Jewel of the Sea: Spacious family home, dock access, short walk to the beach!

Summary:
Enjoy laid back island living at Jewel of the Sea. Leave your car and your cares at the marina because Little Gasparilla is accessible only by water taxi! That means 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.

This lovely inland home is only a two minute walk to the beach and offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, and an open floor plan with a wrap around balcony. The master features a king bed with a luxurious en-suite bath, including a shower and a soaking tub. The second and third bedrooms each feature queen beds and an additional bathroom in the hall with tub/shower combination serves those bedrooms.

The home boasts beautiful finishes and features stone floors, granite countertops, custom cabinetry and even offers a view of the Gulf of Mexico. The dining area includes a large dining table and a breakfast bar. The living area also offers a Murphy bed for additional sleeping flexibility. A large fireplace is a focal point in the living area. This island retreat includes access to two docks (Dock 36 and Dock 38). It features a large screened in front porch, perfect for outdoor dining, and a spacious downstairs outdoor shower.

This home offers guests a free kayak or paddle board rental and a $100 voucher for golf cart rental with a stay of one week or more.

HOUSE DETAILS

Wifi-included with no data limitations

Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee per pet. Some breeds may be excluded due to insurance.

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 36 and 38 (The water taxi drop off is at dock 38)

Complimentary concierge- meets you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home

Satellite TV - yes

Grill Type - gas

Coffee maker- drip (filters provided)

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

Golf cart and kayak vouchers- Included with the weekly rentals.

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

INTERNET: There is no wired internet service on the island. 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.

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:
There are no cars on the island. Our island concierge will meet you with a golf cart upon arrival and golf cart rentals are available from LGI carts as well. We provide their contact information (along with other local amenities) in our contract packet upon booking. 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.

Interaction with Guests:
We have an on island guest services manager and there is a grocery delivery option if you need anything during your stay.