1 Boat and 4 Islands in 8 Hours: Part One

Sometimes you are so close to something that you can’t entirely understand its worth. This is never as true as it is for those of us who live in Florida and take our slice of paradise for granted. We grow complacent - never quite appreciating how turquoise the Gulf is, how easy it is to reach the beach, or the countless colors in a sunset. And so, it was with my typical Florida-native expectations that I found myself an hour south of Sarasota ready to hop on a boat.

The day was laid out before me fairly logistically: - Depart from the Cape Haze Marina (near Englewood) - Visit Useppa Island - Lunch in Boca Grande - An hour on Little Gasparilla Island - Tour Palm Island - Return to the Cape Haze Marina I had my big floppy hat, plenty of sunscreen, and most importantly, my connection to Instagram.

The host of the day’s excursion would be The Freedom Boat Club, the world’s largest members-only boating club. (And fun-fact, they originated in Sarasota, Florida!)  The Freedom Boat Club offers water-lovers an easy alternative to boat ownership – handling all the hassle while giving members the freedom to just show up and launch. Keeping me company for this delightful daytrip were three fellow sailors:  Jim Cull and Captain Marti, both with Freedom Boat Club, and Steve Lineberry, Photographer with Premier Photographic Events. And so, with the sea before of us and a schedule to keep, we set off down the Intracoastal.

Anchors Away Those who boat know that life from the water is inherently different. It’s like stepping into a painting and experiencing everything from a completely alternative point-of-view. Floating on the water, there’s a disconnect from the minutia of the mainland. This feeling was especially present on our voyage to Useppa Island surrounded by manatee crossings, bald eagles, dolphins at play, and untouched islands of mangroves. And much of the credit for this natural splendor should be given to the people of Charlotte and Lee County where there is a great respect and guardianship for the environment. A common theme I encountered throughout the day was that residents of the area are resistant to change – they want to keep their corner of paradise as untouched, undeveloped, and unchanged as possible. This point was emphasized as we passed Don Pedro Island State Park, an attraction only accessible by private boat or ferry. It boasts pristine water, magnificent beaches, and a step into unspoiled nature. (But any visitor will be happy to know that it also includes restrooms, showers, a pavilion, picnic tables and grills.)

Continuing along, we viewed many splendid homes looking onto the the harbor in Key West-style architecture. Enchanting Useppa Soon we approached Useppa Island where Michael Saunders & Company Agents Brian and Mary McColgan, known as “The Useppa People”, greeted us with big smiles from their dock.

I’m not even sure where to begin when it comes to expressing Useppa Island…it’s a mile and a third long and only 110 homes of classic Florida meets the Garden of Eden.

Useppa radiates a resort atmosphere combined with the luxury of open space and traditional amenities. Gaze in any direction and the scenery emotes a sense of place but it’s done in a way that doesn’t call attention to itself.  It feels at once effortless, natural, and restorative. And maybe it’s all the unexpected orchids, the endless array of vibrant colors, or the overall harmony of architecture with the landscape, but in one word, I would have to call Useppa Island “enchanting”. Brian and Jim outside the Barbara Sumwalt Useppa Island Historical Museum - a treasured attraction (supported by Useppa property owners) which reaches back to over 10,000 years of recorded island history. Curious? Anyone can visit the museum from a private tour boat operated by Captiva Cruises departing from Captiva Island. Because every island should have it's own life-size chess board.

Inside the Collier Inn, a traditional ambiance imbues a love of Old Florida. Taking in the view and enjoying the sea breeze.   A quick pose along the island's iconic pink path.   Speaking of "Joseffa", island lore states that legendary pirate Jose Gaspar kidnapped and fell in love with Joseffa de Mayora in 1801. She wanted absolutely nothing to do with the buccaneer. Growing tired of trying to win her heart, in a fit of rage he took his sword and beheaded her....but on the plus side, she now has an entire island named after her... (Unless you are blogging about it...) After our brief, luxuriant  visit, the island town of Boca Grande beckoned us for lunch. More to come from that leg of our journey in my next blog! Read here.

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Read more about Useppa Island from this blog: Why Did it Sell: What's Better Than Life on a Private Island Paradise

Browse Useppa Island Homes for Sale on the Michael Saunders & Company website

Have you boated in Charlotte and Lee County? Let us know your favorite spots in the comments below!