Frequently Asked Questions:

Where is Little Gasparilla Island?

How do I get there?

Eldred’s Marina, the nearest marina to Little Gasparilla Island, is about 1.5 hours away from the Sarasota and Ft Myers airports, and about 2.5 hours from Tampa International Airport. Rental cars are typically more economical, but a few taxi services are available to and from the airports. (Ask the owners for more information about taxi services.) You can park your car at Eldred’s Marina for approximately $8 per day.

The boat ride across the bay takes about 20 minutes. You can rent a boat, launch your own boat from Eldred’s Marina, or book a ride with Pirate’s Water Taxi. (Call 941-697-5777, and tell them you’re coming to Andy and Rebecca’s house at dock 2.) Advanced bookings are highly encouraged. Water taxi rates vary depending on the season and time of day.

When is check in/ check out?

Check-in is at 3:00 pm or after. Check-out is by 10:00 am.

What about food?

We suggest you order your groceries online for curbside pickup, or make a detailed grocery list ahead of time so you will be ready to stop by the closest grocery store on your way to the marina. THERE ARE NO GROCERY STORES, SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, OR CAFES ON THE ISLAND.

You can take your groceries on the boat with you, and the water taxi captain will be happy to help you with your bags.

Don’t feel like shopping? Call Island Grocery Delivery: 941-830-1346. (Tell them you’re coming to Andy & Rebecca’s House at dock 2, and they’ll give you pricing and hours.) You can also take boat trips to local restaurants.

What else do I need to bring?

Don't forget your sunscreen, bug repellent, and toiletries! It never hurts to bring your favorite board games along. Top quality linens, bath towels, and beach towels are provided. A detailed list of what's in the house will be provided when you make your reservation.

How many guests can you accomodate? 

The Beach Cottage and Boat House are each equipped to accomodate up to 4 guests (5 including an infant still sleeping in a crib.) The Bay House is equipped to accomodate up to 8 guests. 

How private is it?

The visitor population on the island is sparse, even during peak seasons, and the "full time" population numbers fewer than 100.

Our Beach Cottage is the most secluded property on the island. Though it has spectacular Gulf views, it is tucked in behind the sand dunes and is accessible only by a private boardwalk. It is bordered by state park and a mangrove lagoon. 

The Boat House is also incredibly secluded. A tall privacy fence ensures that the only other home in view is the Bay House. The Boat House sits right on the bay with its own private dock and has private access to the beach.

The only neighbor to the Bay House is the Boat House. The Bay House is surrounded on three sides by a mangrove lagoon, the state park, and its own private dock on the bay.

Together, the properties stretch from bay to beach, with no one else around. If you are a large group renting and sharing all three properties, you will feel as though you own the whole island.

Is there celLULAR reception?

What about Internet?

Yes, there is cellular reception. We also provide Starlink wireless internet.

Is there a TV?

We have TVs in each house that connect to the internet, so you can log into your own Netflix, Amazon, or Hulu account. Each home also has a DVD player and a small selection of DVDs (We encourage you to bring your own.) We do not offer broadcast TV. 

How do you take payment?

Rentals may be booked and paid through VRBO or AirBNB. For reduced reservation fees, reservations may be made directly with the owners, and paid by Venmo, Zelle, or check.

What if I need to cancel or leave early?

The security deposit is fully refundable at any time if your trip is cancelled. The security deposit is also fully refundable if you depart early, provided that there is no damage to the property.

A prorated portion of your rental fee is refundable if your cancellation or early departure is due to hurricane or Red Tide. 

Rent is also fully refundable if your trip is cancelled 30 days or more before check-in; or if your cancellation is made within 48 hours of booking and the check-in date is at least 14 days away. Rent is 50% refundable for cancellations made at least 7 days before check-in. No refunds for cancellations made within 7 days of check-in.