 776. Continue on 776, go through the village of El Jobean and cross the Myakka River Bridge, then turn left on 771(Gasparilla Road).  Continue on 771 to the Boca Grande Causeway and turn left.   Eldred's Marina (where you park and catch the water taxi) is a couple hundred yards on your right.  If you come to the Boca Grande toll bridge, you have gone too far!

How do we get from the marina to the island?

Phone number for Pirate's Water Taxi

941-697-5777

There is one water taxi that services the island, Pirate's Water Taxi.  The taxi is available every day during daylight hours but will run later with a reservation. It is best to contact them about two weeks in advance, especially if you need to travel very early, after dark, or on a holiday. Average cost for the water taxi is $15.00 per person (subject to change) each way but be sure to verify this as prices sometimes change depending on the time of day you need to cross.  There is also a minimum trip charge of $20.

*Hideaway Haven, Bay Breezes and Pelican’s Perch have complimentary ferry service. Please note this is a passenger ferry only, not a vehicle ferry.

PLEASE try to arrive before dark!

What is the beach like?

The beach is perfect for swimming.  There are no steep drop-offs when you enter the water from the shore. The bottom is pure white sand and there is usually a sand bar 10-20 yards offshore which keeps the waves to a minimum. The water is usually quite clear.  During storms there may be a rip current, so supervision of small children is always recommended.

Is it Private?

The beach itself is not private, but the difficulty of reaching the island without a boat or water taxi means that there are often very few people on the beach. There are other houses on the island so you do not have complete privacy. Most of our vacation home rentals are centrally located in the island, far from the "crowds" that can occasionally gather on the south end of the island OR at the Don Pedro State Park.  Depending on the time of year you visit, you can sometimes walk for hours on the beach without seeing another person.   Holiday weekends are generally quite busy, since many of the island homes are owned by Florida residents who visit on the weekends.  But, because there is no bridge to the island, traffic and large crowds of  tourists are virtually nonexistent. Even during peak times the beach is still quiet by public beach standards.

How do we get to the beach?

Beach access for all homes is usually via either a boardwalk or a sandy pathway.  There is a beach easement at the end of each of the East-West roads. Even homes located on the Bay or inland have easy access to the beach.  Since the island is only about 100 yards wide in many spots, it is usually not more than a 3-5 minute walk to the beach.

Can you buy groceries on the island?

No. There are no commercial establishments on the island. All groceries need to be purchased on your way to the marina and brought over with you on the water taxi.  We suggest that our guests buy the majority of their groceries just prior to arrival at the marina, to limit the necessity of making additional water taxi trips.  Be sure to ask for a "boat pack" (paper inside plastic) to make groceries easier to handle on the water taxi.  Publix also sells insulated bags which will keep almost everything — except ice cream — nice and cool. (Ice cream does not travel well to the island.) We do have a grocery delivery service that may be able to purchase groceries for you during your stay OR to stock your cottage for you prior to your arrival. 

Where can we rent a boat?

There are several nearby boat rental agencies which will rent hourly, daily or for a week. For quotes, check out their websites:

Do we need a fishing license?

As a rule, if you are fishing from the dock or the beach, Florida residents do not need a license, but out-of-state guests do.  For more specific details on requirements and fees, visit the Florida Fish and Wildlife website.  Please view this webpage for veterans discounts.   As you may know, Boca Grande is known as the Tarpon Capital of the World.  During the warmer months, from April until almost August, the "silver king" offers fishermen one of the greatest thrills - and challenges - possible.  If you are interested in tarpon fishing, contact the Boca Grande Fishing Guides and have them match you with a captain who can best meet your needs, skill level, etc.  Their e-mail address is info@bocagrandefishing.com

Can we rent a golf cart ?

There are golf carts available to rent on LGI. It is best to make a reservation well in advance, especially if you will be on the island during a holiday. Carts are available for rental through LGI Carts at 941-697-3820. Please note they are a separate company and we have no control over their supply of carts or the condition of their carts. Golf carts often sell out early, and the cart shop is slow to return phone calls so be persistent. Please note if carts are sold out that golf carts are not really necessary. You can walk from the bay to the beach in less than 5 minutes. You can also schedule an island cart tour from the island concierge. We provide contacts for golf cart rentals (along with other local amenities) upon booking.

Where can we get fresh fish?

There is an excellent fish market in Gulf Cove just a few minutes from Publix called Placida Fish Market.  Twin Lobsters on Placida Road is another nearby fish market.

What do we need to bring with us?

Please try to pack light!  

Guests ALWAYS bring too many clothes to the island!  During the summer months, flip flops, a few T-shirts, a couple pairs of shorts, a couple swimsuits, a hat and a cover up should be sufficient. If you like to jog on the beach, bring your running shoes.  And if you are coming in the winter, add some long pants or sweat pants and a sweat shirt or lightweight rain jacket.  Almost all restaurants in the area (none on the island) are casual so you won't need "good" clothes unless you plan to dine in Boca Grande.  (A couple places there actually require jackets!)  Be sure to bring any prescription medications you might need as well as over-the-counter medications and sunscreen because there are no drug stores on the island. Bug spray is also helpful.  It can also be helpful to bring allergy medication, children's Tylenol, fever reducer, etc.  If you are sensitive to sand gnats (also known as midges or noseeums) Avon Skin-So-Soft is an excellent repellant. Most homes have beach chairs and umbrellas from previous renters. Our guest services manager also keeps extras for sale in case you need more during your stay.

What is there to do?

Will my kids get bored?

There are numerous outdoor activities to satisfy the most energetic guest.

FISHING

There is excellent fishing from the dock or the beach; nearby Placida and Boca Grande offer numerous charters for deep-sea fishing, tarpon fishing or flats fishing.

WATER ACTIVITIES

On island kayak and paddle board rentals are available from William Myers at 941.402.5093.

You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards from the mainland through SUP Englewood : (941) 26-KAYAK

Enjoy shelling trips or luncheon trips to Cabbage Key from local guides.  There is snorkeling and swimming, plus wind-surfing, boogie boarding or tubing. 

GOLF

There is golf on the mainland with several courses to choose from.

SHELLING

The island is also known for its many shell varieties and large number of shark's teeth, and many people walk the beach every day to add to their shell collections.

GOLF CART RIDES

You can also explore the island on a golf cart (rentals available on the island)

Does the beach ever become unsafe for swimming?

What happens if there is a hurricane?

The beach on Little Gasparilla Island is generally considered to be a calm, family-friendly beach year-round. There are very rare periods of larger waves or higher winds but even during storms, the surf is generally quite mild.  There are no lifeguards on Little Gasparilla so little ones will always need supervision on the beach.

Hurricanes simply cannot be predicted. Hurricane Ian hit many of the islands of Southwest Florida and depending on where you were, significant damage occurred due to high winds and storm surge. In the event of a mandatory evacuation, you may be asked by authorities to leave the island. Keep in mind that most houses sit 8-15 feet above the dunes so storm surge is a minimal threat but depends on the path of the hurricane. During tropical storms or heavy rains, island pathways often become flooded, limiting golf cart traffic, and you may have to walk back to the dock through ankle-deep water. These large puddles usually dissipate quickly though.

We do not provide refunds for inclement weather events (including red tide) unless there is a mandatory evacuation of the island. Any rescheduling requests are subject to owner approval and a $200 fee, but most owners will waive the fee if there is an impending major weather event.

How do we get in the house?

We provide a contactless check in. You must contact our on island guest services manager 24-48 hours before check in to provide your ETA and get home access information. Please note you can not come to the island until check in time (4 PM). There are no public facilities or storage areas for your groceries. You will not have access to the dock or home until check in time.

How do we get from the dock to the house?

If you call our complimentary concierge and let him know your water taxi time, he will meet you at the dock and help transport luggage and groceries to the house for you. (Please note this service is not available at homes with private docks.)  Generally, it is not necessary to lock the house during your stay. The island is very safe.

The island is only about 100-200 yards wide in most spots....so even if you choose not to use the concierge service, it is never more than a 3-5 minute walk from the dock to the beach.  We do recommend you call him just to make sure you find the right house!

WiFi

Please see our Island WiFi page for more details.

Do you allow dogs?

Can we smoke?

Yes.  Little Gasparilla Island is very dog friendly. Dogs are welcome on the water taxi. There are often many dogs on the beach swimming, chasing birds, digging in the sand and chasing frisbees. Dogs must be under owner supervision at all time and may not disturb sea turtle nests. Aggressive dogs must be restrained at all times. We also request that any pets staying at our rentals must be on preventative flea control, and that you properly dispose of pet waste on the beach or around the outside of the house. No pets are permitted on furniture or beds. All of our pet friendly vacation rental owners charge a $100 non-refundable pet fee (per pet) to help cover additional cleaning costs for furry friends. This fee does apply to support animals, but we do not charge for certified service animals. Most of our cottages are pet friendly, but please be sure to confirm before you bring a pet because some cottages do not allow pets and in all cases we MUST be notified in advance before you bring a pet. The following breeds are NOT permitted due to homeowner insurance restrictions: Akita, American Bull Dog, Beaucerons, Caucasian Mountain Dog, Chow Chow, Doberman Pinchers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Keeshounds, Pit Bull, Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canarios or Rottweilers.

We do not permit smoking at any of our properties. You may only smoke outdoors, on the dock or at the beach. Any evidence of smoking on the property (including decks and porches) may result in eviction and/or additional cleaning fees. Please be respectful of island neighbors if you choose to smoke on the beach and under no circumstances should butts be disposed of on the beach.

Are linens included?

Do you provide a beach chair and umbrella?

Yes, all linens are provided, including beach towels.

There are usually beach chairs at most properties, but they get very heavy use and are often rusty. There may be a beach umbrella but these too get very heavy use. You can contact our guest services manager prior to arrival to ascertain if you need to bring your own beach chairs. Our guest services manager also keeps extras on hand if you would like to purchase more during your stay.

Is the kitchen fully stocked?

What will be provided during our stay?

appliances

All kitchens include refrigerator, electric range, microwave, coffee maker, and blender. If you have questions about specific amenities at the individual homes, you may contact our Guest Services Manager Terry at 813-310-0902 to ask about crock pots, waffle irons, etc.

Dishes

All basic kitchen utensils, silverware, and dishes are provided. You will also find all necessary cookware and bake-ware.

WASHERS AND DRYERS

Each and every house has a washer and a dryer.

GRILLS

Each house has a grill for cooking outdoors. Most grills are charcoal. Please check the individual listing for your grill type.

OUTDOOR SHOWERS

Many houses have an outdoor, after-swim shower for rinsing off salt water and sand. However, most are downstairs under the homes and few offer complete privacy.

Paper goods

Most homes offer a varied selection of pantry items such as saran wrap, aluminum foil, paper towels, napkins, coffee filters, etc.  We provide a starter pack of paper towels and toilet paper, as well as hand soap, dish detergent and laundry detergent. Please note this is a starter pack only; if you have a large group or anticipate heavy usage, you may still need to bring toilet paper!

PANTRY

The house cleaners have been instructed to leave condiments in the refrigerator during the months of high usage.  Some people like to have pickles, mustard, ketchup and other condiments left for them.  (If you are offended by an opened jar of pickles or mustard,  please feel free to throw it away.)  Since there are no grocery stores on the island, sometimes it is helpful to have additional supplies in the house.   Think of it as staying at a friend's home and having access to their refrigerator and pantry.  If there is something you absolutely cannot do without, you should plan to bring it with you.  Otherwise, you are welcome to use whatever is available in the house.

What happens if something breaks or there are other problems that need attention during our stay?

Our Guest Services Manager lives on the island.  We will do our best to get problems taken care of as quickly as possible. But, due to the nature of island living, instant repairs are not always possible.  AC repairmen, electricians, etc. have to come over on the water taxi just like everyone else.   Please notify us sooner rather than later if you notice AC or appliance issues. Any calls after 5 PM cannot be dealt with until the following day. Please be aware that during summer thunderstorms or periods of high winds, it is not unusual to lose power on the entire island for a few hours.  So be forewarned that repairs ALWAYS take longer on the island!  A "go with the flow" mentality is essential to deal with repairs on the island.

We kindly ask that you let us know right away if there is any accidental damage to the property during your stay.

Are your rental homes handicap accessible?

Unfortunately, due to building restrictions on the island, all newer homes are built on pilings, with at least one flight of steps up to the house, and the homes do not have elevators.  Our concierge is available to help carry groceries and luggage up the steps for our guests, so those with limited mobility may be able to enjoy the island, but our homes are not wheelchair-accessible.  We have a few cottages with fewer steps that are closer to the ground, so if access is an issue, please let us know and we will recommend cottages that are easiest to access.

What happens if there is an emergency?

There is 911 service on Little Gasparilla Island, and there are actually first responders, a fire department, and paramedics on the island 24/7.  There is a non-emergency number on the island that you can also call if you have non-emergency questions about allergies, rashes, bee stings, and other minor issues while on the island.  There is a walk-in clinic and a hospital nearby in Englewood, just 10 minutes from the marina, and if there is a serious emergency, they will arrange evacuation from the island.

Do we need to bring drinking water?

No. The island water is safe and drinkable.  All of our homes are now connected to municipal water. You do not need to bring drinking water to the island with you. Bottled water creates unnecessary waste and add to the trash on the island. If you are fussy about the taste, bring a Brita water pitcher with you.