Little Gasparilla Island Info
Welcome to Old Florida!
It all starts here, at Eldred’s Marina, the “lifeline” from Little Gasparilla Island to the mainland.
Eldred’s is located at 6301 Boca Grande Causeway, Rotondo W, FL 33947.
Park and launch your boat here, or jump aboard Pirate’s Water Taxi for a 10 minute ride to our dock at Blue Pearl.
There are two features of Little Gasparilla Island that make it most unique…
- There is no bridge to and from the island. All access is either by private boat or water taxi.
- There are no roads, and therefore no cars, on the island, only a sandy cart path which allows you to traverse and explore the island by golf cart. The absence of street lights enhances the starry night sky which shines bright over LGI.
Little Gasparilla Island is a 7 mile tropical barrier island in southwest Florida, just north of Gasparilla Island (aka Boca Grand). The two islands are separated by Gasparilla Pass, an inlet southwest of the town of Placida, Florida. Gasparilla Pass connects Placida Harbor with the Gulf of Mexico.
Little Gasparilla Island is located about halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Florida.
Anywhere on the island you’d like to go is a short walk, bike ride, or golf cart trip away.
Located at the north end of Little Gasparilla Island is the beautiful Don Pedro State Park, a short walk from Blue Pearl.
The fishing inshore and offshore is incredible, and with our direct dock access to the bay, your ability to get on and off the water with ease will ensure an abundant catch of snook, redfish, and tarpon.
History of Little Gasparilla Island
There is a wonderful book on the history of Little Gasparilla Island written by Sue Paskert. It includes stories told by residents of the island and portraits of the island’s beauty.
This book is filled with stories that will transport you back to the wonderful old days in Southwest Florida and give you a glimpse of how it was back then.
What is Little Gasparilla Island
Other books we can recommend are…
The Treasures of Little Gasparilla Island
Little Gasparilla Island Revisted: Paradise on a Barrier Island
Island FAQ
Are the beaches private?
The beach is privately owned to the mean high water mark by individual beachfront property owners. It has been generously shared with all residents and guests of LGI for generations. The water is usually very clear, with a pure white sand bottom, and there’s no steep drop-offs when you enter the water. It is absolutely perfect for swimming or wading, and you will often find a sand bar about 15 or 20 yards from the shore.
From December to April, the beach is very active with visitors. Come fall, you will find very few people on the beach.
Can we buy groceries on Little Gasparilla Island?
There are no commercial businesses on the island. You can purchase your groceries on the mainland and bring them over via water taxi or your boat. The closest grocery stores are Publix at Cape Haze or Englewood or Gasparilla Marina for incidentals.
If you are interested in fresh local fish (and don’t want to try to catch them yourself), you can go to the Placida Fish Market or Twin Lobsters Market. Both are just a few minutes from Publix.
Where do we park our car?
If you are launching your boat or boarding the water taxi, park at Eldred’s Marina at 6301 Boca Grande Causeway, Rotondo W, FL. 33947. Parking is $6.00 a day. (Cash or Check only) ATM onsite. Pay, park, put your parking pass on the dashboard of your vehicle, and your off!
If you arrive at the marina after hours, you can still park there. Simply call the following day at 941-697-1431 and make arrangements for payment. (Cash or Check only, ATM on site)
Where do we catch a water taxi or rent a boat?
We have that information here for you on our Transportation page.
Do we need a fishing license?
If you are a Florida resident, and if you are fishing from the dock or the beach, you will not need a fishing license.
If you are from out-of-state, then you will need to get a license. You can do that by going to the Florida Fish and Wildlife website.
Can we rent kayaks or paddle boards on Little Gasparilla Island?
Blue Pearl has three kayaks for guest use. Paddle boards can be rented from Hooked On Sup. They will deliver them to you with a 2-day minimum rentals.
Can we rent golf carts on Little Gasparilla Island?
Although there are no cars on the island, you can certainly get around with a golf cart. They can be rented from Little Gasparilla Island Carts. You may call them at 941-697-3820.
If your question wasn’t answered here – email the property manager Don McCandless or call us at 941-815-9229. We’re more than happy to answer any of your questions about our beautiful island.