Gasparilla Marina (Statute Mile 34)
In spite of its name, Gasparilla Marina is not located on Gasparilla Island, but rather it is to be found along the northeastern banks of the AICW, just south of the Gasparilla Island Causeway/Bridge. This is a large facility which offers a wealth of services, and there is now an on-site restaurant, plus the Fishery Restaurant is withing walking distance. We have not yet sample the bill of fare at the on-site eaterly, but Fisheries is WONDERFUL!!!
We spent several days at Gasparilla Marina in May 2010. Jeff, Carol and Jennifer were wonderful hosts. They were very helpful. Jeff offered the use of his car if we needed to grocery shop. A Publix is about 2 miles away. Evening dinghy rides to the nearby islands is a sheltered trip. My wife struck it rich in her search for shells on the north end of Gasparilla Island. Now I have a boat full of sand dollars, etc, etc. Restrooms are large and clean. Wi-Fi, excellent. Lounge with TV. Nice sheltered area with tables for evening socializing if other transients are around. Huge service business associated with the marina if you need repairs. Good food (bar food) and music at the on site Watersides Restaurant. The Fishery Restaurant is a short walk. It is also excellent.
Rick Parish
Let me reiterate our recommendation of Gasparilla and the on site restaurant.
Admiral Deb and I give Gasparilla Marina our highest recommendation! We called via cell phone 2 days prior to arriving and talked to the Manager, Jeff. Jeff is ‘˜a prince among men’! We talked with him for several minutes about details of the marina and the surrounding points of interest. Jeff offered us the use of his car (a brand new Crown Vic) to go shopping when we got there. We’d never met him before! On arrival the staff was always very helpful, interested in our welfare and the welfare of our vessel. Their restaurant The Waterside Grill had indoor and outdoor seating, lots of large wide screen TVs and the staff was friendly and efficient. We stayed 7 days, 2/20/10 ‘“ 2/26/10, and ate 2 meals each day. The food there was far superior to the food at the local well known restaurant half a mile away. The showers were private room sized and clean. Wi-fi was fast with no connectivity problems while we were there. Easy in and out, wide fairways right on the gulf ICW.
Lou Spagna,
s/v Wu-Hsin
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