Summary:
Driftwood Cottage is one of Little Gasparilla's most enduring landmarks. Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island off Florida's West Coast. Access is by private boat or water taxi only, which means our beaches are uncrowded, our fishing is great, our island is unspoiled and your vacation can be exactly what you want it to be. Also ask about golf cart rental, subject to availability!

The Space:
Please note that Little Gasparilla Island is a barrier island accessible only by boat; we provide water taxi information when you book. You cannot drive your vehicle to the island; you park at the marina on the mainland where you catch the water taxi. There are no stores, bars or restaurants on Little Gasparilla which means it has retained much of its "old Florida" ambiance and pristine beauty. For years Little Gasparilla was visited only by locals who would come on weekends to fish, go to the beach and enjoy the privacy, peace and quiet. Now, even though it has been discovered, the lack of commercial establishments means that the island appeals to those who want to get away from crowds, tourists, traffic and technology.

Driftwood Cottage features Florida heart pine walls and ceilings and some of the best views you will find on the beach. A brand new kitchen with a stunning hammered copper sink and granite countertops is a pleasure to cook in. The kitchen offers views of the driftwood dotting the beach.

The home has two cozy bedrooms, one with a queen bed and one with a double and an extra bunk....perfect for a couple or small family. The house has one bathroom which could be considered either quite rustic -- or "urban chic" --depending on your viewpoint. It is lined in galvanized tin with a simple shower and small sink. There is another larger outdoor shower for "open air" bathing.

There is a large screened porch with a dining table for outdoor dining. The porch has great views of the beach and delightful breezes day in and day out. It functions as another living room and you will most likely spend most of your time on the porch reading, relaxing with a good book, and enjoying the cooling breezes.

The beach is just 15 steps from the front of the cottage, so you can meander down to the beach for a swim, come home easily for lunch and a nap, keep an eye on the kids from the front porch and run home in an instant if you have forgotten something -- or grab a quick snack. No more trudging 10 minutes over hot sand pathways with umbrellas and beach chairs and towels and coolers and the diaper bag -- everything you need is literally 15 steps away.


NOTE: This cottage DOES have another house that sits RIGHT in front of it. (How they ever got a permit to build it is a mystery to us.) The plus is that it blocks the hot summer sun and the worst of the wind and the rain in a storm. But, you do not have unobstructed views directly west. There are great views to the southwest and north west. But there may be people on the beach right in front of you at times that may impact the privacy of this house. One additional caveat....the cottage is quite small. If you plan to be out on the beach or porch most of the time, it is not as much of an issue...but if we have a rare rainy day and you are in the cottage with rambunctious children or a large dog, it could seem a bit tight. It is definitely cozy!

Wifi: Not available. You must hotspot from your cellular provider (cell reception is good)

Pet Policy - pet-friendly with $100 non-refundable fee per pet; some breeds may be excluded due to insurance restrictions.

Minimum Renter Age - 25

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.

Boat Slip - included on dock number 6 (this is also where the water taxi will drop you off)

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

Parking - $8night ($10/night if you have a boat trailer) at Eldred's Marina where you meet the boat taxi

INTERNET: Most people just opt to use the mobile hotspots on their smartphones, especially if they have unlimited data or a large data plan. Cell service is excellent and that is the most convenient option. We usually suggest that people download books and movies to their tablets or e-readers BEFORE coming to the island.

The Neighborhood:
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!

Getting Around:
This home is only accessible via private boat or the water taxi. The water taxi runs by appointment only and is $15 per person (each way) during regular daytime hours. This home does come with complimentary access to a dock slip. Our island concierge service is included in your rental fee. Our concierge will see you at the dock with a golf cart to assist with transporting your luggage and groceries to the home.

Other Things to Note:
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.

HOLIDAY RATES: Please note that all there will be holiday rates applied to quotes for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.

Other Consideration: Please note this is the tropics and there will be noseeums. (Also known as midges or sand gnats.) Bring bug spray! For noseeums, the best product is Avon Skin-So-Soft.

PLEASE NOTE: We do require that two members of each group must be over 25 years of age. We apologize, but we can NOT rent to college groups as a courtesy to the homeowners and our island neighbors. Guests will be evicted if found not to meet age requirements upon check in. Additionally, we can not exceed capacity in island homes due to the fragile septic systems.

Interaction with Guests:
Our staff is based on-island for maximum convenience. We value your privacy so we will not bother you or be intrusive, but we can get to the home quickly if you have issues. We have a local handyman that we can send out if there are maintenance issues. Please note, however, that the handyman is subject to the same problems getting to the island that you were. If something breaks after 4 PM chances are almost 100% that it will not be repaired until the following day. This is a remote barrier island and our mantra is "go with the flow".