Captiva Florida Beaches

Captiva Florida beaches are like the islands -- there are more than one!  There are two beaches on the south island (called Captiva) and one on the other (North Captiva).

And they are very different.

Not to mention kind of hard to get to!  But the trouble is worth it.

Captiva Beaches -- Getting There From Here

Captiva Island is a little tricky getting to, since there is no direct road from the Florida mainland.  Instead, you have to take the causeway to Sanibel Island, then take the SanCap causway to Captiva.

North Captiva is somewhat easier. Since there is no bridge to North Captiva, you'll need to either use your own boat or catch the ferry, which leaves out of the Pineland marina (due east of North Captiva, on the Florida mainland). 

Captiva Beaches -- the South Island

The inns, beach homes and cottage rentals take up most of the beach space on Captiva Island.  Still, you can get to the beach by looking for the public access.

The first one you come to off Sanibel is Turner Beach, also known as Blind Pass.  Very popular with fishermen and shellers, it's not the best beach if you want to go swimming, due to the strong currents.   If you want to swim, check out Captiva Beach.

Captiva Beach is located at the end of Captiva Drive (the main road through the island).  It's a wonderful place to swim, and to watch the Florida Gulf Coast sunsets.  But be aware of two things.  One, there aren't any restroom facilities.  Two, the parking is quite limited.

Captiva Florida Beaches -- the North Island

The one real beach on North Captiva is located in Cayo Costa State Preserve, which takes up a good bit of the Island.  But it is spectacular, and a fairly well-kept secret, too.

Swimming, fishing, snorkeling and shelling are all excellent here.  Sometimes you can see manatees or even pods of dolphins in the waters!  In addition, there are picnic tables and restroom facilities.

And since you are in a Florida State Park, there are also other things to do, like hiking and/or biking the 5.5 miles of trails. And if you bring camping gear, you can also tent camp (or rent one of the primitive cabins).

Captiva Florida beaches -- two beautiful islands with three beaches to enjoy on your great Florida vacation.

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