Summary:

Big Blue is a spacious and family friendly beach house right on the Gulf of Mexico. It features a well-equipped kitchen, indoor and outdoor dining, comfortable living area and four bedrooms with a variety of sleeping options. There is a huge screened in porch facing the beach with unobstructed views to the south and an outdoor deck for sunbathing as well.



The Space:

Leave your car and your cares at the marina because Little Gasparilla is accessible only by water taxi! That means our beaches are uncrowded and tourists and traffic are just a mainland memory. If you are looking for a quiet tropical island to relax and unplug, Little Gasparilla is your dream vacation spot. Our "nightlife" consists of giant sea turtles laying their eggs -- our only bar is the sand bar where you can find sand dollars and shells!



Big Blue has a modern kitchen with all dishes and cookware you could need. It has indoor dining for 8 in addition to the huge outdoor table on the front porch. Big Blue probably has the most spectacular front porch on the island. A large open deck offers views all the way to the next island south. Comfortable chaises are positioned to capture the breezes and maximize sunbathing. The indoor porch has a huge dining table, and lots of casual seating so everyone can congregate on the front porch and watch the sun set. There is also a small porch on the south side of the house which offers a warm, sunny respite from the north wind during chillier winter months.



There are four bedrooms. The master has a king bed; bedroom two has another king bed. The third bedroom has two queen beds and the fourth bedroom has a king bed. This is an unusually large home on a very large lot with lots of privacy since it sits just off the main road and there are no houses to the south.



There are two full bathrooms upstairs.



Your rental also includes access to Dock 52 which is a semi-private dock.



Damage Protection - The $59 charge listed as a "management fee" on your quote covers your purchase of $2500 of “all risk” damage protection coverage on your rental property. This protection is purchased in lieu of a cash damage deposit. Coverage details are spelled out in your contract.



Amenities include: dishwasher, washer-dryer, charcoal grill, wi-fi, satellite TV, free concierge service to meet you at the dock to help transport luggage and groceries to the house.



WiFi - Via satellite.



Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee per pet



Additional Guests - Rates are based upon 8 guests. An extra occupant fee of $25/night for each guest over 8 will be applied to the reservation. Groups larger than 8 will be permitted only if the home is being rented by a single family and manager pre-approval is required. Please be aware that occupant restrictions include all children.



Cleaning Fee - minimum $350 cleaning fee



Vacation Rental Damage Protection - $59 fee for “all risk” damage protection through Waivo.



Minimum Renter Age - 25



Boat Slip - included on dock number 52 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off). Guests DO NOT have access to the boat lift.



Complimentary Concierge- will meet you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home



Satellite TV - yes



Grill Type - charcoal



Coffee maker - drip (filters provided)



Parking - $9/night ($11/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the boat taxi



Holiday surcharges: applied for reservations for Independence Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Labor Day, and Christmas/New Years timeframes. PLEASE NOTE THAT MINIMUM NIGHTLY STAYS MAY BE INCREASED FOR THESE DATES AS WELL.



The Neighborhood:

The island is only accessible by boat or water taxi. The water taxi is $30 one way for up to 2 people, $20 per additional person each way; subject to change, during regular daytime hours. You must park your car at the marina ($9 per day; $11 with boat trailer)



Other Things to Note:

Please note that holiday fees are applied to reservations for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.



Please evaluate your expectations before booking a stay on Little Gasparilla Island. If you are expecting a polished "resort" atmosphere, Little Gasparilla is decidedly more rustic. During periods of heavy rain or tropical storms, there may be standing water on the roadways, at the dock and around the house. This is a tropical environment with mosquitos, rust, power outages and other minor inconveniences. If you are expecting resort amenities and services, the island might not be for you.



Interaction with Guests:

We have an on island guest services manager in case you need anything during your stay.