Little Gaparilla Island: Surrounding area
 

We are going to Little Gasparilla Island for a week. We are very excited. I was wondering what surrounding areas would be good to visit? We are interested in snorkeling and kayaking. Also would be interested in where would be good to have dinner, by good fresh fish and groceries.

Thanks in advance

Hi Densham,
You are going to a fantastic place!! I live in Englewood, which is the largest city on land near where you will boat from to get to Little Gasp. Island. Snorkeling should be pretty good right where you will be. Now, for a thin blooded Floridian like me the water is still too cold for that, but you'll enjoy it.

For kayaking, you can boat to Boca Grande. Check them out on the internet. They also have a nice little downtown and a very well know restaurant, The Temptation, most recently seen in the Denzel Washington movie, Out of Time. They also filmed extensively on Boca Grande for that film.

Pick up groceries at a Publix supermarket. The closest one is located in Cape Haze. I'm not sure about where the best place might be to purchase great fresh fish. Maybe someone else can give you some input on that.

Have fun.

Thanks Jaye,
We are thinking of going out for a dinner or two. Any suggestions? Should we go to Englewood, Boca Grande, or some where else?

Thanks in advance

try bocagrande.com---and you'll find info..Uncle Henry's is a popular place ...there is info for other things there..last block on top row..it is a beautifu place..you can drive there on a toll bridge..the Temptation is cool..a key west type place..rest. only open for lunch time and dinner..there is a funky small bar..can take a ferry to Pine Island..do a search for Pine Island ,Cabbage key,Boca Grande,Gasparilla here too....ck out the lighthouse and museum too.....

Hi Densham,
Englewood is very weak on dining, however, a place opened just about two months ago and it turns out that I had dinner there with 5 friends a couple of weeks ago. One of them is the restaurant critic for the Sarasota paper and I think the review will come out on 4-2. The dinner was the best I've had in the area. The name of the restaurant is Zydeco Grill, but don't let the cajun name fool you the food is not all cajun. We had superb pompano, a
wonderful shrimp dish, etc. It is located on Placida Road so maybe a 10 minute drive from wherever you come to the mainland from LGI.

Just to let you know, both The Temptation and Zydeco are not waterfront dining, but you will probably get enough water exposure based on where you are staying.

Keep me posted. When are you going to be here?

When are you going? Where on Little Gasparilla are you staying (north end, middle, south end?) Maybe I can help with some info for snorkeling,fishing and restaurants, etc. (As you probably are aware, nothing, at all, on island). Been hanging out there for 35 years (most of my life) -- there is a couple of areas where you should not (particularly kids) snorkel, except during brief slack tide times, because of strong channel currents.

Thanks for the great ideas. jaye thanks for the tip re:Zydeco Grill.

zzzot2 I am not clear what part of Little Gasparilla we are staying at but if I remember correctly the dock is #88 if that is helpful. I'd love to know where to avoid and were is a great place to go to snorkle. I'd also love to learn any tricks of the trade on the island. I am trying to clear up if we get a golf cart at our vacation rental. How important is it to have one?? Any other info would be great
Thanks in advance