Boca Grande

Boca Grande is a delightful little island reached via a toll bridge from the mainland and situated only 15 minutes from Port Charlotte and Englewood. Every year, Boca Grande Pass fills with thousands of Tarpon, churning the water all around the boats. It is perhaps the largest gathering of Tarpon in the world and the Tarpon fishing continues from mid April - August on an almost 24 hour schedule.

World famous Boca Grande Pass is a truly unique environment for large Tarpon fishing. This deep water pass is one of the two places on earth where mature 'Silver King' comes to feed and prepare to spawn in unbelievable numbers. Whether you are an experienced Tarpon fisherman or novice, boating the 'Silver King' is an experience never to be forgotten. In Boca you can hike it, bike it, or cart it and see just about everything - from historic sites to tropical nature settings. Walks are ideal for the downtown area where heavy traffic during the height of the season, can make driving a bit frustrating. Although any bike trip through Boca Grande is bound to offer lots to see, the best route is the one that takes you past most of the historic sites, but leaves ample opportunity to stop and enjoy a quick refreshment.

In Boca Grande, golf carts aren't restricted to golf courses. The locals use them almost like cars or bikes - they're everywhere. They can be driven just about anywhere and most streets have been designed as golf cart paths. The exceptions include Gasparilla Road and Gulf Boulevard, avoid driving a golf cart on Gilchrist Avenue. The electric carts don't pollute and they take up less space. Try to park your cart perpendicular to the kerb, sometimes two or even three golf carts can fit into one space this way.

You must be a minimum of 14 years of age to drive a golf cart and it is equally illegal for children under 14 to sit on a parent's lap and drive. If you drive a golf cart at night it must have headlights and tailights, golf carts are fun, but they are not toys, some models go nearly 20 MPH so be careful and remember drinking and driving don't mix.

The museum inside the historic 1890 lighthouse at the southern tip of the island, opened to the public in March 1999 and features exhibits on the long and colourful history of Gasparilla Island and the Charlotte Harbor area. It devotes an entire room to nature and conservation exhitits, including the barrier island parks. There is also a gift shop filled with lighthouse memorabilia. The Boca Grande Lighthouse built by the US Lighthouse Service, is the oldest building on the island, was automated in 1956 and has survived at least seven hurricanes, a fire and severe beach erosion. The museum is open Wednesday -Sunday from 10am - 4pm and is closed major holidays and during August. Hours are extended to include Tuesdays during the months of February, March and April. There is a $2 fee to enter the state park however the museum does not charge admission but requests a donation of $1 per person to offset operating expenses.

Dining out is a favourite pastime in Boca Grande and there are menus to suite every taste, so finish off your day having enjoyed all the delights this wonderful little island has to offer with a trip to one of the many restaurants.