Visitors and locals alike live the good life in Captiva Island, Florida. Located just off the southwest of Florida, it is a beautiful island oasis where warm Gulf waters lap the shores and everyone enjoys a quiet, private stay. The area boasts fantastic fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, and more, but it is most unique in its lack of large chain hotels. Instead, visitors and snowbirds stay in luxurious Captiva Island vacation rentals choosing whether they prefer to be steps from the beach, near the bay, or in the village.
Things to do
Captiva Island’s main attraction is its beautiful stretch of beaches. Walk along the fine sands of popular Captiva Beach and Turner Beach for incredible shelling. Kids can be kept busy gathering beautiful pastel-colored seashells and wading in the warm waters, while adults will enjoy swimming, sailing and snorkeling.
For adventure-seekers, fishing charters and wildlife tours provide opportunities for guided fun around the shimmering, turquoise waters of Captiva Island. Santiva Saltwater Fishing offers a variety of tours including fishing trips, snorkeling excursions and sightseeing tours. The open waters are teeming with wildlife, and you might catch Tarpon, Redfish, and Shark or spot manatees and bottlenose dolphins swimming. Birds like hawks, eagles and osprey are always present flying overhead.
Out of the water, rent bikes or switch from sandals to hiking boots to explore scenic Redfish Pass and Captiva Pass. Visit the 110-year-old Captiva Chapel-by-the-Sea to slow down and see a slice of the island’s history, or treasure some time out of the sun at the luxurious spa at Tween Waters Inn. This beach paradise is as beautiful at night as it is during the day, and you can enjoy unbelievable stargazing from the deck of all Captiva Island vacation rentals.
Shopping
There is no need to go off island for great shopping as Captiva Island has a variety of quaint, unique shops clustered along Captiva Drive and Andy Rosse Lane in the Village Center. Jungle Drums Gallery is the perfect place to find a special souvenir for your stay as it has an unforgettable collection of wildlife art and handcrafted jewelry. Head to The Island Store to stock up on the essentials, or wait for the perfect purchase to jump out at you while strolling along the village paths and covered boardwalks.
Dining
No matter where you’re staying in Captiva Island, award-winning restaurants are always steps away. For a lavish dining experience and romantic sunset views over the Gulf, visit the historic Captiva House. Feast on fresh, local seafood and gourmet treats here. If you’re coming straight from the beach, The Mucky Duck is a happening bar where diners can enjoy live entertainment and spectacular ocean views while keeping their toes in the sand. Families will love the atmosphere at the legendary Bubble Room. The restaurant was one of the first on Captiva Island to introduce the cheerful and bright pastel colors commonly used on the island today, and it is elaborately decorated with toys and celebrity photos. It even has a room entirely devoted to Christmas all year-long making it a must-see on your vacation.
Whether you’re honeymooning or traveling with the entire family, this picturesque sliver of land in the Gulf of Mexico has something for all vacationers. Select from a variety of Captiva Island vacation rentals close to the action or stay off the beaten path for a romantic getaway. There’s no better place to relax, soak up sun and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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