Summary:
Come enjoy the serenity of Seahorse Hideaway! Leave your car and your cares at the marina because Little Gasparilla is 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.
The Sea Horse Hideaway is a lovingly cared for home that has been in the same family since it was built in the 70s. Enjoy the home that features 2 bedrooms, one with a king bed and the other with two twins. One of the nicest features is a comfortable screened porch that extends the full width of the home, allowing you to dine on the porch, watch the neighbors go by on their golf carts and enjoy the nightly sunset procession to the beach!
The home is a one-minute walk from the dock (Dock 26) and about a two-minute walk from the beach, so you are close to your boat (if you choose to bring one) and the beautiful pristine beaches of Little Gasparilla.
The kitchen is well-stocked with all appliances and pots and pans and everything you need for your stay, be it a long weekend or a full month. The home also has a flatscreen TV, and is stocked with beach chairs, beach towels, an umbrella, a washer and dryer and a brand new grill.
Wifi- not available. You must hotspot from your cellular provider (cell reception is good)
Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee (per pet). Some breeds may be excluded due to insurance restrictions.
Minimum Renter Age - 25
Boat Slip - included on dock 26 (this is also where the water taxi drops you off)
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.
Complimentary Concierge- will meet you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home
Satellite TV - yes
Grill Type - charcoal
Coffee- drip (filters provided)
Parking - $8/night ($10/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the boat taxi
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 have the entire house to yourselves PLUS access to Florida's most beautiful beach! You also have access to a dock slip if you wish to rent a kayak or a boat.
The Neighborhood:
Please note that Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island with no bridge. You cannot drive to the island. All access is via water taxi. There are no stores or restaurants on the island. This remoteness is part of what makes the island so unique, but keep in mind that access is not a simple matter of driving to the island and parking your car...you drive to a marina on the mainland, park your car, catch the water taxi with all your luggage and groceries, and the taxi drops you at our dock, where our concierge can meet you with his golf cart. It requires a bit of an adventurous spirit!
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.
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.
PLEASE NOTE: We do require that two members of each group must be over 25 years of age. We apologize, but we can NOT rent to college groups as a courtesy to the homeowners and our island neighbors. Guests will be evicted if found not to meet age requirements upon check in. Additionally, we can not exceed capacity in island homes due to the fragile septic systems.
Interaction with Guests:
We have a home on the island, and another home on the mainland 10 minutes away. 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. Our housekeeper lives on the island 10 minutes away and 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".
