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, call as early as 1-2 months ahead of time (Especially if a holiday week) to reserve your spot on the boat as they only carry 6 at a time. Captain Emmett runs from 8-5 PM, 7 days per week, 365 days a year.
Day rates are between 8- 5 PM. Rates go up considerably before and after his normal business hours.
One way for 2 people is 30.00. CASH ONLY. 15.00 for each additional person. There is no charge for pets.
Once we arrive at the Dock, then what?
We offer a complimentary greeter service to meet you upon arrival at Dock 21.
You will need to make arrangements with Bret at 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. Bret can be reached at 941-223-4548. (Calls only)
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 ONE well behaved, fully vaccinated dog. Flea and tick control required. We charge a 100.00 non-taxable fee which is added to your rental fee.
LGI is pet friendly with some easy rules. I will send our Pet Etiquette Guidelines 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 of 100% cotton sheets per bed) towels, (beach and bath) including some dog towels (In laundry room tote) kitchen, bath and laundry soap, sponges, paper products, many pantry items, spices, beach umbrellas, beach chairs, pumps to blow up floats, etc. We do not supply fishing rods.
Our turnover crew will leave condiments from past guests which you may find helpful as there are no stores on the island.
Cottage has 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)
We supply a large Weber charcoal grill.
Many times there is charcoal left from previous guests which you are welcome to use however always best to bring your own.
There is a Chiminea, which is fun for roasting marshmallows and enjoying a fire at night.
What about bad weather or a hurricane?
In the event of a named hurricane and a mandatory evacuation is required (or strongly suggested) we will prorate the days lost and refund the difference within two weeks.
We do not offer a refund for poor weather, or light to moderate red tide.
Where do I buy groceries?
There are 2 Publix grocery stores, a Winn-Dixie and a Wal-Mart close to Eldred’s Marina. If you are driving, we strongly suggest you bring insulated bags and a cooler as it will help protect your groceries as it could be an hour or longer before you get to the cottage.
We have a wonderful grocery delivery service with Evan Merritt who will pick up your online order from either the Cape Haze Publix or the Englewood Walmart and bring it to the cottage for your arrival. Reasonable rates.
More information up on booking.
Evan Merritt offers a grocery delivery service. He will pick up your online, paid order and bring it right to the cottage for your arrival. His rates are very reasonable.
(More info upon booking)
Evan: 941-830-1346
Golf Cart Rentals
You do not need a golf cart to enjoy Little Gasparilla Island as everything is accessible by foot however if you would like to rent one for a few days or a full week contact Deric at LGI Golf Carts. (call or text)
941-697-3820.
Reserve immediately upon booking as he has very limited inventory.
Boats Rentals
Gasparilla Marina
Gasparillamarina.com
Stand up Paddleboards and kayak rentals
Kayak Rentals can be set up with William (Island resident) at 941-402-5093
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, EMT/Paramedic on the Island at all times. In case of an extreme situation, there is helicopter landing pad and bring you or your loved one to the ER quickly.
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?
The first thing is call or text us immediately and we will contact our caretakers who will do their very 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 all our appliances and AC should anything go wrong. They will respond quite quickly.
I tend to over-pack, what do I need?
During the cooler months pack a light jacket or sweater however always pack light as we have 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 for availability ahead of time.
Once you get to the marina take a right and go through the toll booth (6.00) to beautiful Gasparilla Island and enjoy the charming village of Boca Grande where you can enjoy lunch, browse shops, visit the lighthouse and museum, the Johann Fust community Library and gardens or enjoy the beaches.
Consider renting a golf cart or a bike for the day which will allow you to explore the island easily.
Cancellation Policy
We hope you will not have to cancel your Little Gasparilla Island beach vacation but in the event you do, we offer a fairly lenient cancellation policy.
If you are visiting for one week, we require a 31 day notice prior to your check-in date to receive a 100% refund.
If Cancellation occurs between 30–16 days, a 50% refund will be issued. 15 days or under, there will be no refund.
Should you be visiting for two weeks, we require a 40 day notice for a full refund.
If cancellation occurs between 39 and 16 days, a 50% refund will be issued.
15 days are under, there will be no refund.
We accept personal or bank check, Venmo or PayPal.
For more information feel free to contact us at: peacocklanecottage@hotmail.com
518-573-7838