North Captiva is about slowing down. Most days fill up with the beach, shelling, kayaking, pool time and golf cart rides.
On the water
Kayaking and paddleboarding
Several of our homes offer kayaks and paddleboards, and Island Club homes can use the ones at the club. Wear a life jacket and check the wind and tides before you head out.
Dolphins and manatees
They’re often spotted in the calm water around the island. Give wildlife plenty of space.
Island hopping
North Captiva is the perfect home base for island hopping by boat — to nearby sandbars, waterfront restaurants on neighboring islands, fishing, and more of the best spots in southwest Florida. Many guests use their stay as a jumping-off point for a day on the water. We share our recommendations in the guidebook after booking.
The Boca Grande sandbar
A favorite day out by boat for wading, swimming and a picnic. Ask us, or check our guidebook, for how to get there.
One of our Gulf-front homes also has its own private dock on Foster’s Bay.
More ways to spend the day
Beach days
Pick a spot on the quiet Gulf beach, set up your chairs and stay for the sunset.
Shelling
Some of the best shelling in the world, right outside your door. Our shelling guide
Shore fishing
Cast a line right from the beach. Check Florida’s fishing license rules before you go.
Preserve walks
Reach Redfish Pass through the preserve by foot or by bike; the path is closed to golf carts. It leads to stretches of beach with no homes at all, just sand, dunes and birds.
Pool days
Most homes have a private pool, and there are club pools too. See Pools and courts.
Family games
Board games, card games and puzzles for slow afternoons or a rainy hour. Many homes have games ready to go.
Golf cart rides
Cruise the sandy lanes and explore the island. Getting around
Sunset watching
Head to the Gulf beach before sundown. With nothing but water to the west, the sunsets are a nightly event.
With kids
Shell missions
Hand each kid a small bucket and ask for their top five shells of the morning.
Beach scavenger hunts
A feather, a smooth rock, a striped shell. First to find everything wins.
Sand play and wave games
Buckets and spoons for little ones. Wave jumping and racing the water up the beach for bigger kids.
Wildlife spotting
Look for pelicans diving, herons, ospreys, bald eagles and dolphins. Older kids can name what they see with a bird app. Wildlife on North Captiva.
Paddle time for older kids
Tweens and teens love a kayak or paddleboard outing with a grown-up nearby.
Trip photographer
Give a teen the camera for a day and let them capture the week.
Stargazing
With far fewer lights than the mainland, clear nights are great for stars from the deck or the beach.
Best moment of the day
Over dinner, everyone shares their favorite moment. It quickly becomes a family tradition.
Fishing and sunset cruises
There are many great options for fishing charters, jet skis and sunset cruises. We share our recommendations in the guidebook after booking.
Photos and massages on the island
North Captiva has on-island photographers for family beach photos, and massage options right at your rental. You’ll find the details in our guidebook after you book.
Pools and courts
Most of our homes have a private heated pool. All island guests are welcome at the Island Club pool, and Safety Harbor Club homes have access to the club’s pool plus its tennis and pickleball courts.
Things to do FAQ
Can we kayak or see dolphins?
Yes. Several of our homes offer kayaks and paddleboards, and Island Club homes can use the kayaks and paddleboards at the club. Dolphins and manatees are often spotted in the calm water around the island. Wear a life jacket, check the wind and tides before you head out, and give wildlife plenty of space.
Can we book fishing charters or a sunset cruise?
Yes. We share our recommendations in the guidebook after booking.
Can we book a family photographer or a massage?
Yes. There are on-island photographers and massage options, and the details are in our guidebook after you book.
Are there pools and tennis or pickleball courts?
Most of our homes have a private heated pool. All island guests are welcome at the Island Club pool, and Safety Harbor Club homes have access to the club’s pool plus its tennis and pickleball courts.
Is North Captiva good for kids and families?
Absolutely. North Captiva is super fun for families of all ages. Days fill up with the beach, shelling, kayaking, pool time and golf cart rides. Kids love shell hunts, beach scavenger hunts, wave games, spotting dolphins and birds, family game nights and stargazing after dark. Most of our homes have a private heated pool. All island guests are welcome at the Island Club pool, and Safety Harbor Club homes have access to the club’s pool plus its tennis and pickleball courts. Every home has children’s amenities, and we have homes big enough for the whole family. Keep a close eye on little ones around pools and the Gulf.