CAPTIVA ISLAND, FLORIDA

Captiva Island is immediately north of Sanibel Island just west of Fort Myers in Lee County. It fronts the Gulf of Mexico on the west and Pine Island Sound on the east.

Captiva Island View to South Over South Seas Plantation

North Captiva Island is north of Captiva Island and is not the focus of this article.

Captiva Chapel by the Sea

Historians can't confirm that Gaspar really existed, but it makes for a colorful story.

Another interesting story is the history of the Tween Waters Inn, a resort that is on the National Register of Historic Places.

It started as a fishing and resort destination in the late 1920s, continuing to grow in popularity after stories of Teddy Roosevelt enjoying time there became well known.

Today, the Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa continues to draw visitors from around the world as a tropical paradise destination, promoting sunny island adventures, beautiful beaches and water activities.

Wilbert Herbert Binder first homesteaded Captiva in 1888. His grave is in a small cemetery next to The Chapel By The Sea.

The chapel is a small white wooden sided little church on the beach.  In its early days it also served as the schoolhouse.

It welcomes people of all spiritual beliefs, and is open from Thanksgiving to Easter every year. 

That's the time of year everybody on this island calls "season".

Captiva is accessed from Sanibel by a small bridge over Blind Pass. Sanibel is reached by a toll bridge connected to the mainland west of Fort Myers. 

Until this bridge, named the Sanibel Causeway, was built in 1963, access was by car ferry from the mainland.

North Captiva Island With Air Strip
Flickr/Airborne Pilot

Captiva Road heads north from Sanibel to the very northern end of Captiva Island. It is a canopied trail with occasional views of the beautiful blue Gulf and white sand beaches.

The luxury homes along Captiva Road are known as "Millionaire's Row". These homes are both on the Gulf of Mexico and the bay to the east.

The small area known as Captiva Village is at the north end of this road just before it enters the South Seas Island Resort and Yacht Club.

The Village is the heart of local life on the island. There are art galleries,  boutiques, a small library, and the chapel mentioned earlier.

There are a few restaurants, inns, and quaint homes tucked away among bright tropical flowers, palm trees, and pastel colored buildings and picket fences.

Captiva Drive runs east-west in the Village and connects the boat docks of Pine Island Sound with the Gulf of Mexico white sand beach.

The Old Ferry to Sanibel

Captiva Island has taken its share of hurricane damage over the years. 

The most recent was Hurricane Charley in 2004 that damaged or destroyed more than 300 buildings on it's way to smashing into Punta Gorda on the mainland.

The South Seas Island Resort and Yacht Harbor occupies the northern two miles of Captiva Island.

It was built on the site of a large key lime plantation many years ago and suffered extreme damage from Hurricane Charley in 2004.

It is now completely restored after a $140 million renovation, and is a mainstay of the island tourism economy.  Doc Ford's Rum Bar and Grille is open to the public at the entrance to the resort.

THINGS TO DO ON CAPTIVA ISLAND

There are several small businesses on Captiva that offer a wide range of adventures and water sports.

Among these are kayak eco tours, day sails and boat trips to nearby Useppa Island and Cabbage Key where Jimmy Buffett allegedly got the inspiration for "Cheeseburger In Paradise".

Some of these businesses operate out of South Seas Resort, Tween Waters Inn and Captiva Village.

Captiva Cruises 
11401 Andy Rosse Ln, Captiva, FL 33924 | (239) 472-5300 

Captiva Cruises is one of these small businesses. They offer a variety of sea adventures, from dolphin-watching tours to sunset cruises. We enjoy the guided shelling tours to nearby uninhabited islands where you can find an array of unique shells.  
 
Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable crew who share interesting facts about the local marine life and the history of the area. The boat trips provide a refreshing perspective of Captiva Island and its surrounding waters.  

The Captiva Village S Car Go

Some Capitiva businesses in Captiva Village got together and offer a free tram service that will take you almost anywhere on the island. 

Leave your car behind.  Let the tram pull you at a snail's pass around the island so you can enjoy the scenery.

The spectacular Captiva  sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are a popular event in Captiva Village.  Guests and locals stroll to the beach with drink in hand to relax in beach chairs.  It's a perfect place to enjoy the sunset together.

There are several enjoyable Captiva beaches, resorts and parks throughout the area. From Captiva Beach in the north to Blind Pass Beach to Lighthouse Beach in Sanibel island, you will easily find an appealing spot one no matter which area you stay in.

Captiva Beach 
14770 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924  

Captiva Beach is renowned for its soft, white sands and clear waters, making it an idyllic spot for sunbathing, swimming, and shelling. We enjoy strolling along the shore, especially at sunset when the sky is painted in vibrant colors.  
 
Visitors love the laid-back atmosphere and the natural beauty that makes this beach a perfect place to relax and unwind. The beach is also a great spot for spotting dolphins and a variety of seabirds, adding to the tranquil experience. 

Blind Pass Beach
6497 Sanibel-Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Blind Pass Beach is a beautiful spot where Captiva Island meets Sanibel Island. We enjoy the less crowded beach, ideal for fishing, shelling, and watching wildlife.

The natural scenery and the sound of the waves create a tranquil environment for relaxation. Visitors like the rustic charm of the beach and the opportunity to find larger shells and shark teeth washed up from the Gulf.

Lighthouse Beach Park
110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 | (239) 472-0345

Lighthouse Beach Park on Sanibel is a scenic 32-acre park and lighthouse at the island tip with a fishing pier, picnic area & showers. Dogs are allowed.

Shelling - both on Captiva and nearby Sanibel - is also one of the favorite things to do for many visitors.

It is estimated there are 250 kinds of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regions.

Turner Beach
17200 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924

Turner Beach, which is located on both the Sanibel side and the Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, is reported to be the best place for shelling in the area.

We enjoy the peaceful mornings spent combing the beach for shells and the evenings watching the sky change colors over the water.

The beach is also a favorite spot for fishing and has facilities like picnic tables and restrooms, making it convenient for a full day visit.

Captiva Chapel By the Sea
11580 Chapin Ln, Captiva, FL 33924 | (239) 472-1646 

Captiva Chapel By the Sea, mentioned earlier, is a quaint, historic chapel known for its simple charm and serene setting. We enjoy visiting this peaceful place and exploring the adjacent cemetery, which tells the island's history.  
 
The chapel is a popular spot for weddings and services, especially with its beautiful stained glass windows and views of the Gulf. Visitors appreciate the chapel as a quiet place to reflect and enjoy the island’s slower pace. 

Redfish Pass
Located between Captiva Island and North Captiva Island

Redfish Pass, discussed earlier, is a popular fishing spot known for its abundance of game fish, including redfish, snook, and tarpon. We enjoy the excitement of fishing in these waters, known for some of the best fishing on the Gulf Coast.

Visitors love taking fishing charters or simply casting a line from the shore. The pass is also a great place for boating and offers stunning views, especially at sunset.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge 
1 Wildlife Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957 | (239) 472-1100 ext 221 

Much of the land throughout Captiva and Sanibel islands is protected as nature reserves, with the most well-known being the J.N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, in Sanibel Island.

This refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is famous worldwide for its many species of birds and other wildlife including manatees.

Since the majority of the birds are migratory, what you see will vary depending on when you visit.

There is a 4-mile one way road through the refuge on which you can drive, bike or take a tram tour, and you can explore the several trails or get a high view from the observation tower.

Captiva is also easy to get to by air, being only about 35 miles via the Southwest Florida International Airport, in Fort Myers.

LODGING ON CAPTIVA ISLAND FLORIDA

Captiva Island Vacation Rentals By Owner and other rental agencies have listings for privately owned houses and condos on Captiva Island. There are also a few fine lodging establishments on the island.

Key Lime Bistro at Captiva Island Inn

Captiva Island Inn Bed & Breakfast
11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island FL 33924 | (239) 395-0882.

Captiva Island Inn is unique with several small cottages scattered around the Captiva Village area.

Each one is close to the restaurants, entertainment and shops in the heart of the Village, and is an easy walk to the beach.

They also provide a trolley that will take you anywhere on the island for easy access.  Average rates $135-$207.

Captiva Inn

South Seas Island Resort and Yacht Harbor
5400 Plantation Road, Captiva Island FL 33924 | (866) 565-5089

South Seas is on the far north end of the island and is a self-sufficient vacation destination.

It is a gated resort with rooms, villas, private homes and condos available for rent.

The resort has several swimming pools, a marina, boat rentals, kayak tours, several restaurants and bars, tennis courts and a 9 holes golf course, the only golf course on the island.

The resort has car rental facilities, a grocery market and deli and a fitness club. Average rates $161-$389.

Tween Waters Inn

Randy Wayne White

Owned by famous author Randy Wayne White and named for the hero in many of his novels, this casual place has great drinks, seafood, and steaks. 

Inside, outside dining, music, and you may see the author chatting with customers.

Key Lime Bistro
11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island, FL | (239) 395-4000

A great place for fresh seafood. They have swordfish, shrimp, grouper, sea bass and other specialties when available. The bistro is part of the Captiva Island Inn complex.  Outside dining and music.

Old Captiva House
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island, FL 33924 | (239) 472-5161

This restaurant is located at the Tween Waters Inn. Upscale dining on a laid-back island, but very good food. Waiters in tuxedo shirts; entrees pretty expensive. Seafood delicious and well prepared. Great place to catch a sunset.

Sunshine Seafood Cafe
14900 Captiva Dr, Captiva Island, FL 33924 | (239) 472-6200

Good local seafood nicely prepared. Excellent sea bass and paella. A good wine list, and a popular spot where the locals love to eat.