Frequently asked questions about Little Gasparilla Island
How do I get to the island if I can't bring my car?
You can either take the water taxi, bring your own boat, or rent a boat. For the water taxi, you'll park your car at Eldred's marina and get on the water taxi there. The water taxi is $30 for up to 2 people, one way. Each additional person is $15 per person, one way. The water taxi is by appointment only and normal hours of operation are 8:30-5:00, you can book outside of these hours but the cost is higher and varies based on the time.
Pirate's Water Taxi: (941) 697-5777
Are there any stores are restaurants on the island?
No, there aren't any stores or restaurants, but there is a grocery delivery service.
Island Grocery Delivery (Evan) : (941)830-1346
How do I get from the dock to the house?
You can rent a golf cart or hire the island taxi, Bret, to meet you at the dock and help bring your luggage to the house.
Island Taxi (Bret): (941) 223-4548
Golf cart rental companies:
Paradise Cart Rentals (Natalie): (941) 681-0290
LGI Carts (Deric): (941) 697-3820
When is turtle season?
Turtle nesting and hatching laws are in effect May 1st through October 31st. The Turtle Patrol requests that rafts, beach chairs, umbrellas and all other beach items be removed from the beach after sunset. All holes should be filled in and any sand castles should be knocked down. All exterior lights should be turned off and all blinds and curtains should be closed from sunset to sunrise.
Is the beach pet friendly?
Yes, the beach is pet friendly, but dogs must remain leashed at all times and you must pick up waste to help keep the island beautiful and peaceful. No dogs are allowed in the Florida State Park. You must keep your dogs away from nesting areas and away from wildlife.
What are the closest airports? And is there a car service that will pick me up at the airport and bring me to Eldred's?
There is a transportation service that will pick you up at the airport, stop for one hour to give you time to grocery shop, and bring you to Eldred's Marina. I recommmend this service versus getting an Uber because they help make arrangements with the water taxi and they are lenient if your flight is running behind, as long as you communicate with them. They help streamline the process of getting to the island.
Salty Girls Transportation Services: (941) 909-5995
Closest Airports:
Punta Gorda - about 33 miles from Eldred's
Sarasota - about 52 miles from Eldred's
Fort Myers - about 68 miles from Eldred's
What are some things to do?
Take a tiki tour
Tiki Tours provides boat tours, wildlife, trips, restaurant trips, booze cruises, and other custom trips. Kid friendly and dog friendly!
William (941) 402-5093
Rent a jet ski with Riptide Rentals
riptiderentals.com
(941) 229-3687
Book a fishing trip with a charter Captain
Fishing 4 Reels (Keith Santucci) (941) 445 -2680
Potter's Charter Fishing (Eddie Potter) (941) 815-0009
Captain Bryce Greene Fishing Charters (813) 857-5648