North Captiva (also called Upper Captiva) is a roughly 700-acre barrier island in Pine Island Sound off Southwest Florida. There’s no bridge and there are no cars, so you arrive by boat and get around by golf cart, bike or on foot.
A little history
North Captiva, also called Upper Captiva, used to be part of Captiva Island. A 1921 hurricane cut Redfish Pass and split the two, which is how the island to the north got its name. Today it sits in Pine Island Sound off Southwest Florida, in Lee County, just north of Captiva across the pass.
Size and car-free island life
North Captiva is a roughly 700-acre barrier island with no bridge, no road and no cars. You arrive by ferry, private charter, your own boat or small plane. How to get to North Captiva
Once you’re here, everyone gets around by golf cart, bike or on foot. Sandy lanes connect the Gulf and bay sides. Most homes include at least one golf cart for exploring the island. Our most private residence, on Foster’s Bay, comes with two e-bikes for exploring. Golf carts and getting around
The preserve and Redfish Pass
Protected preserve runs through parts of the island, and some of our homes sit right beside it. Sandy paths lead from the lanes down to a long stretch of quiet Gulf beach. You can reach Redfish Pass through the preserve by foot or by bike; the path is closed to golf carts.
Island Club and Safety Harbor Club
Island Club
Island Club homes come with Island Club access. Guests can use the Island Club’s members-only pool as well as its public pool, and can borrow bikes, kayaks and paddleboards on a first-come, first-served basis. There’s a pool bar in the pool area for drinks and bites. Staying somewhere else? The public pool is open to all island guests. See Island Club homes.
Safety Harbor Club
Safety Harbor Club homes come with Safety Harbor Club access. One of the best perks is that the ferry arrives at Safety Harbor’s very private dock. Guests also share a club pool plus tennis and pickleball courts, and have access to the Safety Harbor wharf to park your own or a rental boat; slips are available through the club for a fee. See Safety Harbor Club homes.
Wildlife
Wildlife is a huge part of the experience—and of conservation—on North Captiva. Protected preserve runs through parts of the island, so the beaches, dunes and shallows still feel wild. It’s more than dolphins and manatees, though you’ll often see those too. On the sandy lanes you may meet a gopher tortoise heading for its burrow, or even the rare, nonvenomous eastern indigo snake; give both plenty of space, and never touch or move them. From May to October it’s turtle season, so keep beachfront lights off at night.
Sea turtles
Loggerhead and green turtles are the species typically seen nesting on North Captiva’s Gulf beaches. Females come ashore at night to lay their eggs in the sand, and hatchlings make their way to the water weeks later. Volunteers mark and watch over nests through the season. If you see a turtle, a nest stake or a hatchling, leave them be and keep the beach dark after sunset.
Birds
The island is home to a pair of bald eagles, and you may see eagles or their young over the preserve and the sound. Least terns nest on the beaches—small, quick birds that need a wide berth when they’re on the sand. Ospreys, brown pelicans, herons, egrets and roseate spoonbills are familiar sights, and parts of North Captiva are designated critical habitat for piping plovers, which use these shores as they migrate and winter. Give nesting birds and roosts plenty of room.
In the water
Dolphins are often spotted in the calm water around the island, and you might see them from a kayak or on the ferry across Pine Island Sound. Manatees visit the canals, docks and Safety Harbor, especially in the warmer months.
Beaches, shelling and turtle season
Community
North Captiva is a small, quiet community. Days are simple: the beach, shelling, kayaking, pool time and golf cart rides. A handful of laid-back restaurants and fun beach bars sit close to the docks, and a small island market is good for items you need in a pinch, though there’s no full grocery store. On Sundays, the Island Chapel meets at 9 AM at the airstrip. Please keep fires off the sand, since beach bonfires aren’t allowed. Groceries, dining and private chefs
About North Captiva FAQ
Where is North Captiva Island?
North Captiva (also called Upper Captiva) is a small barrier island in Pine Island Sound off Southwest Florida, in Lee County. It sits just north of Captiva Island across Redfish Pass.
How big is North Captiva Island?
North Captiva is a roughly 700-acre barrier island in Pine Island Sound.
How did North Captiva become its own island?
A 1921 hurricane cut Redfish Pass and split it from Captiva Island.
Can you drive to North Captiva Island?
No. There’s no bridge or road. You arrive by ferry, private charter, your own boat or small plane.
Are there cars on North Captiva?
No. There’s no bridge and there are no cars. Everyone gets around by golf cart, bike or on foot.