Boca Grande is a beautiful residential community in the state of Florida. It is located within Gasparilla Island and is well-known for its natural beauty and hospitality. Among its other fabulous offerings are white-sand beaches and world-class fishing facilities. The rich and famous have always been charmed by the enchanting natural surroundings of Gasparilla Island.
Its largest town, Boca Grande, attracted some affluent winter residents over the years. Some of them made a fortune by mining phosphate, which was discovered 20 miles east of the island. There are many things you can do for enjoying an exciting weekend in Boca Grande. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Take a kayaking trip
You can rent a kayak and launch your kayaking trip from a cove surrounded by shallow and calm waters. The trip would take you to the Boca Grande sandbar and the islands located nearby. The clear waters are perfect for glass-bottom boats. You’ll be able to watch all the marine creatures swimming underneath. It would also be a pleasure to watch the mackerel jumping out of the water and dolphins swimming nearby.
In some seasons, you can also watch the manatees and turtles in action. You can meet the other boaters at the sandbar. It is a popular spot for tourists to hang out. They usually spend the afternoon, swimming and listening to music under the warm Florida sunshine.
2. Indulge in tarpon fishing
Boca Grande is famous for its world-class tarpon fishing. You can hire an experienced guide and book charter fishing trips. The Boca Grande area has some of the finest local guides. They can make your day truly memorable at the Boca Grande Pass.
Some of them have been guiding tourists since the 1980s. You’ll also find captains among them who’ve participated in the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament. The event is held in this part of Florida every year.
3. Play golf at The Gasparilla Inn and Club
Since 1913, The Gasparilla Inn and Club has hosted some famous people of the United States. Members and guests staying at the inn can play with no tee times on the golf course. The golf players have often found the Gasparilla Golf Club quite challenging. The championship course of this golf club was designed by Pete Dye. He was a renowned American golf course designer.
The championship course of this golf club is sometimes referred to as an ‘island within an island. It features eco-friendly native grasses and measures 72,6837 yards. Each of its holes has five different tees to suit various levels of play.
4. Explore the historic lighthouses
Gasparilla Island has two lighthouses. One of them was established in 1890 at the Boca Grande Pass, which is Florida’s deepest natural port. It lit the way into Charlotte Harbor. The lighthouse has played an important role in the history of the island, especially during the Second World War.
It is a part of the Gasparilla State Park today and houses a museum, which was opened in 1999. It has also won the award for the ‘best-looking lighthouse’ from Florida Monthly Magazine. The second lighthouse was transported from Delaware to the island in 1927.
It had a 4th order Fresnel lens installed and was lit in 1932. The ships sailing through the Boca Grande Navigational Channel were helped by this lighthouse. It is located at Gasparilla Island State Park in the middle of the island.