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North Captiva Island
Florida’s Little Secret Paradise
North Captiva Island, a beautiful spot situated only three miles off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico. Its tropical beauty is hard to resist, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more. A variety of places to stay provide a welcoming touch of luxury accented by the seclusion delivered by sandy beaches and a lack of paved roadways.
Here’s what you need to know before you go
Getting to the Island
Once you arrive in Florida and get to the Marina, you have a couple more steps to take to get to your final destination. As a remote island, North Captiva cannot be reached by car, so you must travel there by light aircraft, water taxis, or private charters. Hourly ferry service exists, so you can easily go back to the mainland if you need to buy something you can’t find on the island. Private water taxi service is also available. Personally, I recommend Island Girl Charters for boat transportation. Everyone is friendly, professional, and you will arrive safely on the island. Even persons with special needs are accommodated with a smile. You can find them at www.islandgirlcharters.com. Once you arrive on the island your caretaker will greet you at the dock to get you settled and ease the stress of traveling. If a Golf Cart is not included in your rental, I highly suggest you rent a property with one included.
Getting Around the Island
North Captiva Island is so narrow that the best way to get around the island is to walk, ride a bicycle, or golf cart. Typically, your rental will provide golf cart/s equipped to fit a group of four people, so you can easily plan a beach getaway for the day. Headlights make night driving possible. There are plenty of street signs and people willing to help if you get lost. In fact, it is almost impossible to get lost. The island is not very big and everything is in fairly close proximity.
If you choose to walk, wear study sandals. Walking can become a bit uncomfortable on the sandy roads, keep that in mind when choosing your footwear.
Tip: Be sure to charge your golf cart everyday or you may wind up stranded because no battery charge. Oh Yeah…be careful with puddles…this kills the battery also.
Reservations
Presently, 300 homes inhabit the island. There are a variety available for reservations, ensuring your stay provides exactly what you need to relax and enjoy your vacation I recommend using VRBO or Trip Advisor to find your perfect vacation spot on North Captiva. Almost all the properties are listed and will provide accurate reviews and recommendations from prior visitors. Select a spot with a Jacuzzi, private pool, and/or elevator, all are available for your comfort. Some accommodations are pet friendly, so your furry family member can enjoy a little island time as well. Travel Tip: Avoid renting a home next to the grassy air strip unless you have a private plane or enjoy the rumbling and shaking you will likely experience during landing and takeoff.
Things to Do
Despite its remote location, North Captiva Island offers many exciting options for fun and relaxation. The marina and the club offers boat rentals. Call ahead if you want to reserve one, especially during high season. You can also rent jet skies or sign up for one of the fishing charters for a day of fun and excitement.
Marine Life
Marine life is plentiful, so it’s just enjoyable to go out on the water and observe what is going on around you. Depending where you are on North Captiva Dolphins, Manatees, Stingrays, sea turtles and an array of birds inhabit the island. Jumping in a Kayak and exploring is one of the best activities to see marine life. If fishing is your thing, a day boat trip is available, but you have the capability to fish right from the beach also. It all depends what you want. Off the beach line I have personally caught trout, grouper, small sharks, snapper, redfish and mackerel.
Since this narrow strip of land is surrounded by pristine waters, you don’t need to walk far to get to one of its gorgeous unspoiled beaches. Once you choose a spot, usually your backyard, you can swimming, enjoy shelling, sunning, snorkeling, and fishing, or doing absolutely nothing. If you stay until sunset, you may get lucky enough to see the famed “green flash” that occurs for about a single second just as the sun dips into the Gulf of Mexico.
Most of North Captiva Island is protected state preservation land. There are nature trails through the preserve (walking or biking only). North Captiva has about 4 miles of beaches to walk and enjoy of which 2.5 miles is along the state preserve. The wild life is abundant there. Don’t forget your camera, and bring plenty of water. 2.5 miles does not seem like a long walk, but the heat can overcome you before you know it. Better to be safe than sorry.
North Captiva Island Club
If you happen to make your reservation at the North Captiva Island Club, you can enjoy playing pool or tennis, biking around the island, and kayaking. Fees are in place, so be sure to bring your credit card or cash. The club facilities are not included in your rental unless the owner has a membership.
Dining Options
The Boat House
Currently, four restaurants to keep hunger pangs at bay while you are staying on the island exist. For an elegant dining experience try The Boat House, where you’ll find savory steak dishes and the freshest seafood options.
Mango Island Cafe’
If you find yourself near the harbor, try Mango Island Cafe for local cuisine that is fresh and flavorful. If you want a tasty drink and a few appetizers as you lounge at the pool, visit the Mango Pool Bar at the Hidden Cove. This is a great spot for fresh fried grouper sandwiches local fare and music. Sitting next to the water enjoying the fresh air eating a great meal without the crowds. It just does not get any better. At least for me anyway.
Barnacle’s Waterfront Restaurant
If you are out and about and find yourself near the airstrip, stop by Barnacle’s Waterfront Restaurant for an interesting eating experience complete with a tasty meal, all the while enjoying the view, and playful marine life outside. Both indoor and outdoor dining options are available, and you’ll find local cuisine as well as Caribbean dishes offered. If you venture up to the upper floor, you can enjoy some of the best ice cream on the island. Well, it’s the only ice-cream on the island..so it must be the best. All kidding aside, it is good.
Over the Waterfront Restaurant
The Over the Waterfront Restaurant delivers excellent food despite its unassuming appearance. The chef prepares the food to perfection right before your eyes. This is the best place to eat of the island in my opinion. During high season, you can grab luch on limited days of the week. The lunch schedule varies, be sure to check before making the trip. It’s small, so call ahead for a reservation for dinner. If you are lucky, you might even spot a few dolphins since this eatery is located near the docks.
Grocery Shopping
Most likely, you won’t want to eat out every single meal given there are only four restaurants on the island, so you should plan ahead for groceries. I repeat. PLAN ahead for groceries. Your personal assistant will stock your refrigerator before your arrival for a fee if you wish. If not, you can order from Publix and they will deliver your food directly to the dock on your day of arrival. Just ask your assigned assistant for information.
Advice on Food
A small convince store is available on the island. Learning the hard way is not a pleasant experience, a word of advice. Bring more food than clothes. You will have a washer and drier to clean your clothes in your choice of accommodation. However, you will not be able to go grocery shopping without the mainland. Keep this in mind. However, a full list of items in the home is available. Take a look at this to avoid added expense.
What to Bring
Vacationing at North Captiva Island is just like staying at any other island paradise. You’ll need sunscreen, flip flops, sunglasses, bathing suit, hats, and comfortable shoes for bicycling or hiking. There is no nightlife per say so leave all the fancy clothes at home. Comfy island clothes is all you’ll need, and not much. For goodness sakes do NOT forget your camera.
Keep in mind, it is an island, so WiFi and internet may be intermittent. Cell phone access works fine, in some areas be aware cell phones will not work. Just a side note. If you have your own personal hot spot, I suggest you bring it along if internet is an absolute.
Final Words
If your next vacation involves a trip to Florida’s secret little paradise of North Captiva Island, be sure to pack carefully. You won’t be traveling by car, so you should bring footwear that is comfortable for biking and/or golf carting along sandy pathways. The scenery is gorgeous, so you should make sure that you have enough storage space to snap multiple photos of one of the best vacations you are likely to ever enjoy.