Take it easy at this unique and tranquil getaway only accessible by boat. Little Gasparilla Island is a bridge-less barrier island off FL's West Coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Access is for residents and renters only, you will arrive by your private boat or jump aboard the water taxi for a 10 minute ride to our dock. No cars, shops, or restaurants on the island. The 7 mile beach is private and uncrowded. Get around LGI by renting a golf cart or explore by foot-you decide. The cottage has recently been renovated, including new memory foam mattresses. The house has 2 queen bedrooms. There is one full bathroom inside and a relaxing outdoor shower where you can enjoy the stars at night. The kitchen is fully equipped with a new oven, microwave, dishwasher, Keurig coffee maker, and a regular drip coffee maker. There is a charcoal grill located on the outside deck. A large smart TV with Wi-Fi and streaming apps is located in the living room, ensuring that you stay entertained during your stay. The spacious screen porch is the perfect gathering place and is a relaxing setting for dining al fresco. Additionally, a washing machine and dryer are available on the property for your convenience. We have a sister property, Serendipity, across the street available for rent for larger groups or multiple families vacationing together. You can enjoy stunning sunrises over the bay from the nearby dock, stroll along uncrowded beaches, and witness breathtaking sunsets. The Gulf water is usually very clear, with a pure white sand bottom, there are no steep drop-offs when you enter the water. It is absolutely perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. There is fantastic fishing, and an abundance of sea shells and shark’s teeth to gather. Leashed dogs are also welcome to enjoy the beach. PARKING and ARRIVAL Eldred's Marina: Park your car and launch your boat here, or jump aboard Pirate’s Water Taxi for a 10 minute ride to our dock. They are located at 6301 Boca Grande Causeway, Placida, Florida 33946 (NOTE: The marina is right before the toll booth) You will enter the little bait shop to obtain a parking pass (approximately $8.00 per day) to put on your dash. The water taxi picks you up out back on the dock. WATER TAXI: PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! The local water taxi service is provided by Pirate Water Taxi, with either Emmett or Bill as your captain. You will need to call well before your arrival date to make arrangements for your arrival and departure. The taxi is available every day 8:30-5:00 hours and always requires a reservation but will run later or earlier by request for an additional charge. It is best to contact them about two weeks in advance, especially if you need to travel very early, after dark, or on a holiday. The average cost for the water taxi is $25/for 2 people and then $15 per person after that (subject to change) each way but be sure to verify this as prices sometimes change depending on the time of day you need to cross. Make sure you tell him that you are coming to Dock #44 . . . once at the dock you can grab the handcart from the house or you can arrange the island concierge, Bret, to help get your gear to the house. IT IS CRITICAL THAT YOU SCHEDULE THE TAXI IN ADVANCE. The Cottage is located halfway between the Bay and the Beach, a quick 3 minute walk either way. The Boat Slip - included on dock number 44 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off). Beach access path is directly at the end of the street, to the right of the mint green house. Or if you are renting a golf cart you can take a right at the end of the street and then a left and you can use that beach access and park your cart there, *do not block any driveways please. Little Gasparilla Island you can explore the island by golf cart or by foot LGI is located off of Gasparilla Sound Aquatic Preserve, a protected area and is about halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers. No Street lights makes it easy to star gaze at the beautiful night sky. Wildlife on the island is abundant, Dolphins, Sea Turtles, and Manatees. Local fish include Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, Pompano, Snapper and more. Enjoy the best shelling including sharks teeth and sand dollars. The sunrises and sunsets are the best that Florida has to offer. Simply Adrift Cottage has 2 kayaks and 2 Paddle boards for you to use so you can explore. There are beach chairs, towels, beach Umbrella and neso beach tent. Unlimited WI-FI and Internet Access for those who wish to stay connected There is a local artist on Island that has a Gallery in her home, Bobbi McFadden. Make it a point to stop by while you are there and bring something back to remember your stay. By appointment only. You can purchase your groceries on the mainland and bring them over via water taxi or your boat. The closest grocery store is Publix at Cape Haze. The island also now has the option of an upon-arrival or mid-stay grocery delivery service. Have your groceries delivered on the day you arrive or send the shoppers to the mainland for additional groceries or things you might have forgotten. Island Grocery Delivery: Evan Merritt There are golf carts available to rent on LGI. It is best to make a reservation well in advance, Carts are available for rental through LGI Carts Golf carts often sell out early, but please note if carts are sold out that golf carts are not necessary. You can walk from the bay to the beach in less than 5 minutes. You can also schedule an island cart tour from the island concierge.