Florida is known for it's many great things, from it's magical theme parks, sunshine, and long white sandy beaches.
This week we got to kick back and relax on a private island called, North Captiva. Gosh, did we feel a world away! North Captiva is situated offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. North Captiva Island offers what few other Florida beaches can: unspoiled, natural beauty. The peaceful barrier island includes a wildlife sanctuary and miles of white sand beaches. Captiva Island is unlike any other tropical island. It has no hotels, and that was definitely part of the charm for us.
North Captiva is only 5 miles long, and half a mile wide at its widest point. Because of its small size, it’s super easy (+fun!) to walk the entire length of the island – either along the beach at low tide or through the nature preserve.
Traveling to a remote island means, no cars! Therefore, we got to use our favorite mode of transportation... A BOAT! To get from mainland to the island you can hop the ferry or take a private boat. Whenever we travel we always enjoy new experiences; the first time to try something new. Well, this trip Chance had his first boat ride! A small, but plain and simple fact about Chance... He hates water! So, we were a little apprehensive with how he would handle getting on and off the boat, and better yet, the 25 minute boat ride over to the island.
*Cue the proud fur-parents dance* - he handled it like a CHAMP! We were so impressed. He was so excited once we stepped onto the dock of the marina and was greeted by family who were waiting for us on their boat, that he hopped right in. If you have visited the Gulf you'll know that usually the waters are calm and tranquil; unfortunately, not on our arrival day. But, like a champ he took it in his stride and enjoyed the experience. Now, whenever we say "boat" he jumps-up and is eager to put his harness on, and head out onto the water.
Speaking about mode of transportation on North Captiva Island, there are four ways to get around... Boat, Golf cart, Walk and Bike. Luckily for us these are our favorite transportation options.
Five miles of pristine sandy beaches and an oasis of unspoiled tropical paradise it was our version of heaven. With the small island life feel, we felt right at home. Our day was filled with island exploring, kayaking, boating and bike riding. A perfect weekend getaway to decompress and be one with nature.
At the end of the day, we would step outside the beach house, and stroll down a private sandy path to the shore line to take in the breath taking sunset that graces Captiva island each night.
Transportation & Rental Homes
Ferries go to and from North Captiva are regular with North Captiva Island Club Ferry and Island Girl Ferry. We highly recommend booking your ferry in advance.
The first North Captiva Island Club Ferry to the island leaves at 8am and the last boat off is at 7:15pm. The price for a one way ferry ticket is $22 for adults and $19.50 for children ages 2-12. Children under 2 ride free. Click here for the ferry schedule and to book!
There is also parking at the NCIC ferry dock for $9 a day – this is great if you’re coming in a car/rental car.
Island Girl ferries - Click here for their ferry schedule. Island Girl will also arrange off-hour ferries for fees beginning at $150 one-way.
Rental Homes - When booking a rental property there are many beach front homes, that come with a higher expense. Don’t worry if the property you book is not right on the beach, you will still have beach access and it will be a maximum of a five minute golf-cart ride from your home. The beach is public, and although there are private access points, there are also public access points for homes that are in the interior of the island.
Many of the homes also have pools, but some do not, so be sure to check the rental listing carefully. Having a pool is a really nice addition, as you will be able to spend more time at your rental house with your family and less time at the communal club pool.
Island Club Information
There are two “clubs” on the island that home owners belong to – North Captiva Island Club and Safety Harbor Club. Each club offer bars and swimming pools for renters to use.
Click here to browse and book rental properties with North Captiva Island Club. North Captiva Island Club offers a fun, family friendly atmosphere with a laid back, casual atmosphere. Click here to book with Safety Harbor on VRBO. Safety Harbor certainly offers a more adult environment, that is peaceful, calm and perfect for an adults getaway, However, if you choose to rent a property that has a pool you likely won’t be spending too much time at the clubs, besides for the bars and restaurants. Regardless of which club the home you choose belongs to, you will have a wonderful experience.
Food & Drinks
Pack-up your coolers to the top! Seriously, pack plenty of food for your stay on the island.
Before coming over to the island, you’ll need to go grocery shopping for everything you will need during your stay. We highly recommend ordering from the Publix located in Pine Island for convenience; they allow you to order online and they will “boat-pack” all of your groceries in coolers and paper bags to be easily transported to the island.
Another convenient option: You can order your groceries from Publix to be delivered directly to your ferry! This eliminates stopping at the store. However, there is an additional charge for this at 25% of your total order, with a $250 grocery minimum. Click here for more information.
There is only one store on the island with limited option. We personally recommend not relying on this as your option, but to be prepared ahead of time with your own groceries. There are four restaurants that serve a good selection of food options if you'd like to dine out during your stay.
Activities
You can rent jet skis, kayak, paddle boards and boats, through Boats and Fun which is located next to Mangos.
Check what your beach house includes. Most beach homes will include complimentary bikes and golf carts.
Boats and Fun is also a gift shop – and they have tons of items that you can use while on the island, or buy as fun souvenirs to remember your vacation.
For more content on North Captiva Island, checkout our North Captiva YouTube video.
Thanks for reading! Join us next week for a new adventure!
~ Dan, Gem, Chance and Summer.
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