Useppa Island

Useppa Island is a private club island that is located in Bokeelia, Florida, known for its recreation and relaxing environment. Its tropical island situation on the south-western coast is a mere 15 minutes by boat from the mainland, a paradise that provides exclusive holidays for its owners, members and their guests.

The island is renowned for its excellence, setting standards in design that were developed to protect the island's beauty and historical legacy. However, there is much to the island than simply its club. Its history plays a huge role in the culture of the island, once home to prehistoric, native nomads, the Calusa native tribe. In fact, the island has been inhabited continuously for about 10,000 or so years.

There are archaeological sites to view, including highly sophisticated and grand mounds, a testament to one of the most highly developed and religious native tribes in the United States. Many finds can be viewed as exhibits and displays in the island's renowned museum. In fact, there are even exhibits relating to the legendary imprisonment of a princess from Spain who was kidnapped by a pirate, Jose Gaspar, one of many of the women that he captured during his conquests. However, the island was originally called Joseffa's Island in her honor, its name eventually being adapted to the one that it holds today.

Today the island is a residential estate with grand homes even connected to the Vanderbilts and other powerful US families. Residents and members enjoy dining, its beach, tennis, croquet, fishing, swimming and nature walks along its famous trails. However, bird watching is its top activity, allowing members to view ospreys that nest on the island.