Welcome to our beautiful island oasis!
North Captiva Island remains one of the few places left where man and nature coexist in complete harmony. 100 years ago, Tampa Hurricane of 1921 created a breach in the island of Captiva giving us North Captiva as we call it today. Locals anticipated that the islands would rejoin but when that didn’t happen plans were formed to build a bridge. Thankfully, North Captiva resisted all efforts to rejoin her sister island to the south and over time developed her own independent personality. North Captiva is unhurried, intimate, and unlike anything else you’ll find on the Florida Coast. Friendly, welcoming, and secluded, just enough, to create a unique island paradise.
North Captiva Island is located North of Captiva Island and South of Cayo Costa. Part of the Charlotte Harbor barrier island chain, North Captiva is approximately four miles long and one-half mile wide at the widest extent.
Accessibility to this tropical retreat is just 25-35 minutes by boat from Captiva or Pine Island. In addition, a 2000-foot, privately owned grass airstrip provides landing space for pilots of light aircraft. Known for its pristine white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, extraordinary bird watching and shelling, and unbeatable salt-water fishing.
North Captiva is one of Florida’s few places left which survived unscarred the early days of land grabs and bulldozers. In fact, it is one of the few places where the delicate balance between man and nature has gracefully withstood the passage of time.
Today the osprey still wheel overhead, fish team just offshore in the Sound, gopher tortoises plod across the savannah, and dolphins are spotted in the harbor. These days, North Captiva is home to a growing number of residents and visitors, drawn by the vibrancies of her beauty and unspoiled island atmosphere.
Nature Preserve
Try this 2.6-mile out-and-back trail on North Captiva, Florida. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 45 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking, mountain biking, and running, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. There is a clearly defined trail that loops around from Panama Shell and back to the same staring point. The total loop is about 2.6 miles.
Free Library
When you are visiting North Captiva, please make sure to visit our islands Little Free Library. Take a book, leave a book, love a book, keep a book. New books for adults and children just added. Located at my beautiful and generous friend Angie’s house at 4550 Cutlass Drive. 💕🏝️📚
Mackies North Captiva Quest
Looking for a fun way to break up your beach time for kids who need a break from the sun? On your visit to North Captiva, give your children the opportunity to come home with more than just a tan. Sign them up for a session of Island Quest to learn about the island and ocean animals as well as sea shells. Children ages 3-12 love this two hour program which is offered in my home’s ocean classroom. Extended learning packets go home with each child. Text retired educator and island resident, Valerie Horstman at 740-581-2079 to schedule a session. The cost is per child per session. Sessions are two-2.5 hours depending on size of group. Visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BSHqs1hf4/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Sessions usually go like this:
- Five minutes of get to know each other
- A section on seashells with specimens and photos
- A section on other sea life with specimens and photos
- A break with a couple of active activities
- Snack time
- A section on sea turtles and gopher tortoise with books and photos/videos
- Shell crafts
- A section on pollution of the oceans
- A section on dolphins with books and photos/videos
- A dolphin craft
- A section on manatees (depending on time)
- Ocean related games as time permits. Longer sessions are available at additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers
Does Visit North Captiva Island own or rent out properties directly?
No. Visit North Captiva Island is a platform that connects travelers with verified and legally licensed vacation rental owners and property managers on North Captiva. We do not own or manage any properties ourselves. You’ll communicate and book directly with each property owner or manager using the contact information provided on their listing.
Does Visit North Captiva Island charge a service or booking fee?
No. One of the key advantages of booking through Visit North Captiva Island is that you won’t pay any service or booking fees—unlike sites such as Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway, which often add hundreds of dollars to your total. We believe your money is better spent enjoying your island escape, not on extra fees.
Will my personal information be shared with others?
Absolutely not. We take your privacy seriously. Your data is never shared or sold to any third parties. When you inquire about a property, your information is only sent to the individual owner or manager of that listing, and only for the purpose of arranging your stay.
Does Visit North Captiva Island process payments or reservations?
No. All bookings and payments are handled directly between you and the property owner or manager. Each listing may have different payment methods and reservation processes, and we respect their independence to manage bookings as they see fit. Be sure to review each listing for their preferred methods and terms.
What happens if something goes wrong during my stay?
Most owners and managers are highly attentive and take great pride in maintaining their properties. But if something does come up during your visit—whether it’s a maintenance issue or a question—just reach out to the property owner or manager directly. They are your point of contact and will do their best to resolve issues quickly and professionally.
What is the cancellation policy if I need to cancel my trip?
Cancellation policies vary by property. Each owner sets their own terms, which should be clearly outlined in the listing. If you don’t see a policy listed or have questions about it, we recommend reaching out to the owner directly before you book.
Keep in mind: last-minute cancellations may result in partial or full forfeiture of rental fees.
To protect your vacation investment, we strongly recommend purchasing Trip Cancellation Insurance. This can reimburse non-refundable expenses due to covered events like illness, severe weather, family emergencies, or other unforeseen issues that prevent you from traveling.
Where can I get ice on North Captiva Island?
If you need ice while visiting the island check out Island Ice run by Brenna Fox
Phone: (860) 559-6421
Email: [email protected]
Where can I find Island Wedding Officiates
Local Resident glad to officiate Island Wedding
Island resident glad to officiate a Christian Island Wedding at no charge email her at [email protected] or call her at 239-785-8603.
Need more help? We’re here to make your planning easier. Reach out anytime—we’re happy to help you enjoy a seamless North Captiva Island experience.
