Boca Grande

Overview

Situated on Gasparilla Island away from the Gulf Coast, northwest of Fort Myers, Boca Grande is a rich and affluent residential community notable for excellent fishing. Among its many attractions is the Gasparilla Inn & Club, a hidden beauty. Though built in 1911 but has remained a beauty through constant revamping and updates. Thus, this luxurious resort  maintains  its old Florida charm. And if you are lucky to own a boat or know somebody who does, from Boca Grande, within a short hop of Cayo Costa, a relaxed barrier island destination that moves at its own pace. With great fishing, oak-palm hammocks, mangrove swamps and miles of beautiful beaches, Cayo Costa preserves its native wilderness and sense of remoteness . And what’s more - you can only  get there by boat.

Clumped around the old train depot that connects industry to the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande has evolved into a dignified playground for dreamers and explorers alike. The community gives a relaxed and barefoot elegance, the result of life moving no faster than a bicycle or golf cart.

Allow yourself to be pampered by the fine beaches and breathtaking atmosphere on the western part of the island. Offshore? Looking for some of Florida’s best kept secret, then teal waters is best bet. With no bridge access, the outer islands draws explorers of all abilities. Hop on a rented boat, take a ferry, or head out on an island-hopping tour. Hundreds of islands emphasize Pine Island Sound, Estero Bay and Charlotte Harbor offering cultural and natural experiences you cannot afford to miss.

North Captiva is well recognized for natural beaches and isolated shelling surrounding a collection of large rental homes and for the famous black beans at Barnacle Phil’s restaurant.

Usepp Island stands out firm in the water as the perfect stopover on a Captiva Cruises tour. Stop over for lunch at the exquisite Collier Inn,  go down memory lane at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum, or simply enjoy the stunning botanical walk.

Cabbage Key is best described as home away from home – a dream away from the rest of civilization – a world-famous for cheeseburger and seafood joint with amazing views nestled by cottages. After a local lunch, climb to the top of water tower for an amazing view of surrounding waters and islands.

Cayo Costa Prides itself in experience like no other. The barrier island is a majority state park land, that features; sweeping beaches, tent campsites, picnic tables, radical shacks with bunk mattresses, bathrooms, showers and rare, beachfront solitude. With limited number of people and abundant bird and wildlife watching in the purposely-preserved landscape, as well as an abundance of fresh seafood and shells.