"Paradise Too" - Waterfront Cottage - Steps to Beach and Bay in Little Gasparilla Island

Many Happy Returns

Joan C. ()
Review submitted: January 10, 2012   Date of arrival: April 2, 2011

I can't say enough about this place. Little Gasparilla Island is the best place to go if you want to get away from EVERYTHING. Plan on a vacation that includes sleeping in, lingering over morning coffee on the porch of Paradise Too or the beautiful morning beach for a perfect start to your day. Paradise Too is perfectly located on the north end of the island only a short walk down Friendly Ficus Way. I have walked that path over 100 times as my group of 3 have spent 7-8 years there to escape the long Montana winters. I have grown to love this house that I call home for 1 short week every late winter. The shells, helping create some of the best shell art EVER, birds, dolphins, martinis on the beach at sunset, gorgeous blue green water, peace.....these things and more keep me coming back for many happy returns to Paradise Too. Thanks Patti for sharing this little slice of heaven. Red Lodge, Montana

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Helpful votes: 0 / 0

Awesome location, sixth stay this March.

Jo, Jonna, Meghan and Darren (Winter Springs Fl)
Review submitted: March 9, 2011   Date of arrival: April 25, 2010

Great for Fishing, shelling and birding. Weekends are OK, but quiet weekdays are why we go to Little Gasparilla. It is amazing how vacant the beaches can be. Weeks with larger negative low tides are better for fishing and shelling. During these low tides, tidal pools often form on the beach. Many of the shells in the tidal pools will house bi-valves, snails and crabs. When we find too many shells, we make beach art. Dry sand can be good for shark’s teeth and sand bars are better for sand dollars. If you get hit by a storm, rest up. Shelling is about to get really good. Gulf wave activity is typically small and thus good for children.
The soft sunset lighting is great for family pictures, including close-ups. So turn your back on the sunset every now and then and take those shots facing the dunes. You will be glad you did.
We usually go in March or April and fish the pass, beach, Gasparilla Sound and Bull Bay. The beach often yields Whiting and catfish with the occasional snook, redfish or Spanish Mackerel. The pass may yield Jacks, Blues, Snook, Spanish, or Flounder. I’m at my best in the boat, where I target Spotted Sea Trout, snook and Redfish. Cobia and Triple Tail are some of the few species I have not caught inshore. Every year I seem to add a few species to the list, so my hopes are high. Snook and Tarpon can be tough to find in March, they get into full swing in May. Sheepshead tend to be thicker in March. If you do not have a boat, the gentlemen at the start of the canal is a guide and seems to do very well. His card is at the house, but you probably have to book early.
Your boat will sit in the canal about 30 feet from the porch. I bring a 100’ extension cord to charge batteries as needed. Being on a canal, children should know how to swim and be watched closely. It’s not that uncommon to see a Manatee in the canal during the course of a week. If you see circular boils on the surface, start looking for a Manatee. Sometimes they are on a mission and don’t surface much. Spring is also a good time to photo Osprey chicks in their nests. Sea Hares which look like large snails with wings and no shell are also interesting.
The house is a little over a mile from Eldred’s Marina and you can run on a plane the majority of the way. The house has always been clean and quaint. Islanders drink bottled water. The water is ok to shower in, but I wouldn’t drink it. Publix is about two miles from Eldreds

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, romantic getaway

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3

It worked for us!

Visited from NY (Roxbury NY USA)
Review submitted: April 6, 2010   Date of arrival: March 21, 2009

The house was great, not too fancy, not too shabby. It was well equipped and clean. It got a little noisy on the weekend but otherwise it was quiet and private although the other properties were close by. We would go again.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children

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Helpful votes: 5 / 5