Where is Captiva Island, you ask? Captiva Island is located near Fort Myers, Florida along Florida’s Gulf of Mexico.
A lot of people looking for the perfect Florida getaway stumble across beautiful barrier islands. Many stumble across Captiva Island because it’s the perfect Old Florida island where you can step back in time and relax. Then they wonder: Where is Captiva Island?
Where is Captiva Island, you ask? Captiva Island is located near Fort Myers, Florida along Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. The island is a neighboring island of nearby Sanibel Island and it’s accessible by car. You will find beautiful beaches and boating and fishing opportunities at beautiful marinas.
Read on to find out more about Captiva Island and what you need to know.
We already told you Captiva Island is near Sanibel Island. The two islands couldn’t be more different. Captiva Island offers a very casual, laidback Old Florida environment with old school marinas, people wearing flip flops or no shoes at all and just enjoying the weather.
In contrast, Sanibel Island is Captiva’s more sophisticated neighbor that taller buildings, fancier architecture and just offers an overall more sophisticated atmosphere.
They are both great islands but those looking for a laidback environment where you are on island time and can enjoy island quaint cottages and island fishing should come visit Captiva Island.
Captiva Island is not located within any other town. It’s an island and a municipality by itself within Lee County. It’s often linked with Sanibel Island but it’s a separate island and stands on its own.
Contrary to popular belief, Captiva Island is not owned by any one entity and it was not built by any one developer. Captiva Island has approximately 300 homes and 300 vacant lots. Approximately one-half of the island is owned by the State of Florida and is protected for conservation and to enjoy Florida’s beauty,
While the island is not deemed private, Captiva Island’s private homes’ portion of the island was constructed with private mansions that are sometimes dubbed “Millionaire’s Row.” Some North Captiva Island residents have luxury private homes that can only be accessed by boats.
Captiva Island is not one of the most expensive barrier islands to visit. This is because unlike nearby islands, there are no five-star hotels or high-rise condos on Captiva Island. Thanks to building codes in place to keep structures lower and maximize waterfront views, Captiva offers more affordable cottage and vacation rental homes. This has created a wonderful laidback Key West-style environment that many vacationers crave over more high-end vacation properties.
This is perhaps the coolest part of Captiva Island. The main portion of the island is accessible by car. However, if you are looking to really get away, you can rent a boat on the island and head to North Captiva, which is only accessible by boat! Watersports is a huge part of Captiva Island and we highly recommend you rent a boat, make a boating excursion reservation and also get out on a kayak and enjoy the peaceful trails among the mangroves.
The clearest water in Florida debate will continue to rage for decades to come. The good news? The barrier islands around Captiva Island and Sanibel Island have beautiful clear water that is great for kayaking, boating and fishing. Southwest Florida white sand beaches are tops in the categories for best beaches and beautiful coastline water views!
Where Is it Safe to Swim at Captiva Island?
There are several wonderful beaches to swim near Captiva Island. Beachgoers can feel safe as long as they watch for rip current warnings and watch the weather reports.
Some Captiva beaches you need to try include:
Captiva Island total crime rates are approximately 60% lower than the national crime rate average. Captiva violent crimes and property crimes are 60% lower than the national average as well, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation Crime Reports issued in September 2020.
Captiva Island is a very secure island where vacationers and residents alike can feel safe year round.
The best part of Captiva Island is its low density, which means it has fewer multi-unit condominiums and no high-rise condos. This means the island looks and feels less populated, making it a quieter and more relaxing island for those looking to get away from the mainland on an island that is truly peaceful and quiet.
Knowing that North Captiva is only accessible by boat comes with extra planning. There is one small grocery store on North Captiva though for emergencies. However, vacationers looking to spend some time on North Captiva should plan to buy their food and drink on the mainland and bring it via boat to save money and to buy items that probably aren’t available at the tiny island food store.
There is great cellular service on North Captiva thanks to a recently built cellular tower built on Captiva Island north of the Captiva Village shopping district. All you will have to worry about is bringing extra cords to charge your cell phones!
Here at Jensen’s Marina™, we have 14 historic Captiva Island cottages for you to enjoy quaint island living next to a historic marina. Jensen’s Marina™ has several beautiful cottages near the water to choose from. Book your cottage today and come get lost on island time!
So where is Captiva Island? Captiva Island is all around you and once you get here you will understand why all the locals choose Captiva as the place to live and play. Rent a Florida boat to have the true Florida vacation experience. The boats at Jensen’s Marina™ include:
Pontoon boats work best for large fishing parties. A 24-foot pontoon boat with a 115-horsepower accommodates up to 12 people and can hold a lot of fishing gear.
Center console boats are a great choice for groups of smaller fishing parties or for those looking to go fishing just as a couple. You can rent an 18-foot center console boat that holds up to five people and the center console boat accommodates your needs well.
An 18-foot Boston Whaler with a 150-horsepower Yamaha four-stroke motor is another good Florida rental boat choice. This boat holds up to six people and has a 1,000-pound weight capacity for all of your fishing getaway needs.
Contact us today to book a cottage and make your marina reservation!