Island Sunrise: Newly Renovated Bayview Cottage!

Summary:
Island Sunrise is the perfect spot for a family getaway. Leave your car and your cares at the marina. Little Gasparilla Island is only accessible only by water taxi! Our beaches are uncrowded and tourists and traffic are just a mainland memory. If you are looking for a quiet tropical island to relax and unplug, Little Gasparilla is your dream vacation spot. Our "nightlife" consists of giant sea turtles laying their eggs -- our only bar is the sand bar where you can find sand dollars and shells!

The Space:
Please note that Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island accessible only by boat; we provide water taxi information when you book. You cannot drive your vehicle to the island; you park at the marina on the mainland where you catch the water taxi. There are no stores, bars or restaurants on Little Gasparilla which means it has retained much of its "old Florida" ambiance and pristine beauty. For years Little Gasparilla was visited only by locals who would come on weekends to fish, go to the beach and enjoy the privacy, peace and quiet. Now, even though it has been discovered, the lack of commercial establishments means that the island appeals to those who want to get away from crowds, tourists, traffic and technology. And, if you would like to rent a golf cart to explore the island, we may be able to offer one, subject to availability.

Island Sunrise is a newly renovated 3 bedroom 2 bath cottage just steps from the dock, for easy access to the water taxi or your rental boat. The home has a beautiful new kitchen, new flooring, all new bedding, new furniture and a fresh and beachy vibe. The front porch has comfortable chaise lounges for viewing the bay and a table for outdoor dining. You can keep an eye on your boat from the living area as well as watch the sun rise over the bay!

Inside, a spacious newly renovated kitchen and living area has plenty of room for everyone to spread out. There is a large bathroom with tub/shower and a small en-suite bath off the master bedroom. The kitchen is well equipped with all utensils, pots and pans and pantry items.

Downstairs, you will find a comfortable open air deck with an additional dining table, comfortable seating and a comfortable hammock for enjoying the bay breezes. There is also a fire pit for evening bonfires, s'mores and hot dog roasting. The LGI private beach is a short walk down a sandy pathway.

HOUSE DETAILS

Wifi- Not available. You must hotspot from your cellular provider.

Pet Policy - permitted with $100 pet fee (per pet)

Cleaning Fee - minimum $300 cleaning fee

Damage Protection - The $59 charge listed as a "management fee" on your quote covers your purchase of $2500 of “all risk” damage protection coverage on your rental property. This protection is purchased in lieu of a cash damage deposit. Coverage details are spelled out in your contract.

Minimum Renter Age - 25

Boat Slip - included on dock number 33 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off)

Complimentary Concierge - will meet you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home

TV - Satellite

Grill Type - charcoal

Coffee Maker - Drip (filters provided)

Parking - $6/night ($8/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the boat taxi

Holiday surcharges: applied for reservations for Independence Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Christmas/New Years timeframes

INTERNET: Most people just opt to use the mobile hotspots on their smartphones, especially if they have unlimited data or a large data plan. Cell service is excellent and that is the most convenient option. We usually suggest that people download books and movies to their tablets or e-readers BEFORE coming to the island.

Guest Access:
You will have access to the entire cottage as well as 7 miles of beautiful beach. You also have access to a dock slip at dock 33 and the services of our island concierge to help bring groceries and your luggage to the house for you upon arrival.

The Neighborhood:
Little Gasparilla is a remote barrier island with no bridge...therefore the only access is via boat! This means there are no tourists, no crowds, no roads and our beaches are private and the fishing is great! It is a bit harder to get here, but that is what makes it so special! All groceries must be brought to the island with you on the water taxi. We do have a shopping service so you may be able to make arrangements to have groceries purchased and delivered to the dock.

Getting Around:
The only access to the island is via water taxi: Pirate's Water Taxi, Englewood. You must make a reservation at least a week in advance. The water taxi runs roughly 8-5 on demand, and will run early in the morning or after dark but it is much more expensive. If you make your booking at the last minute, contact Capt. Emmett immediately and let him know you are a last minute booking. Water taxi fare to the island is $15 per person each way. (cash only...there is an ATM at the marina.) You park your vehicle at Eldred's Marina at the Boca Grande Causeway. Be sure to pay for parking and display your parking pass in the windshield of your vehicle before boarding the water taxi!

Other Things to Note:
Please evaluate your expectations before booking a stay on Little Gasparilla Island. If you are expecting a polished "resort" atmosphere, Little Gasparilla is decidedly more rustic. During periods of heavy rain or tropical storms, there may be standing water on the roadways, at the dock and around the house. This is a tropical environment with mosquitos, rust, power outages and other minor inconveniences. If you are expecting resort amenities and services, the island might not be for you.

Please note that this home will accommodate 7; however, rates are based on 6 people and there is an additional charge for each guest in excess of 6.

HOLIDAY RATES: Please note that all there will be holiday rates applied to quotes for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Interaction with Guests:
We are based on-island. We value your privacy so we will not bother you or be intrusive, but we can get to the home quickly if you have issues. We have a local handyman that we can send out if there are maintenance issues. Please note, however, that the handyman is subject to the same problems getting to the island that you were. If something breaks after 4 PM chances are almost 100% that it will not be repaired until the following day. This is a remote barrier island and our mantra is "go with the flow".