Visit Captiva Island
The very name of this tropical paradise suggests the irresistible allure that it has on travelers young and old. The smaller sister of Sanibel Island, Captiva will remain with you long after you depart from its silver-white beaches and turquoise waters.
The delicate balance between tourism and unspoiled nature is a rare phenomenon nowadays, but one that I observed firsthand during my recent trip to Captiva Island. You can canoe or kayak while exotic birds soar above you and dolphins glide past your modest vessel. And swimmers won’t find a better place than the waters off Captiva Island, where there is plenty of shimmering ocean to share with surfers, snorkelers and scuba divers. Land lubbers can hike, golf, or play tennis. When was the last time that you rode a bicycle? Can’t remember? No time like the present. You can stay fit and have fun. Miles of meandering paths can be traversed by foot or by tire.
As much as I love the beauty of nature, I have to be able to unwind with a good meal and a stiff drink. Wining and dining are as essential as sightseeing and recreation. On Captiva Island, seafood is king, and while you don’t have to partake of the ocean’s bounty, why wouldn’t you? Personally, I’m happy as long as I can have oysters!
Visit Captiva Island!
Many people choose Captiva Island for their weddings and honeymoons. The breathtaking scenery, splendid weather, and festive ambiance all combine to make a majestic marriage ceremony. Caterers, florists and related establishments do a thriving business.
Captiva Island is connected to Sanibel via the Turner Bridge. Its northernmost tip is separated from North Captiva Island by Redfish Pass. You can get to North Captiva from Captiva by ferry. Both the Redfish Pass and Blind Pass –which separates Captiva from Sanibel- were formed by hurricanes, in 1921 and 1926, respectively.
Sitting on the beach, observing the sun go down, you might ponder the thousands of others who came to this once remote outpost. And on certain evenings, when the sun dips just below the horizon and the tide softly creeps farther up the silver sands, you can almost sense the presence of the Calusa Indians, the lawless pirates, and the Spanish explorers of yesteryear, borne on the balmy evening breeze.
