North Captiva Island stands as a rare testament to the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. A century ago, the Tampa Hurricane of 1921 carved a breach in the island of Captiva, birthing North Captiva as we know it today. While locals initially anticipated the islands would naturally rejoin, North Captiva asserted its independence, resisting all attempts to reunite with its southern counterpart. Over time, it has cultivated a distinct and autonomous personality that sets it apart.
Today, North Captiva embodies a serene, unhurried, and intimate ambiance, unlike any other Florida coastal destination. It welcomes visitors with open arms, offering seclusion that is just enough to craft a one-of-a-kind island paradise.
Situated north of Captiva Island and south of Cayo Costa, North Captiva is a part of the Charlotte Harbor barrier island chain. Measuring approximately four miles in length and half a mile at its widest point, this tropical haven is easily accessible, with a short 15-minute boat ride from Captiva or Pine Island. Additionally, a privately owned 2000-foot grass airstrip provides a landing spot for light aircraft, ensuring convenient access.
North Captiva Island is celebrated for its pristine white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, remarkable birdwatching and shelling opportunities, and unparalleled saltwater fishing. It is one of the few remaining places in Florida that has withstood the pressures of land development, preserving the delicate balance between humanity and the natural world.
Today, as ospreys soar overhead, fish thrive in the nearby waters of the Sound, gopher tortoises plod through the savannah, and dolphins grace the harbor with their presence, North Captiva continues to thrive. It has become home to a growing community of residents and visitors, all drawn to its vibrant beauty and the timeless allure of an unspoiled island atmosphere.
Universal North Captiva Guidebook.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Our Island Paradise
Welcome to our comprehensive guide, designed to provide you with valuable insights into our stunning island. Uncover a wealth of exciting activities and attractions by simply clicking on the ‘GUIDE’ tab located in the navigation bar at the bottom of your screen. Our guide is not only brimming with travel tips and safety advice but also offers a glimpse into the local wildlife and so much more.
Explore with Our Interactive Map
For a more immersive experience, make use of our interactive ‘MAP.’ Zoom in to explore specific areas of interest on the island and its surrounding regions. It’s your key to discovering the countless treasures this island has to offer.
What’s on the Horizon?
Click below on the logos for each home’s guidebook.
Now, all that’s left to do is kick back, browse at your leisure, and consider planning a visit to our exquisite island. Your island adventure awaits!
Getting To the Island
Getting to North Captiva Island: Fly, Drive, or Ferry
Flying/Taxi:
The distance from the following airports to Safe Harbor Pineland Marina, where you’ll embark on your boat or ferry to the island:
FT MYERS (RSW): 36 miles
Punta Gorda (PGD): 40 miles
Sarasota (SRQ): 90 miles
Tampa (TPA): 139 miles
For aviation enthusiasts, you can even pilot your own small personal aircraft onto the island via Salty Approach. Our home, Tortuga Sunset, is conveniently located on this airstrip. Feel free to inquire for more details if this option intrigues you.
If you require transportation to the ferry, you have several choices, including Pine Island Taxi, a private driver, Lyft, and Uber. The best option for you will depend on the size of your party and your arrival time.
Driving/Ferry:
If you’re driving to catch the Island Girl Charter or meeting a private ferry, simply enter the following address into your GPS:
Island Girl Charters: 13921 Waterfront Dr. Bokeelia, FL 33922
As you pass through Matlacha (pronounced Mat’ la’ shea), a charming small town on your way to Pine Island, please be mindful of your speed.
Parking:
Parking is available at Safe Harbor Pineland for those taking Island Girl Charters or using the boat ramp facilities. To obtain your parking permit, visit the Marina store, where they’ll process your payment and provide you with a pass to display on your dashboard. Car parking (without a trailer) is situated in a lot across the street from the Marina, just a short walk from the ferry. If you’ve arranged a private charter, your parking instructions may vary, so please coordinate with our staff accordingly.
Boating and Docking
Discover North Captiva’s Beauty by Boat
Exploring North Captiva is a true delight, and there’s no better way to experience its wonders than by boat. If you’re bringing your boat to the area and wish to dock it on North Captiva, you have several options at your disposal.
Boat Ramp at Safe Harbor Pineland:
You can take advantage of the boat ramp at Safe Harbor Pineland, making it easy to launch your vessel.
North Captiva Island Club Docks:
North Captiva Island Club offers docks for your convenience.
Private Docks for Rent:
Numerous private docks are available for rent, enhancing your boating experience. For more details, please get in touch with Shally’s Seashells or Paula.
Important Information About Pine Island Sound: It’s essential to be aware of the local waters of Pine Island Sound, which can be quite shallow, featuring numerous shoals and flats. The average depth across the sound is approximately 7 feet, encompassing the ICW channel that provides deep water passage for larger boats. If your boat has a significant draft (>24″) or if you’re not comfortable navigating shallow waters, we recommend visiting the area first and considering a charter or excursion cruise to familiarize yourself with the conditions.
Additionally, we advise becoming well-acquainted with local charts and navigational markers, as Pine Island Sound is known for its large shoals and flats. Below, you’ll find a sample link to a navigational chart route from Pineland to North Captiva. However, please note that this is not a substitute for official navigational resources. Always use the USCG’s current and approved charts for navigating the waters of this area.
For further details, explore our navigational charts for comprehensive information on local waters.
No Cars
One thing you notice on the island is how quiet it is. One main reason, only electric golf carts and bicycles use the sandy roads that connect the 400 homes and facilities on the island.
The lack of cars also makes North Captiva a safe place for youth to explore and stretch their wings. Just please don’t let them drive the golf carts, follow island regulations so that we may keep everyone safe.
North Captiva Sea Turtle Foundation
Every summer the sea turtles make their way back to the sandy beaches on the Gulf side of the island to lay their eggs. If you are staying during that time we recommend reaching out to the North Captiva Sea Turtle Foundation to see how you can participate and help the turtles. Adopting a nest is a great way to help the island.
Shelling
You’ll find the four miles of the gulf beach of North Captiva filled with a treasure chest of unusual and sometimes rare shells. One popular point is mid-island where a strong rip churns up the sand.
But even after you’ve walked the whole island, you aren’t done, yet. A short ferry across to Cayo Costa can keep you busy for a month. This natural preserve is shell lovers’ paradise. And to take all of your finds back home, we provide a nice ecological burlap sack to bring your friends home.
Restaurants
There are two restaurants on the island that are great for those times when being served some great fresh seafood or some wings are in the plans. Mangos and Over the Water (OTW).
There are also plenty of other options. Take the ferry to Cabbage Key for their infamous burger (no, Jimmy Buffet didn’t write Cheeseburger in Paradise after eating there, but they’re darn good) or take a boat (Private Captain) to Captiva for some fine dining at Green Flash, or Boca Grande to the Pink Elephant.
While you’re waiting for the ferry, we highly suggest you have lunch or dinner at Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island. It isn’t just the best restaurant around, it may serve one of the top three crab cakes we’ve ever eaten.