A true gem tucked away off the coast of Florida, North Captiva, also known as Upper Captiva Island is an adventure to get to and a dream-come-true to visit. This Island is a No-Car Island. The only way to travel is by golf cart.
You can not drive to North Captiva Island because it is cut off from the mainland by a strait called Redfish pass. Redfish Pass is a strait in Florida that connects Pine Island Sound with the Gulf of Mexico. It also separates Captiva Island on the south from North Captiva Island on the north. Therefore the only way to get to North Captiva is by ferry/ water taxi, boat, jet ski or small plane (must have proper approval for landing here).
North Captiva Island is known for its pristine beauty, fantastic wildlife, and unparalleled shelling. Explore everything that this magical destination has to offer.
Where is North Captiva Island Located?
North Captiva Island is situated due north of Captiva Island in Lee County Florida. That is in the southwestern part of Florida, just off the coast and connected to the Gulf of Mexico. It is separated from Cayo Costa Island by the Captiva Pass with which it shares its name to the north and from the main Captiva Island to the south by the Redfish Pass. It is considered a barrier to Pine Island. North Captiva Island has only been its own island since 1921.
Why is North Captiva Island Extraordinary?
White-sand beaches and the crystal clear ocean set the scene for visitors looking for a relaxing respite from the ordinary hustle and bustle. Not only is North Captiva Island a stunning tropical paradise but it is also one of the top places for shelling in the United States.
Let’s See What Else Makes North Captiva Island Far Beyond Ordinary
Forget Traffic
One of the most noticeable things about the island is that there aren’t any cars. North Captiva Island is laced with sandy roads that connect island facilities with the few hundred homes there. Most people walk or use golf carts to get around. This is great because it makes the island a safe place to explore and play, especially for children. Additionally, this keeps the pollution produced by cars from ruining the island’s fresh air and gorgeous scenery.
Endless Shelling
For those who love to collect shells, there is no better place than North Captiva. It is legendary for having the best shells. However, if you are looking for a wider variety of shells, nearby Cayo Costa offers even more fantastic and diverse shelling. The best part is that you can take all of the beautiful shells that you find home with you. They make lovely gifts or decorations and will help to preserve your memories.
Sea Turtles
While the island provides a respite to the humans who visit, it also provides a safeguard for thousands of sea turtles. These sea turtles come to North Captiva Island to lay their eggs. Many visitors come just to see the turtle crawls. If you enjoy the turtles on the island, North Captiva Sea Turtle Foundation is always open to contributions as well as volunteers.
Delicious Island Food
Located in The Island Club at North Captiva is Mangos Poolside Bar and Restaurant. Known for its mouth watering Burgers, Wings, Wraps and more. Try one of the many Island concoctions made by our experienced and friendly Bartenders.
The Storied Past of Captiva Island
North Captiva Island was inhabited by the Calusa Native Americans as far back as 2,000 years ago. They were hunters and fishers that were known as a fierce people. They lived off of the land and grew to be a very large population.
The Formation of North Captiva Island
Throughout most of its history, North Captiva Island was a part of Captiva Island, which is to its south. The Tarpon Springs Hurricane of 1921 created a channel that separated the northern part of the island from the main island. This channel is named Redfish pass for the redfish that inhabit the area. Now detached from the main island, North Captiva has quickly grown in population and has a few hundred residences. The rapid growth of the population is generally attributed to the island’s natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
Just 50 years after the formation of this new island, people began to settle in the area. The first area where people built homes was the stretch of land running from the northernmost part of the island down to the bay. There are around 300 homes currently on the island with expectations that about another 150 homes will be built. As the population is growing quickly, efforts have been made to safeguard the surrounding natural features. This is done to protect the very natural beauty that draws people to North Captiva Island in the first place.
How Do You Get to North Captiva Island?
Part of the reason that there are no cars on North Captiva Island is that you simply can not drive to get there. So, how do you get to the island? Here are just a few fun ways to get to North Captiva.
Ferry Service
The Island Club has a Ferry open to the Public. You can visit northcaptiva.com and see the Schedule and Rates. The Welcome Center is located in Pine Island, 5576 Doug Taylor Circle, Saint James City, FL 33956. You can also call to reserve at 239-283-3630 ext. 303. Be prepared to park your vehicle and take a shuttle bus to the Marina about 7 minutes away where the Ferry is located.
Private Charters
Please visit northcaptiva.com or contact our Transportation Manager, Kevin for more information at 239-220-6985.
Fun Things to Do on North Captiva Island
There is so much to do on North Captiva Island that you could have fun forever! Just to name a few, here are some of the amazing things you can do for fun on the island.
- Relax and play on the beach: The most beautiful white sand and clear blue water will lure you into a terrific opportunity to enjoy, relax and refresh in a tropical paradise.
- Explore the natural beauty of North Captiva Island: Whether by foot, bicycle, or electric golf cart, hop on the cool sandy roads and see what all the island has to offer. Check out local hangouts and scenic views and find what works for you and your companions.
- Check out the unique wildlife: Where else can you choose between tropical bird watching and hanging out with the dolphins or seeing the manatees play? If you enjoy viewing wildlife in pristine natural environments, this is definitely for you!
- Be gone fishing: If you love to fish, you can do so right from the docks or you can take a guided fishing charter and sink your hook in the ocean.
- Enjoy island eats and treats: Your taste buds will never be the same after you experience all of the great food and tropical drinks on North Captiva Island and the other outer islands.
Can You Live on North Captiva Island?
Many people choose to make their home on North Captiva Island. Right now, there are between 350 and 400 homes already built (or in the process of being built) on the island. There are about 30 houses per year built in the area, with room for approximately 450 homes in total.
In terms of real estate, around half of the island is a state park that is owned and administered by the State of Florida. The remaining parts of the island are privately owned. Even the sandy roads on the island are under private ownership.
Like visitors, residents of the island use the ferry and water taxi services to get to and from the island.
In order to maintain the island’s natural beauty, cars are simply not allowed on the island. Most locals, as well as visitors, walk to the places that they need to go. With fresh air and terrific scenery, it is a pleasant way to get around. Many people also opt for bicycles and golf carts when they don’t feel like walking or need to go a longer distance on the island.
North Captiva Island is one of the hottest real estate hubs in the whole country. Sanibel MLS lists homes and land on the island. Properties that are considered beachfront or waterfront list anywhere from $1.2 million to $2.5 million. Everyone who knows about North Captiva Island would love to live there.
Visit North Captiva Island on Your Next Florida Getaway
North Captiva Island offers the best place to vacation in Florida. You will find yourself feeling relaxed and right at home in this utopic island environment. From tropical beach houses to oceanfront estates, the island has everything your heart could dream of in a tropical paradise.
