Captiva Island Information

Captiva Island, only four miles long and a half-mile wide, is located in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Naples. It is known as the little sister to Sanibel Island and is linked to it by a small bridge.

The beaches face west, providing a picture-perfect view of sunsets. The hub of Captiva Island is the village area where restaurants, shops, homes and vacation accommodations are located.

Captiva Island enjoys a subtropical climate all year long. Temperatures range from the mid-80s to low 90s, kissed by gentle ocean breezes. Winter temperatures linger around 70 and 80 degrees. Captiva Island experiences some rainy days, but it is generally only a quick downpour or brief shower.

In 1523, the native Calusa Indians were successful in fighting off Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. But European diseases such as measles, yellow fever and tuberculosis wiped out the tribe in the 1700s.

In the 1800s, the infamous pirate Gasparilla, known for holding prisoners for ransom and for his plunder at sea, jumped overboard rather than surrender during a losing battle with a U.S. Navy ship.

Following the Civil War, the northern part of Captiva Island became a key lime plantation but was destroyed during the hurricanes of 1921 and 1926. Soon after, wealthy Americans came to Captiva Island to vacation, and the island became a popular tourist destination.

Captiva Island has a variety of waterfront inns, motels, vacation home rentals, condominiums, B&Bs, cottages and resorts to accommodate vacationing guests. The island is accessible from all major Florida airports, with Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers the closest at just an hour drive away. Captiva Island can be reached by car, taxi or commuter plane from any mainland airport.

When on the island, a car is not necessary. Just about everything is a five-minute walk away. During your stay, shorts, T-shirts and sandals are the typical island style.

Captiva Island is known for having the most beautiful beaches in the world. There are two beaches: Captiva Island beach, located at the end of Captiva Drive, and Turner Beach on Captiva Drive near Blind Pass Bridge. They provide a plethora of water activities, including kayaking, sailing, canoeing, parasailing and fishing.

Other popular activities on the island are hiking, tennis, bird watching, golf and biking. Take a cruise down the waterway to view Captiva Island's diverse wildlife. You're sure to spot dolphins, manatees, blue herons, waterfowl and colorful bird species.

Captiva Island is famous for its seashells. Many use the rare and unusual shells to make such crafts as boxes, lamps and mirrors.

The beaches of Captiva Island are covered in shells, acting as a soft cushion as you walk barefoot on the white sand. Using a scoop, net bag and bucket, visitors gather shells and sand dollars during low tide. However, Captiva Island has strict rules about collecting live shells, starfish, sea urchins and sand dollars.

Little things give Captiva Island its unique personality. For one, leave your jacket and necktie at home because locals prefer to keep the island a very relaxed, casual and care-free atmosphere.

You will find no fast-food chains on Captiva Island. Land-use laws restrict them and high-rise buildings.

Late afternoon thunderstorms are common during hurricane season, which stretches from June to September.

From May to August, mosquitoes and a small island bug called the no-see-um can be annoying. They come out around sunset, so be prepared with bug spray.