In 1921 a hurricane passed over Captiva Island and literally cut it in half. Today "Upper" or North Captiva Island is a remote barrier island destination off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida. There are roughly 300 homes on North Captiva, and no cars are allowed on the island. Access is only by boat or small plane and most residents travel across the island by golf cart. North Captiva is a beautiful tropical beach vacation destination perfect for the family looking to "get away from it all" without breaking the bank or leaving the country.
Tips for Vacationing in North Captiva:
Order Groceries Ahead: North Captiva has only four restaurants, and no grocery shopping on the island. Expect to pay a small fee ($10-$12) to get your groceries purchased and packaged for your beach house. The restaurants are fantastic, but you may have to head down to Captiva Island to get more food. A small price to pay for the feeling of privacy that can only coming from being on a mostly isolated island!
Inquire about Club Access: There are two community clubs on the island - the Safety Harbor Club and the North Captiva Island Club. Members -and their guests- can enjoy the facilities which include swimming pools and restaurants.
Relax: Captiva is a tropical wonderland! It's undeveloped and sparsely populated which makes it perfect for a secluded getaway.
How to Get There:Travel to North Captiva should begin with checking on great flights to one of the major international airports nearby. SW Florida International (RSW) or Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). Tampa (TPA), Sarasota (SRQ ), and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) are a good distance away to the North or East, but airfare deals often make it rewarding to travel up to 2 hours by car. When driving or taking the airport shuttle from Ft Myers International (RSW), allow approximately 1 hour drive time to North Captiva. You will then need to take a ferry to the island. Contact Island Girl Charters at Pineland Marina (239) 633-8142 or reserve a Water-Taxi from Captain Matias Barbero (800) 991-3259 and (239) 472-3230, scheduled to your exact arrival/departure needs.
This Charming "Key West" style destination is free from tourists, strip malls, hotels, or noise. This is one of the best kept secrets in Florida. The soft, white sand beaches are perfect for barefoot walks, shell gathering, and sunbathing. The clear, crystal blue waves that roll in from the Gulf of Mexico are warm and perfect for swimming and water sports. Book a North Captiva Island rental today and see what all the hype's about!
Hide Away on North Captiva Island, Florida If your ideal vacation is to escape it all, there is nowhere more perfect than North Captiva Island, Florida. When you rent a beach house on this isolated island, you will get the ultimate secluded island experience, complete with sandy beaches that feel totally remote from the modern world. Before you book a beach house rental in this slice of paradise, though, there are a few things you should know about North Captiva.
Vacation Off the Beaten Path Located west of the Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve and east of the Gulf of Mexico, North Captiva is a charmingly small community that runs on island time. Nothing says "Do Not Disturb" like a beach house on an island that can only be accessed by boat or small plane. An hourly ferry service runs to and from the mainland, but you certainly won't be bothered by traffic on this island. In fact, there aren't even any paved roads, and the locals get around on foot, on bikes, or in electric golf carts (which are available to rent).
Walking and biking are so very popular because the island has over 20 miles of trails for residents and visitors to get lost in the great outdoors. Nature-based recreation is the order of the day in North Captiva, drawing kayakers, bird watchers, fishermen, and leisure seekers out of their beach houses and into the Florida sunshine. If you want to enjoy your time at the beach beyond swimming or beach combing, you can book a sightseeing trip with Island Girl Charters and look forward to seeing dolphins, manatees, and local bird life.
Take Full Advantage of Your Beach House Rental. North Captiva is a haven for wildlife and a welcome escape from the daily grind, but that also means that some resources that city folk take for granted may be absent, like a grocery store. Unless you plan to eat out for every meal, you should definitely bring some groceries over from the mainland. The beauty of having a beach house rental is that you have the ability to store your groceries and cook your own food, so take advantage of this to make the most of your stay on North Captiva.
When you do choose to eat out, there are four restaurants to choose from: Barnacle Restaurant, Over the Waterfront, The Boathouse Restaurant at the Island Club, and Mango's Cafe and Grill. Barnacle has corn hole boards for customers to play a friendly game, and live music on the weekends. Mango's is a pool bar know for its lively atmosphere, good drinks, and bar fare.
The next time you want to really get away from it all, rent a beach house on North Captiva Island. This remote and wild island is sure to captivate you.
