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The Island & Surrounding Area

  • When you stay at Driftin' Away, you become part of our private white sands coastal paradise.  You are in walking distance to almost 7 miles of pristine, Old Florida beaches where you can search for shells or fish in the clear gulf waters for snook, redfish, pompano or even tarpon. You are just a boat ride away from world famous Boca Grande and nearby Charlotte Harbor. Come see what island life is like on Little Gasparilla Island and experience true island living. Little Gasparilla Island (LGI) is a bridgeless barrier island with secluded sandy shoreline, located off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico, just north of Gasparilla Island (aka Boca Grande). The two islands are separated by Gasparilla Pass, an inlet southwest of the town of Placida, Florida. Gasparilla Pass connects Placida Harbor with the Gulf of Mexico.

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  • We are adjacent to a State Preserve (Don Pedro) so untouched and so relaxing, you'll feel a world away.  Osprey and Eagles soar the skies and dive for fish as you float your troubles away after a long walk!

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  • Gasparilla Sound is an Aquatic Preserve. A protected "no wake" haven for manatees, full of jumping Snook, hunting bird life, soaring Pelicans and Ospreys. Drop a kayak or paddleboard and watch your tidal charts. Boats don't break for you, stay clear of the channels.

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  • On the Bay: Fish from the dock or the beach. Tarpon, Snook, Redfish, Pompano, Kingfish, Grouper and Snapper, just to name a few. Paddle board and kayaking, all get out! www.myfwc.com/license

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  • Park and launch your boat at Eldred’s Marina, or jump on Pirate’s Water Taxi for a 8 minute ride to our private dock #26 which is situated in an aquatic preserve with a 5 minute walk to the white sandy beach of the Florida Gulf.

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  • Enjoy the ever changing view of the mangroves, jumping mullet, seasonal white pelicans that rest on our sound, and several species of birdlife on the sandbar.

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Restaurants near LGI: (by land or sea) 

Rum Bay on Palm Island, approx. 10mins intercoastal ride

Miller's Marina on Boca Grande approx. 15 mins BG pass ride

Waterside Grill on adjacent to Gasp. Marina gas docks

https://www.experiencebocagrande.com/climb-boca-grande-lighthouse/

 

Boca Grande: https://bocagrandechamber.com/map/

LGI is the sister island of Boca Grande (or Gasparilla Island)

Water Taxi to Eldreds, uber or drive to and spend the day or evening walking the historic district, shops, businesses and restaurants. Rent bikes or golf carts ahead of visit. 

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Sign up for Yoga or Pilates classes at Banyan Tree, and get a massage from Nicole or Michael, friends of mine for years (I founded and owned then sold BT Studio) then grab delicious Maine Lobster Rolls at Newlin's. Dessert for your eyes, the Lily Pulitzer shop is loaded with color and outfits to show-off and stop by Fugate's mercantile for souvenirs, t's and sundries (Say Hi to amazing manager Amy M, she lives on LGI full-time!)    Boca Blooms is a sweet cottage with professional floral designers, plants and the cutest decor ever! There are two famous Lighthouses to see, get out your sketch books!

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Next go to Pink Pony for an ice cream cone or stay at the Loose Caboose (historic landmark) if you had lunch here, there's an ice cream shop too! You must get a cover-up from Fresh Produce (FL fav. shop) and head over the the pet shop and Barkery if pup is along for the ride.  You can eat outside with them. 

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Our island is unique bc of no cars, but Boca Grande is special too, interesting and close to my heart as well.  If you are open to leaving quiet LGI, Boca Grande is a fab day trip: well-established Historical Society is terrific and open all day for visits.  The art center is one to see and meet island artists, there are shows several times Nov-May.  Stop by The Faust Library before or after, you can't miss this pink wonder with cedar patina doors, the loggia is gorgeous and near the modern children's library.  Grab a couple snack items on the way out for your much needed return to the vibe of LGI.  

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