Things to Do on North Captiva Island: Beaches, Boating & Island Adventures
North Captiva Island offers a rare blend of secluded nature and unforgettable excursions, making it ideal for vacationers and property owners seeking both relaxation and adventure. Accessible only by boat or private aircraft, this exclusive barrier island is celebrated for its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and peaceful, car-free lifestyle.
With no bridges and no crowds, North Captiva delivers an authentic Old Florida experience—where time slows down and nature takes center stage.
Exploring North Captiva Island by Golf Cart
Golf carts are the island’s primary mode of transportation and the best way to explore its four-mile stretch of sandy trails, beach paths, and nature preserves. A single day is enough to see the island, but lingering longer reveals hidden beaches, scenic bayside views, and wildlife sightings at every turn.
Golf cart rentals are widely available and recommended for all visitors.
Beaches, Shelling & Water Activities
North Captiva boasts four miles of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, offering excellent conditions for:
- Shelling and beachcombing
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Paddleboarding and kayaking
- Sunset viewing
Gulf Side vs. Bayside Beaches
- Gulf-side beaches feature wide shorelines and gentle waves—ideal for shelling and sunset walks.
- Dolphin Beach (bayside) is a favorite snorkeling and wildlife-spotting location with calmer waters and frequent dolphin activity.
Shelling is especially rewarding after winter cold fronts and during low tide, when currents deposit rare shells including junonia, lion’s paw, and angel wing shells.
Wildlife Viewing & Eco Tours
North Captiva Island is home to more than 200 bird species, including ospreys, pelicans, roseate spoonbills, and great blue herons. Dolphins are seen year-round, particularly in the mornings, and manatees are common during cooler months.
Sea turtle nesting occurs April through October, with loggerhead turtles most frequently nesting along island beaches.
Guided eco-tours offer respectful, educational encounters with dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and coastal birdlife.
Fishing & Boating Adventures
The waters surrounding North Captiva are among the most productive fishing grounds in Southwest Florida.
Inshore Fishing
Target:
- Snook
- Redfish
- Spotted seatrout
Perfect for families and beginners, inshore trips explore mangrove-lined backwaters and Pine Island Sound.
Offshore Fishing
Venture into the Gulf of Mexico for:
- Grouper
- Snapper
- King mackerel
- Seasonal tarpon
These trips offer the chance to land trophy-sized fish with experienced local captains.
All licensed charter captains provide rods, tackle, bait, and fishing licenses.
Recommended Fishing Charters & Boat Services
North Captiva–Based & Area Captains
Gulf Coast Aqua Adventures – Captain JW Safford
Shelling, dolphin tours, snorkeling, island hopping
239-269-3995
swflcaptain.com
Katch ’Em Up Charters – Captain Kalani
Ph: (941) 525-4431
Email: [email protected]
Fun and local fishing charter in and around North Captiva.
USCG certified Capt Kalani now offers dolphin expeditions, manatee viewing, eco tours, shelling adventures and much more.
We fish for it all: Redfish, Snook, Tarpon and more. Custom Tailored Fishing Adventures!
From rivers to blue water and all in between.
Daily Trip to North Captiva
Visiting Captiva Island? Treat yourself with a day on North Captiva
Check Captiva Cruises to learn more
