Exclusive Waterfront Living
Boca Ciega Isle
An intimate waterfront enclave on Boca Ciega Bay — private docks, direct Gulf access, island tranquility, and the artsy charm of Gulfport just steps away.
Discover the Community
Welcome to Boca Ciega Isle
Boca Ciega Isle is one of Tampa Bay's most exclusive and private waterfront enclaves — a small barrier island community nestled between Boca Ciega Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway, adjacent to the artsy village of Gulfport. With just a handful of streets and a tight-knit group of residents, it offers a level of waterfront intimacy and privacy that's virtually impossible to find elsewhere in the region.
Nearly every home on Boca Ciega Isle sits directly on the water, with private docks, boat lifts, and unobstructed views of Boca Ciega Bay. Canal-front properties provide protected deep-water access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico beyond — making it a paradise for boaters, anglers, and anyone who wants the water to be part of their daily life.
What makes Boca Ciega Isle truly special is its juxtaposition of tranquil island living with the vibrant, artsy energy of neighboring Gulfport. Walk or bike to Gulfport's eclectic downtown for craft cocktails, waterfront dining, and gallery walks — then retreat to the quiet serenity of your private dock and watch dolphins play in the canal at sunset.
Real Estate Market
Housing & Market Trends
Boca Ciega Isle's real estate market is defined by one thing: waterfront. Every property on the island offers direct water access, and the luxury segment features renovated or new-construction homes with private docks, boat lifts, open bay views, and modern coastal finishes — ranging from $1 million to over $2.5 million for premium bay-front positions.
The entry-level market ($500K–$800K) typically features original or partially renovated homes on canal-front lots. These properties offer tremendous value for buyers willing to invest in updates, as the land value and water access alone make them exceptional finds.
Inventory on Boca Ciega Isle is inherently limited — there are only so many homes on a small island. When properties do become available, they attract serious waterfront buyers from across Tampa Bay and beyond. The combination of Gulf access, bay views, and proximity to Gulfport's amenities makes every listing a rare opportunity.
Popular home styles include:
- Modern coastal new construction
- Renovated waterfront ranch homes
- Elevated homes with panoramic bay views
- Canal-front homes with private docks
- Investment properties for luxury rental
Living on Boca Ciega Isle
Lifestyle & Culture
Boating Lifestyle
With private docks, boat lifts, and deep-water canal access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Gulf of Mexico, Boca Ciega Isle is built for boaters. Step off your dock and you're minutes from open water — fishing, cruising, or island-hopping.
Gulfport Arts Village
Adjacent Gulfport is one of Tampa Bay's most charming artsy enclaves — monthly art walks, independent galleries, eclectic shops, and a creative energy that's earned it a reputation as the "Greenwich Village" of Florida's Gulf Coast.
Island Privacy
Boca Ciega Isle's small scale means virtually no through traffic, no tourists, and a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone. It's the privacy and exclusivity of island living without the isolation — Gulfport and St. Pete are minutes away.
Waterfront Sunsets
West-facing bay views deliver some of the most spectacular sunsets in Tampa Bay — right from your dock, patio, or backyard. The daily sunset show over Boca Ciega Bay never gets old and is a defining feature of life here.
Gulfport Dining
Walk or bike to Gulfport's Beach Boulevard for waterfront dining, craft cocktails, and some of Tampa Bay's most creative independent restaurants. It's the perfect balance — quiet island living with vibrant dining steps away.
Fishing Paradise
Boca Ciega Bay is one of the region's premier inshore fishing destinations — redfish, snook, trout, and tarpon are regular catches right from your dock. The nearby Gulf offers world-class offshore fishing for grouper, snapper, and kingfish.
Nature & Recreation
Outdoors & Waterfront
Boca Ciega Bay is the defining feature of life on the isle — a protected body of water between the barrier islands and the mainland that offers exceptional kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, and boating. The bay's calm waters and mangrove shorelines are home to dolphins, manatees, ospreys, and an abundance of shorebirds.
Fort De Soto Park, just a short boat ride or 20-minute drive south, is one of the finest county parks in America. Over 1,100 acres of pristine beaches, nature trails, kayak launches, fishing piers, and a historic fort — with North Beach consistently named among America's best.
Gulfport Beach is a quiet, local beach just minutes away — no crowds, no tourists, just a peaceful stretch of waterfront with a playground, recreation center, and the Gulfport Casino Ballroom (a historic community events venue, not a gambling hall).
St. Pete Beach and Pass-a-Grille are just 10–15 minutes south, offering pristine Gulf beaches, waterfront restaurants, and the charming historic district at the southern tip of the barrier island chain. Clam Bayou Nature Preserve, adjacent to the isle, provides protected mangrove habitats for kayaking and wildlife observation.
Boca Ciega Bay
Protected bay waters ideal for boating, fishing, kayaking. Dolphins, manatees, and spectacular sunsets daily.
Fort De Soto Park
1,100+ acres of pristine islands. America's #1 beach, kayak trails, fishing piers, and historic fort.
Clam Bayou Preserve
Protected mangrove habitat adjacent to the isle. Kayak trails and wildlife observation in a natural setting.
St. Pete Beach
World-famous Gulf beach just 10 minutes south. Pass-a-Grille's historic charm and pristine sand.
Education
Schools in the Area
Boca Ciega Isle is served by Pinellas County Schools, with access to strong public and private options in the greater Gulfport and St. Petersburg area.
| School | Grades | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boca Ciega High School | 9–12 | Public | ★★★☆☆ |
| Gulfport Elementary | PK–5 | Public Montessori | ★★★★☆ |
| Shorecrest Preparatory | PK–12 | Private (nearby) | ★★★★★ |
| Admiral Farragut Academy | PK–12 | Private (nearby) | ★★★★☆ |
| Northeast High School | 9–12 | Public IB (nearby) | ★★★★★ |
| Canterbury School | PK–8 | Private (nearby) | ★★★★★ |
Ratings are approximate and based on publicly available data. Contact me for detailed school information specific to any neighborhood.
Local Favorites
Dining, Shopping & Entertainment
Restaurants (Gulfport & Nearby)
Cafés & Bars
Shopping & Culture
Getting Around
Commute & Accessibility
Tampa Int'l Airport
25 minutes via I-275 across the Howard Frankland Bridge. St. Pete-Clearwater Airport (PIE) is 20 minutes north.
Downtown St. Pete
15 minutes north. Easy access to St. Pete's museums, dining, and cultural district.
Downtown Tampa
30 minutes via I-275. A reasonable commute to Tampa's major employment centers.
Gulf Beaches
5 minutes to St. Pete Beach by car, even faster by boat. Fort De Soto Park is 20 minutes south.
For Buyers
Why Buy on Boca Ciega Isle
1. Every Home is Waterfront
This isn't a neighborhood with some water views — it's an island where virtually every property sits directly on the water with private dock access. That level of waterfront living is extraordinarily rare in Tampa Bay.
2. Direct Gulf Access
Deep-water canals connect to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. Fish from your dock in the morning, cruise to a waterfront restaurant for lunch, and anchor at a sandbar in the afternoon — all from home.
3. Gulfport's Creative Energy
Adjacent Gulfport offers everything a small island doesn't — restaurants, galleries, markets, nightlife, and a creative community spirit. You get island tranquility with walkable access to one of Tampa Bay's most charming villages.
4. Scarcity = Value
There are only a limited number of homes on Boca Ciega Isle, and new construction can't create more waterfront. This inherent scarcity supports long-term value appreciation that few other neighborhoods can match.
For Sellers
Why Sell on Boca Ciega Isle
1. Ultra-Limited Inventory
When a Boca Ciega Isle property hits the market, it's an event. The island's tiny size means listings are rare, and every one attracts serious attention from waterfront-focused buyers.
2. Premium Waterfront Pricing
Waterfront properties with private docks and Gulf access command premium prices in any market. Boca Ciega Isle's combination of all three positions sellers for maximum value.
3. Lifestyle Marketing
Selling a Boca Ciega Isle home means selling a lifestyle — the boating, the sunsets, the Gulfport walks, the island privacy. Strategic marketing that tells this story attracts buyers who'll pay for the dream.
4. Expert Local Representation
As a Tampa Bay luxury waterfront specialist, I understand the unique value proposition of Boca Ciega Isle and how to position your property to attract the right buyers — locally and nationally.
Ready to Make Your Move?
Explore Boca Ciega Isle with Kimberly
Whether you're buying your dream waterfront home or selling your current property, I'll guide you through every step with the local expertise and personal attention you deserve.
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