Florida has many residential islands but only a few are accessible by boat. Below are the best ones that make this distinguished list.
North Captiva Island Photo courtesy of @leni_loo2019
NORTH CAPTIVA ISLAND
Located just north of Captiva and Sanibel on the Gulf Coast, North Captiva Island is a spectacular place with one of the best beaches in all of Florida. The island consists of approximately 300 private homes, a resort and a harbor front that has two restaurants. The only means of transportation on the island is by bike, golf cart or walking. Additionally, island residents have another unique way to access this oasis. North Captiva also has its’ own airstrip for private planes.
Useppa Island. Photo Courtesy of @Islandtimecruises
USEPPA ISLAND
Useppa Island is located next to Cabbage Key in Charlotte Harbor. Useppa is best known as a cruising destination because of its’ fantastic marina. However, the island also has a number of private residences, vacation villas and the historic, Collier Inn.
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Palm Island. Photo courtesy of @reni.I74
PALM ISLAND
Palm Island is also known as Don Pedro Island. Located off of Englewood on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Palm Island consists of private vacation homes and the Palm Island Resort. The Island has a restaurant and can also be accessed by a car ferry that runs regularly throughout each day. Palm Island is also great because it’s easy to get to.
Little Gasparilla Island
LITTLE GASPARILLA ISLAND
Little Gasparilla Island is the southern portion of Don Pedro Island and is just north of Boca Grande. This popular vacation destination consists primarily of private homes. The island has some of the best beaches in Florida and it’s the perfect place to unwind. There are no amenities on this island but the mainland is only a short boat ride away. Little Gasparilla is best accessed by boating from Gasparilla Marina or Eldred’s Marina in Placida.
Keewaydin Island
KEEWAYDIN ISLAND
As you know by now, Keewaydin Island is one of my favorite places in Florida. Located in the Naples area, not only does it have an amazing beach but it’s a fantastic boating destination that offers the feeling of seclusion. One of the perks of this island is one can call it “home”. There are approximately 50 private homes on Keewaydin as well as roughly 50 private lots. Many of the homes have gulf-to-bay rights, making it the best of both worlds. In addition, the island is part of Rookery Bay and consequently, has amazing fishing and wildlife.
Sunset Key. Photo courtesy of @splashkeywest
SUNSET KEY
Living on Sunset Key is hardly “roughing it”. Home to some of the most expensive real estate in Key West, Sunset Key is a short boat ride away from Mallory Square. The island consists of private homes, small beaches and a world-class restaurant (Latitudes).
Fisher Island. Photo courtesy of @al.barbosa
FISHER ISLAND
Much like Sunset Key, Fisher Island is a wealthy enclave located in the heart of Miami. This island definitely is king when it comes to amenities. Here, you’ll find a private health clinic, golf, tennis, bird aviary, observatory, spa, events theater, a beautiful marina and a hotel & resort. The island is 216 acres in size and has 800 private residences.
Cayo Costa
CAYO COSTA
Cayo Costa has my favorite beach in Florida and it’s also home to Cayo Costa State Park. This island is nine miles long and has a surprising number of residential lots that can be purchased. Being that Cayo Costa is “off the grid”, most of the lots remain empty. However, it’s one of the most beautiful islands in Florida and is worthy of a look for anyone desiring to live this lifestyle.
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Jewfish Key
JEWFISH KEY
Jewfish Key is located at the northern end of Longboat Key in the Sarasota/Bradenton area. The island only consists of 20+ homesites but its’ lush, tropical canopy combined with the clean, crystal-clear water from the Gulf make it a little slice of heaven.
Hellgate Island. Photo courtesy of Landmark Listings
HELLGATE ISLAND
Hellgate Island is located at the mouth of the Homosassa River in Citrus County, north of Tampa. This small residential island is a perfect retreat for the sportsman looking for peace and quiet and offers a “low country” feel. Hellgate Island is the northern most island on this list.
Grant Farm Island Instagram @TimMcKercher
GRANT FARM ISLAND (VIP ISLAND)
Grant Farm Island is located south of Melbourne and close to Sebastian Inlet in the Indian River Lagoon. This 50 acre island is a half-mile long and consists of numerous residences. Initially founded as a fish camp, Grant Farm Island now is now is a fully developed residential island that is only accessible by boat, and is definitely a place worth checking out.
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