Hi everyone, welcome to our North Captiva Packing Guide post, updated for 2021! Our family has loved visiting North Captiva Island, a small island off the west coast of Florida, for over 10 years now and it has become a very special spot for us. North Captiva is a very rural island with gorgeous rental properties, breathtaking sunsets, and no cars — only golf carts!
As you may know by now, Kate and I almost exclusively pack in carry-on suitcases. Packing in this smaller space not only reduces overpacking, but it also saves time in airports. Furthermore, when traveling to North Captiva, a carry on is really all you need! Every rental house on the island is equipped with a washer and dryer so you can wash clothes and rewear them! Because of this, I basically bring the same amount of clothes no matter if I’m packing for 5 days or 2 weeks. I am very excited to share this North Captiva Island packing guide with you!
Travel Outfit
Kate and I have wear very different travel outfits, but we both wear what is most comfortable for us! I prefer a sweatshirt with leggings or sweatpants while Kate typically opts for jeans and a sweater. I recommend wearing whatever you are more comfortable and confident in!
“Fancy” Outfits
When traveling to North Captiva, any type of “fancy” clothing is by no means necessary. There are two nice restaurants on the island where dressing up is not required, but can be fun! In November of 2019 my family and I celebrated Thanksgiving in Florida, so I thought a simple shirt and sweater combination was a fitting choice! If I have extra room in my carry on, I may throw in a dress or matching set for sunset pictures.
Tops
For tops I typically bring three tank tops, three t-shirts, and one oversized tee to wear to the beach. Because the weather isn’t always predictable, and my tops don’t take up a lot of room, I like to cover my bases. Again, the vibe of the island is very casual, so I brought graphic tees and simple/neutral colored tank tops. Be sure to also bring a sweater/sweatshirt or two for the evenings, it gets a little chilly if you adventure on a nighttime golf cart ride!
Bottoms
For bottoms, I usually pack one pair of jeans, two pairs of shorts, and one skirt. However, when I visited for Thanksgiving I packed two skirt options for dinner. I bring mostly light wash denim to match the color scheme of my shirts. Since I always travel in leggings or sweatpants, I also have those as a backup comfy option!
I also love to pair patterned pants with a graphic tee. This trendy outfit is also versatile and does not take up much room in my bag. Furthermore, the patterned pants dress up the graphic tee, making it casual but still very cute.
Swimsuits
Because I try to spend every waking moment by the beach or pool, I pack 3 to 4 swimsuits depending on the length of my trip!
Toiletries
For makeup/toiletries I keep it very simple. I always pack my concealer, foundation, mascara, and eyebrow pencil. I would’ve skipped my foundation, but it has sunscreen in it and with my skin tone/type I need my skin to be protected without clogging my pores. A trip to North Captiva is a great time to give your skin a break and get some sun! Feel free to bring as much or as little makeup as you want.
Some rental properties will have shampoo + conditioner, but many will not. Make sure to pick up some basics before you hop on the ferry, just to be safe – the store on the island has limited options! Also, I always bring my own skincare basics (face wash, moisturizer, etc.) because I like to keep this routine very consistent. Click here to read my carry-on toiletry packing guide!
Shoes and Belts
Lastly, shoes and belts. Two or three pairs of shoes for a stay on North Captiva is more than enough! One pair each of sandals, flip flops, and sneakers is plenty. Again, North Captiva is incredibly casual and nothing fancy is needed! Finally, I always bring one or two belts to pair with all outfits.
Thank you so much for reading our North Captiva Packing Guide! Kate and I cannot wait to share more posts about a place we love so much with you all. For more North Captiva content check out our Tips + Advice post and our 2021 island lookbook!
Hi Maggie! I think I packed even less stuff for my 6-day Florida getaway! It was fun to compare packing lists!
I love packing versatile pieces that can be dressed in multiple ways. Saves space and weight so I can be on the go!
Cute outfits; I’ve never heard of this island but it sounds like a relaxed, casual sort of destination based on the clothes you packed. I much prefer that to somewhere where tons of different costume changes are necessary!
I spent a lot of time in Florida when my hubby and I were RVing, but I have never heard of this island, I am intrigued! We are moving to North Carolina next year so I will be close and I will have to discover more about this island! Have a happy Thanksgiving!
Such cute outfits!! I always struggle with what to pack, and this is such a helpful guide, and easy to follow. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing your packing list! I always travel from cold areas to warmer areas in the fall and winter, so these are great reminders to not forget a thing. Also, I totally agree with traveling in comfortable clothing- your outfit is perfect!
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