Captiva Travel Guide

Looking for a beach getaway? Look no further than Captiva. Found on Captiva Island, this welcoming community is all about the sun, sea, and sand! Home to a number of beautiful beaches, Captiva is ideal for water sports and even whale watching. Food here is also worth a mention, being home to some of the best keylime pie in the US.

Things to Do in Captiva

Captiva Beach is where locals and vacationers alike love to hang out. The white sand and turquoise blue water is perfect for sunbathing, playing volleyball or taking part in water sports -- jet sking, water-skiing, and kayaking are particularly popular. If you prefer something a little calmer, Turner beach is great for fishing and shelling.

History buffs should head to the Captiva Island Historical Society’s History Gallery to learn more about Captiva’s past.

Best Time to Visit Captiva

Vacationers flock to Captiva during the spring season.

A Local's Guide to Captiva Vacation Rentals

If you want nothing more from life than to relax on a beach with a cocktail in-hand and watch the world go by, Captiva is for you. The town can be found on Captiva Island, located near Fort Myers off of Florida’s legendary Gulf Coast. Life on the island is all about the great outdoors, with activities such as sailing, biking, bird watching and water sports being particularly popular.

Despite being an island vacation destination, there is no passport required on arrival, in fact, Captiva is even accessible by car, crossing the famous landmark of the Blind Pass Bridge. Traveling to Captiva is part of the adventure, and you will be able to witness the stunning natural coastline along the way.

For a short day trip, visit Captiva’s sister island of Sanibel, which is the larger of the two, however you can still drive the whole length of it in 20 minutes. The two islands are connected via bridge, which makes travel easy, and you can easily explore both in a day.

Take a break from the beach and enjoy one of the many art and entertainment options, with plenty of museums, theaters and other attractions. The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum showcases why the islands have earned their reputation as being the world’s top shelling destination. It the most comprehensive museum in the nation devoted just to shells. The art galleries feature a range of cultural offerings, artworks and sculptures, while a range of theatrical and musical performances come to life in the island’s theaters.

Located on the tip of the island is South Seas Island Resort, boasting 2.5 miles of sandy beaches and activities to entertain the kids all day long, making for a perfect family vacation. The resort has over 20 pools for guests to choose from, plus the optional hire of a golf cart to get around the resort and 9-hole golf course.

If you don’t fancy staying in such a large resort, another option is to explore Captiva vacation rentals. Rental properties can act like a home away from home, and range greatly in size from a small one bedroom property, to multiple bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Many vacation rentals come with a private pool, so if you don’t fancy heading down to the beach, you can simply have a sunbathe in your own secluded environment. Depending on where your vacation home is located, you will likely be walking distance to some of the best shopping and restaurant options. Alternatively, getting a beach home will mean you will be able witness the stunning sunset on Captiva.