Below are some questions, which will help you decide if ‘Island Life’ is for you.
Getting to Little Gasparilla Island
LGI is located approximately 1.5 hours south of Sarasota and 1.5 hours north of Ft. Myers. You can fly into Sarasota, (SRQ) Ft Myers (RSW) and Punta Gorda (PGD). There are limo services from each airport if you opt not to rent a car. To get to the Island, you will need to 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, call as early as one month ahead of time to reserve your spot on the boat as he only carries 6 at a time. Captain Emmett runs from 8-5PM, 7 days per week, 365 days a year. Try to schedule your arrival between 8- 5PM as his rates go up considerably before and after his normal business hours. Rates: 25.00 minimum (1 or two people) with an additional $15.00 per person each way for any additional people in your party. CASH ONLY. He will supply a receipt if requested.
Once we arrive at the Dock, then what?
We offer a “complimentary” concierge/greeter to meet you upon arrival but you will need to make arrangements with Bret at least a week prior to your arrival date so he can put you on his pick-up list. Bret will meet you at the dock and bring you, your luggage (Pack light!) and groceries to the cottage. If you like, he will pick you up on check out day. Bret can be reached at 941-223-4548. We pay for one trip from the dock to the cottage. If an additional trip is required, we ask that you tip Bret accordingly. The cottage has a large Rubbermaid cart, which you may use to bring additional items from the dock. Cottage is just a 3-4 minute walk to/from the dock.
Do we allow dogs?
Yes, we allow a well behaved, fully vaccinated dog, which is also on flea and tick control. We charge 100.00 (non taxable) that is added to your rental fee. LGI is pet friendly with some easy rules, which are in our Pet Etiquette Guidelines that I will send you upon booking. During May – October dogs MUST be on leases as it is turtle hatching season.
What is supplied at the cottage?
We supply most everything you would need for your island vacation. This includes, linens, (2 sets per bed) towels, (including some dog towels), bath, kitchen and laundry soap, sponges, paper products, many pantry items, spices, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, fishing poles, beach towels, etc. Our caretaker/cleaners will leave condiments from past guests and you will find this helpful because there are no stores on the island and you might just have a hankering for hot sauce one night and chances are it will be at the cottage! We have a blender, many pots and pans, knives, all utensils, a fish poacher, crock pot, full oven, large refrigerator, large microwave, baking pans. There is a drip coffee maker with filters, coffee grinder and a French Press. We have 2 charcoal grills (Not propane) and many times there is charcoal left from previous guests, which you are welcome to use. There is a Chiminea, which is fun for roasting marshmallows and enjoying a fire at night. There is an outdoor rinse off shower for you and Fido to keep sand at a minimum inside the cottage.
What about bad weather or a hurricane?
In the rare event of a “named hurricane” and a mandatory evacuation, we will prorate your rental and refund the difference. Unfortunately we cannot control the weather and there are no refunds offered if the weather isn’t perfect.
Where do I buy groceries?
There is a Publix grocery store near Eldred’s Marina (Winn-Dixie and Walmart at 15 minutes away.) If possible, bring a cooler as this will help protect your groceries before you get to the cottage. If driving, we suggest you bring a cooler. Island Delivery Service is also being offered – you can call Evan at 941-830-1346 for more information.
Golf Cart Rentals
While not necessary, You can rent a cart from the LGI Golf Carts (on the island) Their # is 941-697-3820
Boats Rentals
Gasparilla Marina
Gasparillamarina.com
800-541-4441
Other boat rental and fishing charters available. Contact owner for additional information.
What if there is a health or a cottage problem when we are there?
We have a very good support team on the island for Peacock Lane Cottage and there is a 24/7 Fire Department, EMT/Paramedic on the Island (AT ALL TIMES) in case of emergency. In case of a life or death situation, there is helicopter accessibility, which will land and bring you or your loved one to the ER quickly.
We love to fish, do we need a license and where can we catch our dinner?
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 Wild Life website to be sure. Should you like to go out on a fishing excursion, we can give you the names of several tours.
Heavens forbid something goes wrong at the cottage, what then?
The first thing you want to do is call or text us and we will contact our caretakers who will do their very best to accommodate you as quickly as possible. We have a Grande Aire service contract for all our appliances and AC should anything go wrong with them. We have pest inspections and treatments done 4x per year. We understand that a glass, plate, etc. can break and do not expect you to replace it, we only ask that you let us know so we can replace it.
I tend to over-pack, what do I need?
During the cooler months, you should bring a light jacket/sweater, however, pack light!! All you need are your bathing suits, flip-flops, sneakers (for long walks along the packed sand), and a few pairs of shorts and light shirts, sunglasses and sun lotion. There is a washer/dryer so you do not need to bring much at all!
I love the idea of an Island Vacation but what if I want to go out to eat or shop?
Enjoy the charming village of Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island where there are upscale shops, restaurants, beautiful beaches and a state park with a historic lighthouse. You can also enjoy the towns such as Port Charlotte, Englewood and Venice that are also close by. For more information feel free to contact us at: laura@visitlittlegasparillaisland.com