Captiva Island is the jewel found after traveling across its sister island, Sanibel, connected by the bridge at Blind Pass. Captiva is often referred to in the same sentence as its larger neighbor, yet is a beautiful island with much to offer in its own right. Visitors will be greeted by picturesque Gulf vistas and lush tree-lined avenues as they enter the magical island of Captiva. It’s located on Florida’s southern Gulf Coast, perfect for a spectrum of outdoor activities, including biking, sailing, and exploring miles of lovely beaches.
Captiva Island is a unique destination, with a magical vibe. Exploring this stretch of Florida coastline and its colorful restaurants can be an adventure and a treat. Amazing turquoise waves, mesmerizing shells, and maybe a glimmer of tropical wildlife along the way to dinner can make any day an incredible memory on this tiny island.
Captiva Resorts
There are few beachfront hotels in Captiva. The South Seas Island Resort is on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Within a 330-acre wildlife preserve, South Seas Island Resort is host to manatees and dolphins as well as an array of international tourists. Days are filled with kayaking, boating, sailing, shelling, or a relaxing walk along 2.5 miles of private, spectacular beach.
Downtown Captiva
Witness the sunset with a cold beer and fresh fish at The Mucky Duck in downtown Captiva. A neighborhood bar with a British vibe on white sands makes for a lively, memorable beachside experience. The people, both local and visitors, are friendly, the bar is huge, and the crab cakes are delicious. The breathtaking sunset, sixty feet from the water, converts “happy hour” into a very memorable evening.
Captiva Island Village
The well-known Keylime Bistro is a top restaurant on Captiva Island, located in the historic Captiva Island “village” center. Their vast menu items are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with both outside and inside dining, accompanied by live music and an excellent bar. The Village is filled with amusing shops, art galleries, and a historic general store.
Captiva Coast
Captiva’s greatest treasure is the magic created on the beach as the suns sets into the ocean. It’s a wonderful spectacle shared by the island’s locals and vacationing families. People anxiously await this daily event, gathering on the beach just before sunset, many enjoying the ocean from beach chairs and blankets. The star of the show in the sky is the elusive Green Flash, a rare phenomenon visible when there is a flash of green above the sun right as it disappears into the ocean. The masterpiece on the horizon is less rare, regularly presenting an awesome array of colors painting the sky in peach, rose, coral, and salmon.
Summary
Captiva Island is a tiny gem on the southwest Florida coast. Fabulous weather, clear waves, and white sands are to be expected from this popular tourist area, but Captiva offers unforgettable sunsets surrounded by friendly locals, awesome dining, and great music. The overwhelming sights and sounds create the sensation of escaping into another world. It may be easy to forget that Captiva Island is in populous Lee County, located offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. Tourists will find an amazing history and a wealth of fine dining, shopping, and water activities. Visitors can also explore Captiva’s sister island, Sanibel Island. Both islands offer luxurious accommodations for temporary visits as well as permanent residence. The natural beauty surrounding Captiva Island, as well as the wildlife sanctuary, create a peaceful, yet inspiring atmosphere. The subtropical climate makes it a popular vacation spot throughout the year. It is a perfect setting for a romantic or family vacation.
