About The Island

General Island Information

Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico located between Sarasota and Fort Myers on the west coast of Florida.  It was, at one time, 3 separate islands:  Knight Island (the northern section bordered to the north by Stump Pass), Don Pedro Island (the middle section which is home to Don Pedro State Park), and Little Gasparilla Island, the southern section of the island.  The passes closed in the 1960s, and the islands became one.

Little Gasparilla Island offers about 7 miles of beautiful, clean, quiet, uncrowded beaches with variations in width. The part typically referred to as “Little Gasparilla Island” is about 2.75 miles long.
It is a wonderful place for walking, jogging, sunbathing, shelling, snorkeling, and enjoying the water.  Along with the many, varied shells, petrified sharks’ teeth wash up for beachcombers to collect.  The water is usually clear which makes snorkeling and fishing more enjoyable.
There are about 400 single family homes and about 130 individual condo units on the island. The condo units are all located at the south end of the island.

There are no stores, restaurants, or other businesses on the island except for a golf cart rental/repair shop.  All provisions need to be brought out with you.

Walking and golf carts are the modes of transportation.  If you are interested in renting a golf cart, we recommend reserving one as early as possible, since they are limited in number. You may contact Lowell McElroy directly at 941-815-7554 to reserve your golf cart. He will deliver it to your door or dock.

Little Gasparilla Island can only be accessed by boat.  There are no bridges or paved roads; visitors may bring a boat or hire the water taxi.  The twisting trails on the island add to its charm and appeal.  The sandy paths are perfect for early morning or early evening walks.  They invite you to explore the nature found here.  Sandy paths invite you to explore the nature found here.  The island wildlife includes beautiful egrets, sandpipers, ospreys, herons, and bald eagles.  Gopher tortoises can be encountered eating vegetation along the paths.  

Manatees and dolphins are commonly spotted in the waters surrounding the island.

The waters surrounding the island are excellent for fishing.  Snook, redfish, mullet and trout frequent the bayside, and offshore fishing produces grouper, mackerel, and snapper.  The dock is an excellent place for fishing, also.  To the south is Boca Grande Pass, which is world famous for tarpon fishing.

You do not need a saltwater fishing license if you are under 16 years of age, a Florida resident 65 years of age or older, or if you are planning to use a fishing guide.  You will need a license if you fish from a boat, beach or dock. Details can be found at http://marinefisheries.org/license.htm.  Licenses can be obtained online or locally from most good sporting goods stores.

Because there are few visitors to our island, it is a safer place for children.  The only traffic on the island is an occasional golf cart.

Leave the stress behind, and relax on Little Gasparilla Island!

 
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