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Captiva Island, to the north of Sanibel, is one of the most exclusive islands in North America, yet retains a casual ambiance. So narrow in spots you can see both the Gulf and Bay, tiny Captiva retains its small-town feel, even amidst enormous wealth and a few world-famous residents.

Captiva’s village is a quaint mix of restaurants, shops, homes and condos. The heart of Captiva, the village is lively, the place to see and be seen. Staying here, you wouldn’t necessarily need a car. Services are limited, and shops are small, but the basics are available in an upgraded format: groceries, liquor, rental bikes and golf carts, plus galleries and boutiques. It’s never more than a five-minute walk to the bay, the beach, or a great meal. Captiva is also the gateway to nearby out-islands.

Beyond the village, and comprising the two miles of Captiva's northern end, is the large, luxurious and exclusive South Seas Island Resort, a full-service resort. Teens particularly love the autonomy they get with the trolley system and South Seas has several programs for small children and teens.

Captiva Island beaches all face west and offer incredible sunset views. Visitors and locals alike congregate for the nightly event. Like Sanibel, watersports are almost limitless. While nighttime entertainment can mean driving to Sanibel for live theater or special concerts, there’s lots of live music at the island's restaurants, bistros and lounges.

Captiva is located on Florida's southwest coast, just one hour from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Ft. Myers. The island is a 3 hour drive from Tampa International and Ft. Lauderdale. Miami and Orlando are 4 hours away. For driving directions, see Getting Here.

Our weather is great year-round but some times of year may work better for you than others. To learn the advantages of visiting during a particular time of year, see Timing Your Visit.

Locate Captiva on our Florida map.