Stump Pass a designated state park, it is a natural beach with no bars or high-rise
simply mangroves, sea oats, soft sand and sea. For the energetic,
a walk to the southern end will be rewarded with solitude and spectacular sunsets.

Gasparilla Island a timeless capsule, is home to the Boca Grande Lighthouse which miraculously survived hurricane Charlie in 2004. This quaint haunt of the rich has three great beaches and on weekdays they can be often deserted. The wealthy locals gad about in golf carts and you may even be lucky enough to spot the Bush family who often holiday here. Easily spotted by the men in dark suits and sunglasses whilst most sensible mortals are in tea shirts and shorts.

Don Pedro Island: Where as our guests you have beach rights is between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island
and is accessible only by boat or ferry. Cars are allowed on the island but most people use golf carts to get around.
With one mile of white sandy beach it is great for swimming, shelling and snorkelling. There are great hiking and
nature trails when you may be lucky enough to spot bald eagles, gophers or turtles to name but a few. The park
rangers do offer guided walks but these must be booked in advance. The facilities are excellent with a pavilion,
tables, grills, outdoor showers and restrooms.
For non-boat owners, a round trip is $10 per person; details of how to avail of this service will be sent with villa information.

Manasota Beach or Middle Beach as it often called by the locals, is a wilder beach and in the early morning is a great spot to watch Dolphins playing just off shore. It is also one of the best beaches for Shark's teeth, you will often see people bent over in concentration hunting for these fossilised gems; it is a pastime to which I too have become addicted.