Hi there! Thinking of visiting North Captiva Island and wondering if it’s the right vacation spot for you?
Then keep on reading!
In this post you will find 10 amazing reasons to visit the beautiful island of North Captiva, in Southwest Florida.
After visiting the island for more than 10 years, I can confidently say that North Captiva is absolutely incredible, and truly makes for the perfect vacation spot. It’s definitely a unique place, and once you visit you’ll want to go back again and again.
Sound good?
Keep reading for 10 amazing reasons to take a vacation on North Captiva Island, Florida!
10 Reasons to Visit North Captiva Island
1: It’s secluded
North Captiva Island is only accessible by boat or small private plane!
Unless you’re taking your own private boat/plane, you need to book ferry tickets in advance. Because of this, there are a limited number of people on the island at all times, and it never gets overly crowded.
From the mainland in Cape Coral, the ferry ride to the island takes about 20 minutes.
Luckily, although the island is secluded and not accessible by cars, you’re still easily able to reach other parts of Florida from the mainland.
Once on the mainland, Fort Myers is less than an hour away! Once in Fort Myers you, of course, have access to the airport as well as to the ferry to the Florida Keys! You could easily visit the Keys before or after a trip to the island – be sure to check out this amazing guide to a 5 day Florida Keys road trip!
2: There are no cars on North Captiva Island
This is one of the best parts of North Captiva Island is that there are no cars! On the island everyone drives electric golf carts and it is so much fun.
There are no paved roads, so the island feels very rural and secluded.
view from the back of a golf cart
3: You can walk the entire length of the island on the beach
North Captiva Island is relatively small, about four miles long and half a mile wide.
The entire southern half of the island is an undeveloped state park, so there are no houses built in that area.
Depending on the time of year, at low tide, you can sometimes walk down the beach from the northern to southern tip! It is such a beautiful walk and I highly recommend brining a picnic for sunset.
4: All homes/rental properties have beach access
There are no hotels on North Captiva, just private homes and rental properties.
Every single property has access to the beach, whether or not it is beachfront, through public beach access points. Because the island is so small, the beach is always a quick walk or golf cart drive away.
5: North Captiva has amazing shelling
Sanibel and Captiva, two neighboring islands, are known for having the best shelling in the USA. North Captiva is smaller, with fewer tourists, so the shelling is oftentimes even better!
6: It’s super laid back and relaxing
There’s no need to bring any dressy clothes to North Captiva, it’s super laid back and casual. Just make sure you pack your sandals and swimsuit! You’ll be spending most of your days at the beach, by the pool, or driving your golf cart around the island sipping a piña colada.
7: The sunsets are stunning
The sunsets on North Captiva are only rivaled by the sunsets I’ve seen in Greece. Watch them from a boat, the beach or a balcony, they are incredible.
8: The beautiful wildlife
About half of North Captiva is a Florida state park, and there is tons of wildlife on the island. Notably, you’ll see adorable turtles walking down the sand roads, as well as the occasional bobcat.
In terms of ocean life, you’ll regularly see dolphins jumping and manatees swimming close by. We’ve also seen stingrays and small sharks.
Lastly, if you’re lucky, you’ll also spot a bald eagle or two! If you’re not so lucky, you’ll see an alligator in a pond or a huge black snake. But there’s no need to worry!
9: There’s amazing fishing
If you like to fish, North Captiva is a great place for you! You can easily fish from the beach, or charter a boat and a guide!
10: It’s super safe
This almost goes without saying, but the island is so safe.
Of course, because of its small size, everyone is super friendly and helpful. It is a great place for kids, families, spring break trips, weddings and really any other type of vacation. If you visit the island, you can rest assured you’ll be safe and relaxed.
it’s also a great vacation spot for pets!
Well, there you have it!
Thanks for reading my top 10 reasons to Visit North Captiva Island, Florida! The island is truly an amazing place and makes the perfect vacation spot for families, couples or groups of friends.
Ready to book your trip? Be sure to check out our North Captiva Island packing guide as well as all of our best tips and advice for your trip!
If you have any questions about North Captiva, let us know in the comments below and/or reach out to us on Instagram, @twosistersabroad.
Lastly, we appreciate you sharing this post with someone you know who would love a trip to North Captiva Island!
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