CAPTIVA CHAPEL BY THE SEA Located at the Captiva Chapel by the Sea on Captiva, the Historic Captiva Cemetery is a must see for history buffs.

Note: Hurricanes Helene and Milton had varying impacts on Sanibel, Captiva and all Lee County’s barrier islands. Before planning a visit, please check to make sure your destination is open and/or operating on a limited schedule. 

Sister island to Sanibel, Captiva is just as acclaimed for its white sand beaches, incredible sunrise and sunset views, and top-notch shelling. It is also the perfect spot for family trips, nature adventures and romantic getaways. The island made the list of “10 Best Vacations for Families with Toddlers” by Trip Advisor’s Flipkey in 2017.

Captiva is over a small bridge at Blind Pass that crosses Turner Beach, the ideal place to catch fish and discover colorful shells. Its beaches stretch for five miles to the northern tip at the Redfish Pass, which connects the Pine Island Sound to the Gulf of Mexico and offers the perfect conditions to attract fish.

For ocean adventurers, a journey out on the water can be arranged by charters like Captiva Cruises, through some marinas, and with rentals from island companies like YOLO Watersports. Those seeking to truly experience the Captiva lifestyle can also consider renting a golf cart or Moke to get around.

Dining on the island will fill a hungry soul with culinary treats. Andy Rosse Lane is home to restaurants like RC Otter’s Island Eats with its family-friendly atmosphere and live music, and Captiva Island Pizza serves up a variety of specialty hot pies with all the favorite toppings or build your own gourmet pizza.

Located along the Roosevelt Channel, The Green Flash historic restaurant overlooks the Pine Island Sound. Stop by Boops By The Bubble Room to pick up cake slices by The Bubble Room and try something new at Cantina Captiva or one of the restaurants at the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa.

Stroll along the village paths from shop to shop taking in the antiques, casual fashions, pottery, furniture and more. For needed necessities, swing by The Island Store, which is owned by Bailey’s.

PLACES TO GO

• Captiva Civic Center, 11550 Chapin Lane, 239-472-2111, ccacaptiva.org

• Captiva Memorial Library, 11560 Chapin Lane, 239-533-4890, leegov.com/library/branches/cv

• Historic Captiva Cemetery, 11580 Chapin Lane, 239-472-1646, captivachapel.com/captivas-historic-cemetery

• History Gallery, 11560 Chapin Lane, 239-533-4890, captivaislandhistoricalsociety.org/history-gallery

THINGS TO DO

Beaches

• Alison Hagerup Beach Park, 14790 Captiva Drive: Located at the end of Sanibel-Captiva Road, directly behind South Seas. There is a beach parking lot with direct access to the beach.

• Turner Beach Park, 17200 Captiva Drive: Located on both the Sanibel and Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, the beach is popular with shellers and fishermen. Signs warn against swimming because of the swift currents.

Marinas

• McCarthy’s Marina, 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, 239-472-5300, mccarthysmarina.com

• The Marina at ‘Tween Waters, 15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva, 239-472-5161, tween-waters.com