Overview
Captiva Island is an island Southwest Florida, just north of Sanibel Island.
5 places to eat · 2 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 54°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jun. (climate data from nearby Fort Myers)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RSW Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers — 28 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PGD Punta Gorda Airport, Punta Gorda — 30 mi away. Directions
Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Understand
Captiva Island was once said to have pirates and conquistadores exploring its subtropical terrains in search for treasure. Indeed, Captiva Island is Florida’s treasure, boasting spectacular pristine beaches, perfect for viewing breathtaking sunsets or digging for the ocean’s tiny treasures beneath the sand- seashells. Both Captiva, and its larger sister island, Sanibel Island are world-famous for their seashells and their beautiful flora and fauna. Just a short drive across the bay from Ft. Myers, Captiva Island has something for every visitor. Dine at fabulous restaurants, play a game of golf, or sail away on the warm blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Stroll through Captiva’s downtown village, and come across an array of welcoming people and an abundance of hand-made gifts and trinkets.
Do
Captiva’s subtropical climate is perfect for the adventurous sportsman. You will find numerous activities on the island including: fishing, golf, boating, kayaking, canoeing, tennis, swimming, and bike riding.
Book a boating trip, during which you travel down waterways where you encounter dolphins, blue herons, raccoons, and different vibrant species of birds. Captiva Cruises features memorable dolphin and sunset cruises.
Rent a bike (Finnimore’s Cycle Shops). Bike riding on Captiva is a pleasurable and scenic experience, and can be enjoyed by travelers of all ages.
Beachcomb, Captiva Island’s beaches are the perfect place to discover your own treasure. Captiva is actually made up of shells, created over thousands of years, and is one of the islands considered the best in the world for shelling. Because the islands’ geography lies east and west, opposed the more widespread north and south, this phenomenon allows Captiva to capture tons of shells from the Gulf of Mexico. The peak shelling season is from May through September.
Relax on one of Captiva’s pristine white beaches, and bath in the hot Floridian sun. When you get too warm, simply stroll over to the waters’ edge and swim in some of Florida’s bluest waters.
Buy
"Shop 'til you drop," is the motto of island visitors when promenading through the town’s stores and boutiques. Captiva's shops are located mainly at the north end of Captiva Drive and on Andy Rosse Lane. Here you will discover casual fashions, antiques, pottery, hand-painted furniture, and unique gifts.
Eat
Eat Harbourside Bar & Grill (South Seas Island Resort)
A restaurant for families or couples with a nautical feel.
Eat The Pointe
Offers Caribbean fare with a fun Tommy Bahama atmosphere.
Eat Scoops and Slices
1950s diner, offering wood-fired pizzas, ice-cream sodas, floats and old-fashioned malts and milkshakes as well as a self-service candy shop.
Eat Old Captiva House Restaurant (Tween Waters Inn)
"New Florida" menu of tropical seafood, classic meats and daily fresh-baked breads, pastries.
Eat Crows Nest Restaurant
Pub-style, featuring nightly dinner specials, happy hour and live music. Hilarious, one-of-a-kind NASCRAB Hermit Crab Races (Monday and Thursday evenings, October through August).
Sleep
Stay ‘Tween Waters Inn Resort
This historic resort has been welcoming guests for nearly 100 years on 13 lush acres beneath the pines. The resort offers 137 accommodations which include 19 unique historic cottages, spacious suites, studios and resort rooms. The resort features private Gulf beaches, an all-new day spa, three pools, bayside marina offering boating, fishing and kayaking, tennis courts, a fitness center and three restaurants.
Nearby
Pine Island
Rural area · 24 listings · 7 mi away
Sanibel Island
City / town · 14 listings · 10 mi away
Boca Grande
City / town · 7 listings · 15 mi away
Cape Coral
City / town · 17 listings · 16 mi away
Little Gasparilla Island
City / town · 1 listings · 21 mi away
Fort Myers
City / town · 63 listings · 22 mi away
Punta Gorda
City / town · 13 listings · 28 mi away
Englewood
City / town · 8 listings · 31 mi away
My experience
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