Located midway between Fort Myers and Sarasota, Boca Grande is a carefully preserved community that hearkens back to the days of Old Florida. Abundant fishing and breathtaking natural environments draw visitors back to the area over and over again. Explore the shops with their treasures from all over the world, or soak in one of the Florida Gulf Coast's famous sunsets. Boca Grande is a wonderful place for those looking for tropical relaxation with a distinctive flavor.

Boca Grande can be found on Gasparilla Island, the largest of a seven mile chain of islands. This area was settled in the last half of the 19th century, when fishermen from the Keys and the Caribbean began establishing commercial fishing enterprises over the islands, but its relationship with fishing has existed as far back as centuries ago, when the Calusa Indians established a highly sophisticated civilization based around fishing. Over time word of the spectacular fishing in the area spread, and soon Boca Grande was also home to a burgeoning sport fishing industry. Today, anglers from all over the world head to Boca Grande to test their wits against thousands of species of fish, including the mighty tarpon. Prime fishing can be found in Charlotte Harbor and extends all the way into the Gulf of Mexico. Tarpon season is during the spring, but travelers to the area during the months of August through November will find an abundance of grouper, snapper, mackerel, and kingfish. Boat rentals are available, as are local guides for hire.

Boca Grande is one of Florida's best kept secrets, and the lack of high rises and traffic stops give testament to this. Seven miles of pristine sugar white sand beaches offer plenty of amusements, from shelling and swimming to good old relaxation and rest in the sun. Boating and sailing are very popular as a way of seeing the multitude of unique species that make their home in Florida, including manatees, dolphins, and pelicans. With both freshwater and saltwater mixing to form 750,000 acres of estuary, the array of wildlife is awe-inspiring. With Charlotte Harbor and Gasparilla Sound to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the opportunities for boating are endless. The crowning glory of Boca Grande is the Gasparilla Inn, a gracious yellow Victorian hotel which began operation in 1911. The rest of the community soon followed suit, building beautiful hotels up and down the island. As a result, Boca Grande enjoys a reputation as an exclusive one of a kind getaway frequented by people of all classes. We recommend the Palm Island Resort - just a short car ferry away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.