Dog Leash Law

All dogs, cats, and household pets must be leashed or securely confined at all times unless on the owner’s private property.

• Pets must be under the physical control of a capable person
  
• Leashes, cages, or other humane restraints are required
  
• Allowing pets to roam freely is unlawful

Lee County Code- Sec. 4-32. Leash Law and Presumptions.

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Beach Safety & Rip Currents

North Captiva has no lifeguards and no monitored beaches.

Rip Current Awareness

Rip currents are the leading cause of beach-related drownings. Please review these safety tips before entering the water:

• Rip currents often look calmer, darker, or wave-free
  
• Always spend 5–10 minutes observing the water before swimming
  
• If caught in a rip:
  
  • Do not panic
    
  • Float to conserve energy and raise one arm for help
    
  • Swim parallel to shore, never against the current
    
  • If unable to escape, let the current carry you until it weakens, then swim back
    

If swimming with children, show them what rip currents look like and explain safe swimming areas.

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Dolphin Beach  

Location: N. Airstrip Drive & S. Airstrip Drive, North Captiva
No lifeguards on duty

Located on the east side of the runway, Dolphin Beach offers incredible dolphin viewing along Pine Island Sound.

• Dolphins are often seen feeding near the docks from sunrise to early afternoon
  
• Kayaking or floating nearby offers amazing viewing opportunities
  
• Never touch or chase dolphins — let them approach you if they choose
  
• This beach also hosts Sunday worship services
  

⚠️ Runway Warning: This is an active airstrip area—never block or sit on the runway.

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Sunset Beach (Main Gulf Beach)

Sunset Beach is North Captiva’s main Gulf-side beach, offering the most parking access and some of the best sunset views on the island. Stretching along the Gulf of Mexico, this wide, scenic beach is a favorite for evening walks, shelling, and watching the sun melt into the water.

• Main public beach on the island
  
• Most available parking
  
• Expansive Gulf views and stunning sunsets
  
• No lifeguards on duty
  

Sunset Beach is ideal for families, photographers, and anyone wanting classic North Captiva sunset views.

Bartlett Beach (Gulf Side)

Location: End of Bartlett Drive, North Captiva
Side: Gulf of Mexico

Bartlett Beach is a quieter Gulf-side beach access located at the end of Bartlett Drive. This access point offers beautiful sunset views and a more secluded beach experience.

• Parking is limited
  
• Easily accessed by golf cart or on foot from nearby homes
  
• Excellent spot for sunset viewing and beach walks
  
• No lifeguards on duty
  

Please be respectful of private property and do not block driveways or access points when visiting this area.

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Manatee Canal

Location: 4473 S. Airstrip Drive, North Captiva

Known locally as Manatee Canal, this spot is perfect for manatee viewing.

• Best viewed when the sun is high and tides are lower
  
• Manatees (and calves!) often bask near seawalls and docks
  
• Cooler air temperatures bring higher manatee activity
  
• Manatees are curious—stand quietly and they may surface nearby
  

🚫 Please observe respectfully and never touch manatees.

Golf Cart Access – Important Note

The only area where golf carts are permitted near the beach is at N. Airstrip Drive & S. Airstrip Drive on the east (Sound) side of the island.
***Golf carts are never allowed on Gulf-side beaches.