Summary:
Surf's up is located on a BRIDGELESS barrier island. This striking gulf-front home overlooks the beach and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The home has paddle boards, a modern kitchen, a spacious screened porch and stunning sunset views. This is a perfect family vacation home just steps from the beautiful beaches of Little Gasparilla.
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.
Surf's Up features a stunning master suite with a king bed and jetted tub, two additional bedrooms upstairs and a private downstairs guest room with a queen and bunk beds perfect for teenagers who want some extra privacy. The downstairs suite has a window AC unit and also has a spare refrigerator and half bath. The third sleeping area upstairs features a pull-down Murphy bed and the closet in that room houses the laundry pair. (This small room also has a door to the outside so might not be appropriate for small children.)
There are no stores or restaurants on the island. It requires a bit of an adventurous spirit but that is part of what makes the island so magic!
*Extra occupants- Rates are based upon 6 guests. An extra occupant fee for over 6 guests will be applied to the reservation. Groups larger than 6 will be permitted only if the home is being rented by a single family and manager pre-approval is required. Please be aware that occupant restrictions will include all children.
Wifi: complimentary with no data limitations.
Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee (per pet) Some breeds may be excluded due to insurance restrictions.
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 44 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off)
Complimentary Concierge- will meet you on the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home
Satellite TV - yes
Grill Type - charcoal
Coffee maker- drip (filters provided) and Keurig
Parking - $8/night ($10/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the water taxi
The Neighborhood:
The island is only accessible by boat. You must park at the marina and take the water taxi to the island. A complimentary dock slip is also included if you would like to rent a boat during your stay.
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.
There are no stores or restaurants on the island. It requires a bit of an adventurous spirit but that is part of what makes the island so magic! We do have an on island guest services manager and grocery service available if you need anything during your stay.
Parking- You can NOT DRIVE TO THE ISLAND. You park your car at the marina for $8 per day ($10 with a boat trailer).
Interaction with Guests:
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 guest services manager 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".
