CAPTIVA ISLAND FLORIDA IS CAPTIVATING!

If you've never been to Captiva Island Florida, you're in for a very special treat.

The beauty and the laid back feel of this island is almost indescribable. Thank goodness for photos!

Where Is Captiva Island Florida?

Beautiful Captiva Island Florida is a barrier island just off the Southwest Florida coast in Lee County. It is approximately 4 miles long and 1/2 mile wide.

Originally, Captiva was actually the northermost part of Sanibel Island . It was formed during a hurricane which cut a pass through the island creating Blind Pass, which has since closed in over time. The Blind Pass bridge separates Sanibel and Captiva Islands today.

Captiva was broken into two islands in a 1921 hurricane. Redfish Pass was created. North Captiva North Captiva , also known as Upper Captiva was born.

Then, in 2004, Hurricane Charley cut a pass through North Captiva. Locals call this pass Charley Pass, although it was never officially named. By 2008, this pass was filled in and closed by the wave action of the Gulf of Mexico.

If you love the water, then take advantage of Captiva boat rentals on the island and head out to Charley Pass. It is a fabulously beautiful beach. Pull up on the beach and just enjoy. The beach is pristine. The crystal clear water is breathtaking.

There are no bridges to North Captiva , so the only visitors to this beach are boaters.

Getting To Captiva Island

Before we get into Captiva Island Florida, let's stop in a beautiful little place affectionately known as Santiva. It is located just before the Blind Pass bridge going from Sanibel Island to Captiva Island.

As you can see, there's a general store. There's also the island restaurant, The Lazy Flamingo.

Right before crossing over the bridge into Captiva there's a beautiful, but small beach with very gentle shallow water. It's called Turner Beach. Turner Beach is actually on both sides of the Blind Pass Bridge going into Captiva.

The Beauty of Captiva

Here is the Blind Pass (Captiva Island) bridge and Turner Beach on the Captiva side.

There are beach restrooms on the Captiva side.

Traveling down Captiva Dr. you will be struck with the beauty of the beachfront mansions. Many of them are very secluded and private and not visible from Captiva Dr. After a short distance, you reach an area where there are no homes directly on the beach. There are large estates across the street from the beach. The rear of these homes is on the bay side.

Along Captiva Dr. there are also beautiful resorts along the way. They have the beach across the street from them lined with chairs and cabanas. If you're looking for a peaceful, relaxing getaway, this may be the spot for you.

A couple of miles down the road, Captiva Dr. winds to the right. You will pass some bayfront restaurants. You will soon come to the village of Captiva. You'll find some great Captiva Island restaurants here. There are several shops in Captiva Village and another pretty, tropical mall that is directly across from the South Seas Island Resort, which, in my opinion is the creme-de-la-creme of resorts here. The shopping in Captiva and Sanibel is fabulous. The golf course at South Seas Resort is wonderful.

The trolley can transport you around the island.

Continuing to the end of the road, you'll come to the entrance of Captiva Beach. It's worth spending some time here. Get to this beach early, pay for a day's parking. From here you can walk to the many casual cafes and restaurants, gift shops and more. Have lunch, then head back to the beach for a swim.

All of the beaches of Captiva are like heaven on earth. You'll love it here.

They get my vote as ranking in the top 10 Florida beaches.


Now that you've seen the island, we'll start to look at what else there is to do on Captiva Island Florida.

Do you have a passion for golf? There are 3 great golf courses in Captiva and Sanibel Islands. And, don't miss dining in some of the island beach and gourmet restaurants here.

There's also some fantastic watersports on Captiva. You can choose from:

• Wave Runners
• Sailboards
• Hobie Sailboats
• Stand Up Paddle Boards
• Parasailing
• Fishing Trips
• Snorkeling Trips, and
• Banana Boat Rides

Don't miss it!

And make sure you shop till you drop at the famous Captiva and Sanibel shopping areas.

Do You Have a Story About Captiva?

Captiva Real Estate

If, after seeing all the beautiful photos of Pine Island and it's communities, you'd like to experience the special lifestyle available here for a great vacation rental or to purchase Captiva Real Estate I'll be happy to help by connecting you with a wonderful Realtor who specializes in the communities of Pine Island.

Return From Captiva Island Florida to The Best Florida Beaches

To Captiva Watersports

To Captiva Restaurants

To Captiva Golf