A barrier island located just off the coast of Pine Island, FL, only accessible by boat or private plane is your next vacation destination! Surrounded by Pine Island Sound and the Gulf of Mexico, this island offers pristine white sand beaches and warm turquoise waters.
Once connected to Captiva Island, a hurricane in 1921 created Red Fish Pass separating the two islands. North Captiva’s population is centered on the North end of the island with a 350 acre state wildlife preserve separating the North End and the South End. The South End is home to a handful of completely off the grid homes and more pristine untouched beaches.
North Captiva is home to amazing sea, reptile and mammal life, you will be captivated!
Dolphins swim daily just off shore at the “Dolphin Beach”. Dolphin beach is located on the North End of the island on the East side of Salty Approach (the grass runway). Beware of camping out in a beach chair in the middle of Salty Approach! It is an active runway and you may find yourself nearly touching private planes as they land and take off!
In the canals adjacent to the airstrip and behind Mangos you will find many manatees and even baby manatees basking in the sun! Sometimes when the water is extra cold they will migrate to warmer areas. If you’re wanting to see manatees in the winter months (the VERY few cold weeks we have) take a trip to the mainland and head to the Manatee Park in Fort Myers. The manatees flock here up the Caloosahatchee River to the power plant where water discharges create the perfect temperature for manatees to congregate. Gopher tortoises, indigo snakes, geckos, skinks and many other reptiles roam the island. No worries though, nothing dangerous!
Bobcats are common on the island but are rare to spot. Even homeowners feel lucky when they are able to see one of these elusive animals.
Fishing is plentiful! Whether it be surf fishing, dock fishing or taking a trip in-shore or off-shore there is plenty to see and catch. Hire a captain to take you to hot spots for snook, redfish, snapper or grouper. Maybe you’ll even snag a Goliath Grouper. What they refer to as a Volkswagen will give you quite a fight!
There are four restaurants on the island.
Mainstay and Barnacles Bar: offers a laid back island atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. No reservations or hostess required. Find an open table or barstool and seat yourself. We recommend trying a A Glow Worm cocktail, not on any menu, it is a favorite of the locals named after an island resident! The Glow Worm is Tito’s, Razzmatazz, Peach Schnapps, splash of sprite and a splash of sour mix! The Miami Vice is also a favorite too, half piña colada and half strawberry daiquiri! For food we recommend the Grouper Mahi Rueben and take and bake pizzas! Don’t forget to check out the gift and ice cream shop upstairs!
Mangos Pool Bar: Grab a cocktail and a bite to eat while swimming at the North Captiva Island Club pool! This restaurant and bar also does not require reservations and is seat yourself. Try one of their milkshakes, the kids love them! They have great breakfast burritos to go and their club sandwich for lunch is HUGE!
Over The Waterfront: Open for lunch and reservations only for dinner OTW is very popular! It’s a small unique restaurant that only has 1 chef, Chef Dave! Dinner is BYOB and reservations can be made two weeks prior. The best time to call is at lunch time 12-2:30 Wednesday- Sunday (239) 472-4762. You can also call Mike and Sarah to make reservations for you up to one month prior to arrival!
The Boathouse: Smart casual fine dining located in the North Captiva Island Club. Reservations Required. Call (239)-395-1000 for reservations.
Boats and Fun is the place to go on island for all things fun! They offer Guided Boat Tours, 24hr Private Water Taxi, Kayak Rentals, Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals, Inshore/Offshore Fishing Charters, Manatee Watching Tours, Shelling Trips, Dolphin Watching Tours, Gift Shop, Bait and Tackle and Golf Cart Rentals!