By Maryjo Pigott
A century-old resort with a Pete Dye championship course on its own island in Charlotte Harbor. A private member-owned club a hundred feet from the Gulf at the southern tip. And a 65-acre Gulf-front community at the northern end with eight clay tennis courts and sunset views.
Gasparilla Island's three clubs heighten the place's appeal for buyers, and the choice of country club is one of the most important conversations I have before any offer.
Key Takeaways
- Three distinct clubs: Gasparilla Inn & Club, Boca Bay Pass Club, and Boca Grande Club each serve different parts of the island with meaningfully different membership experiences
- Golf on a separate island: The Gasparilla Inn's Pete Dye championship course occupies its own island in Charlotte Harbor
- Southern tip privacy: Boca Bay Pass Club serves the 317-home Boca Bay community with required membership for all owners; clubhouse fully renovated and reopened December 2021
- Northern tip community: Boca Grande Club spans 65 acres at the island's northern end with eight clay tennis courts, three pools, and Gulf-front access
The Gasparilla Inn & Club
The Gasparilla Inn & Club dates to 1911, is on the National Register of Historic Places, and has been a Historic Hotels of America member since 2007.
What the Gasparilla Inn & Club Offers
- Pete Dye championship golf course: The Gasparilla Golf Club occupies its own island in Charlotte Harbor; restored by architect Tripp Davis and reopened in October 2023 with new greens and bunkers, salt-tolerant seashore paspalum turf, and a new irrigation system
- Tennis: Seven Har-Tru courts with on-staff teaching professionals, round robins, and clinics
- Beach club and spa: Beachfront club, spa and salon, 80-foot heated lap pool, steam rooms, and saunas
- Additional amenities: Marina, croquet courts, fitness center, multiple dining venues, and resort activities; open seasonally October through July
The Gasparilla Inn & Club is historically the social center of Boca Grande. J.P. Morgan, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and the Bush family are among its guests.
Boca Bay Pass Club
The Boca Bay Pass Club sits at the southern tip, 100 feet from the Gulf in one of the most private settings on the island.
What the Boca Bay Pass Club Offers
- Member-owned structure: Owned by its members, creating a governance model and community character distinct from a resort operation
- Waterfront position: Gulf access at the southern tip, positioning members close to Boca Grande Pass
- Clubhouse: Fully renovated and reopened December 2021
- Racquet sports, pools, and fitness: Racquet sports, pool facilities, fitness amenities, and a social programming calendar following the island's seasonal rhythm from late fall through early spring
Boca Bay Pass Club is one of the best country clubs Gasparilla Island offers for buyers seeking a private, member-governed community at the quieter southern end of the island.
Boca Grande Club
The Boca Grande Club spans 65 acres of Gulf-front property at the northern tip of Gasparilla Island, a gated resort community built around a Gulf-front clubhouse serving resident owners and guests.
What the Boca Grande Club Offers
- Tennis program: Eight clay courts, two of which are lighted for evening play, staffed by two tennis professionals from November through May
- Three pools: Multiple pool areas including a hot tub and children's pool, with poolside service, a Tiki Bar, the casual Beach Deck restaurant, and a more formal clubhouse dining room
- Gulf-front access: Panoramic Gulf views and private beach access for shelling, dolphin watching, and sunset walks on some of the least crowded beach on the island
- Fitness and programming: Renovated fitness facility with private training, massage, and group classes including yoga, Pilates, aquatics, and circuit training
The combination of beach access, tennis depth, and golf cart culture defines life at the northern end.
FAQs
Which Gasparilla Island club is right for a buyer who prioritizes golf?
The Gasparilla Inn & Club is the clear answer. It's the only club on the island with a golf course, and the Pete Dye layout on its own island in Charlotte Harbor is a genuinely distinctive experience. The October 2023 restoration by architect Tripp Davis brought the course back to a level that reflects the club's overall quality.
What is the difference between the member-owned clubs and the Inn?
Boca Bay Pass Club is owned and governed by its members, with all Boca Bay property owners required to join. The Gasparilla Inn & Club is a resort with a private club component, governed as a business. Boca Grande Club operates as a gated resort community with both owners and rental guests.
Is Gasparilla Island club membership tied to property ownership?
It depends on the club. Boca Bay Pass Club requires membership for all Boca Bay property owners. The Gasparilla Inn & Club is available to property owners and outside members and guests. The Boca Grande Club is a gated community where owners have club amenity access as part of their ownership.
Contact Maryjo Pigott Today
Though Gasparilla Island is a relatively small market, locals can choose between Boca Bay's southern tip, the Gasparilla Inn's golf and tennis corridor, and the Boca Grande Club. I work in this market with the depth it requires, and the best country clubs Gasparilla Island has are part of every conversation I have with serious buyers.
Reach out to me, Maryjo Pigott, and I will help you find the Gasparilla Island property and club membership that matches the life you want to build here.
Reach out to me, Maryjo Pigott, and I will help you find the Gasparilla Island property and club membership that matches the life you want to build here.
