The picturesque white cottages and lush vegetation of Useppa, a private island located in southwest Florida, make it a beautiful destination. To stay on the island, you must buy an exclusive membership to join the Useppa Island community and you must own a house on the island. Otherwise, the only way to visit is on a boat cruise. Private boats are not allowed to dock at the island’s marina unless the vessels belong to a member of the club.
Captiva Cruises offers the only daily boat trip to Useppa. Each cruise leaves at 10 a.m. and returns by 3 p.m. As of January 2011, fees for the round trip were $35 for adults and $20 for children. Reservations must be made at least a week prior to departure. Cruises depart from either McCarthy’s Marina or South Seas Island Resort on Captiva Island. The narrated cruise to Useppa takes just over an hour. Once on the island, you have two hours to explore and enjoy a meal.
A private charter boat cruise offers another way to enjoy Useppa. Capital Cruises offers cocktails, hors d’oeuvres or live entertainment. The cruise company can also arrange for a reception once you reach Useppa, including a dockside clam bake, an island luau, or a formal meal at a Useppa restaurant.
The Boca Grande Historical Society offers an annual boat trip to Useppa. The annual trip usually occurs in January and focuses on the island's history with visits to the Collier Inn and the Barbara Sumwalt Museum. A buffet style lunch on the island is included and complimentary wine is served on the return voyage.
Nature lovers will want to head directly to the Pink Promenade. The promenade path is lined with arching banyan trees and thousands of exotic plants, including night-blooming cereus plants. Keep an eye out for the gopher tortoises that call the island home. The Useppa Island Club's historical society will help you learn more about the island’s past. You can also rent a kayak or boat to paddle around the island.
