Pelican Cove is a gated waterfront condominium community in south Sarasota, Florida, located on 75 acres near Little Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. Developed between 1975 and 1981, Pelican Cove contains 731 residences surrounded by mature live oaks, tropical landscaping, walking trails, boardwalks, recreational facilities, and an extensive waterfront setting near Siesta Key.
The community is divided into six distinct neighborhoods and offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom condominiums along with larger townhouse-style residences. Pelican Cove is especially notable for its private harbor, six heated swimming pools, three clubhouses, tennis and pickleball, arts and educational programs, kayak access, and miles of landscaped walking paths.
Pelican Cove Condos & Townhouse-Style Residences
Pelican Cove offers a broad range of condominium floor plans rather than one standardized home design. Residences range from more compact one-bedroom condos to larger two- and three-bedroom layouts, including townhouse-style homes within the Treehouse neighborhood.
Depending on the neighborhood and unit, residences may feature patios, decks, balconies, cathedral ceilings, screened outdoor spaces, water views, wooded views, garden settings, or proximity to one of the community’s pools and recreational facilities.
Because Pelican Cove was developed over several years and individual units have been updated at different times, buyers should compare kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, windows, HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical components, storm protection, and other unit-specific improvements when evaluating available properties.
Six Distinct Pelican Cove Neighborhoods
Pelican Cove is divided into six residential neighborhoods, each with its own setting and collection of floor plans.
- Bayhouse – Waterfront and bay-oriented residences with a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans.
- Brookhouse – Condos positioned around ponds, preserves, landscaping, and a community pool.
- Glenhouse – Garden and wooded settings with one-, two-, and three-bedroom residences.
- Grovehouse – Low-rise condominiums surrounded by mature tropical landscaping and convenient to a community pool.
- Harborhouse – Residences near the private harbor, Clower Creek, and waterfront areas.
- Treehouse – Larger two-story townhouse-style residences with some of the most spacious floor plans in Pelican Cove.
Floor plans, square footage, views, parking arrangements, and outdoor spaces vary considerably among the six neighborhoods, giving buyers multiple options within the same gated community.
Little Sarasota Bay & Waterfront Setting
Pelican Cove occupies a substantial waterfront property in south Sarasota with access to Little Sarasota Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. Water, canals, ponds, preserves, mature trees, and landscaped common areas are integrated throughout the community.
Select residences offer harbor, creek, bay, pond, or preserve views, while other homes overlook landscaped courtyards and wooded areas. The low-rise design allows much of the mature tree canopy to remain a defining feature of the community.
Private Harbor & Boating
Pelican Cove includes an 86-slip private boat harbor with sailboat-water access to the Intracoastal Waterway. The community also provides a launch area for kayaks and canoes along with fishing areas and waterfront gathering spaces.
Boat slips are limited and are not automatically included with every condominium purchase. Slip availability, vessel length and beam requirements, harbor fees, assignment procedures, and other boating regulations should be verified with the association and Harbor Master.
Buyers should also confirm water depth and vessel suitability rather than assuming every boat can be accommodated within the harbor.
Six Heated Pools, Three Clubhouses & Recreation
Pelican Cove provides an unusually extensive collection of amenities for a Sarasota condominium community. Current facilities include six heated swimming pools, a hot tub, three clubhouses, four lighted tennis courts, pickleball, shuffleboard, basketball, exercise facilities, and water-exercise programs.
The community also offers fishing areas, kayak and canoe facilities, outdoor gathering spaces, and recreational programs throughout the year.
Arts, Clubs & Pelican Cove University
Pelican Cove’s amenities extend beyond traditional condominium recreation. The community includes two art studios, a pottery classroom, creative workspaces, concerts, educational programs, and numerous resident-led clubs.
Pelican Cove University provides resident-led courses in subjects ranging from the humanities and arts to science and wellness. Other activities may include photography, biking, yoga, Tai Chi, culinary groups, card clubs, music programs, woodworking, sculpture, sports, and boating-related organizations.
Programs and clubs evolve over time, so buyers interested in a particular activity should review the current community calendar.
Trails, Boardwalks & Tropical Landscaping
Pelican Cove includes approximately 5.5 miles of walking trails and boardwalks woven through its 75-acre property. Mature live oaks, Spanish moss, tropical landscaping, waterways, and natural areas create a setting that feels different from more densely developed condominium communities.
Walking routes connect neighborhoods, pools, clubhouses, waterfront areas, and other recreational facilities throughout the community.
Condominium Association & Buyer Due Diligence
Pelican Cove is a large condominium association responsible for extensive common property, buildings, roads, recreational facilities, landscaping, harbor infrastructure, and other shared components.
Buyers should review current condominium fees, budgets, reserves, insurance coverage, structural reserve information, inspection reports, special assessments, maintenance responsibilities, and association meeting records before purchasing.
Individual owners also retain responsibility for certain interior components and systems within their units as outlined in the governing documents.
Pelican Cove Pet Policy
Current Pelican Cove rules allow condominium owners to keep up to two registered dogs or cats in combination, subject to association rules and designated pet areas.
The current rules do not allow renters or renters’ guests to have pets except where required by applicable law. Pet registration, leash requirements, waterfront restrictions, and other community rules also apply.
Because association policies can change, buyers with pets should verify the current rules before purchasing.
Pelican Cove Rental Rules
Pelican Cove permits rentals subject to association approval. Current rules require a minimum lease period of two consecutive months and limit each condominium to no more than four leases during a calendar year.
Lease applications must be submitted and approved before occupancy. Buyers considering Pelican Cove for rental use should review the current application process, fees, lease restrictions, pet rules for tenants, and other requirements before purchasing.
South Sarasota & Vamo Location
Pelican Cove is located west of US 41 in the Vamo area of south Sarasota. This location provides convenient access to grocery stores, restaurants, medical services, shopping, boating facilities, and other everyday destinations.
The community is also close to the southern portion of the Legacy Trail, providing additional opportunities for bicycling, walking, and recreation throughout Sarasota County.
Near Siesta Key, Gulf Gate & Sarasota Attractions
Pelican Cove is convenient to the Stickney Point Bridge leading to Siesta Key, including Crescent Beach, restaurants, marinas, shopping, and other island destinations.
The Gulf Gate area is also nearby and offers additional dining, shopping, and services. Residents can travel north toward Downtown Sarasota for performing arts, restaurants, galleries, waterfront parks, and cultural attractions.
Similar Sarasota Communities
- Vamo – An established south Sarasota area near Little Sarasota Bay offering homes, waterfront properties, and convenient access to Siesta Key.
- Tropical Shores – A south Sarasota neighborhood near Little Sarasota Bay with established homes and waterfront opportunities.
- Southpointe Shores – A nearby boating community offering waterfront residences, private docks, and access to Little Sarasota Bay.
- Rivetta on Phillippi Creek – A maintenance-friendly Sarasota community near Phillippi Creek offering newer residences and convenient access to south Sarasota destinations.
- Gulf Gate – A large established south Sarasota area with homes and condominiums near shopping, restaurants, services, and Siesta Key.
Condo Community Slideshow of Pelican Cove Sarasota
Pelican Cove Condos for Sale | Sarasota Florida
View current Pelican Cove condos for sale below. Available residences may include one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans, townhouse-style homes, renovated interiors, patios or balconies, wooded settings, pond views, and select properties overlooking the harbor or waterfront.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pelican Cove
How many condos are in Pelican Cove?
Pelican Cove contains 731 condominium residences spread across 75 acres in south Sarasota. The community is divided into six neighborhoods: Bayhouse, Brookhouse, Glenhouse, Grovehouse, Harborhouse, and Treehouse.
What amenities does Pelican Cove offer?
Pelican Cove offers six heated swimming pools, three clubhouses, a hot tub, tennis, pickleball, shuffleboard, basketball, exercise facilities, an 86-slip private harbor, kayak and canoe access, fishing areas, approximately 5.5 miles of trails and boardwalks, art studios, pottery facilities, clubs, and educational programs.
Does Pelican Cove have a marina?
Yes. Pelican Cove has an 86-slip private harbor with sailboat-water access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Boat-slip availability and vessel requirements are subject to current association and harbor rules.
Are pets allowed at Pelican Cove?
Current rules allow owners up to two registered dogs or cats in combination, subject to association requirements. Renters and renters’ guests currently may not have pets except where required by applicable law.
Can Pelican Cove condos be rented?
Yes. Current association rules permit rentals with approval, subject to a minimum lease period of two consecutive months and no more than four leases per condominium during a calendar year.
Interested in Pelican Cove or other Sarasota waterfront condominium communities? Contact Wendy Lynn | eXp Realty for help comparing available condos, neighborhood locations, harbor access, association fees, amenities, pet policies, rental rules, and other Sarasota real estate opportunities.
