Captiva has lush tropical vegetation and is cooled by gentle sea breezes. The area has some of the warmest winter temperatures of the country.  It is a 45-minute easy drive from the Ft. Myers airport (RSW).

Adults will find plenty of ways to relax and children will discover abundant ways to keep themselves occupied.  

If you would like to explore a bit, all of Sanibel Island is at your disposal. Sanibel has unusually strict conservation laws to preserve its vegetation, birds, and other wildlife -- including the island's bald eagles, tortoises, manatees, dolphins, and alligators. About 1/3 of the island is now reserved for wildlife or otherwise protected from development.   Two challenging 18 hole golf courses and the J.N. "Ding" Darling Nature Reserve are located on Sanibel Island….just minutes from Captiva.

Sanibel and Captiva are considered to be two of the world's best beachcombing spots; it's not uncommon to find rare and unusual seashells on either island. Attractions include The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, the Everglades Day Safari, the J.N. "Ding" Darling Nature Reserve, the Sanibel/Captiva Conservation Center, and the Sanibel Lighthouse and wildlife refuge.

Both Captiva and Sanibel have many fine shops and restaurants.  Some of the restaurants have daily entertainment.  Ft. Myers is a short drive away with outlet shopping and other options.

You have found your dream vacation spot! 

Money Magazine (October 2002) chose 8 world-class vacation spots that offer a good value for the money. Captiva ~ Best Place to Vacation Click here to read excerpts from the article

Captiva ~ #1 in Romantic Beaches in the U.S  (The Best Beaches from AOL's Travel Consultant Amy Ziff, May 2004 ) Click here for excerpt

AREA INFO

Captiva Island and Sanibel Island offer many attractions. See the links below to help plan your Captiva Island Vacation in Paradise :

• Captiva Island Cruises offer nature, sunset and lunch cruises to other Islands , like Cabbage Key, Useppa, Boca Grande, and Cayo Costa.
• Captiva Island Fishing or pleasure boat rentals at Jensen’s Marina ; sailing lessons and charters at New Moon Sailing.
• Captiva Island Bike Rentals:
  • Billy's Rentals - on-line ordering - will deliver bike’s, kayaks, sunfish and windsurfers, etc.
  • In Captiva Island ’s charming village - Yolo Jim's - parasailing, golf carts, in-line skates and JetSki rentals.
• Captiva Island Restaurants, wonderful options some with live entertainment and dancing, are within a 5-minute walk from our homes.
• Jungle Drums Gallery, The Seaweed Gallery and other island theme shops like Beach Stuff and H2O Outfitters are close by.
• Golf is available at your choice of two 18-hole courses, the Dunes and Beachview, just 20 minutes away on nearby Sanibel Island .
• Ding Darling Nature Preserve, Sanibel Island , is a must see for wild life viewing. Bike, kayak or take a guided tour.
• Captiva Island Shelling is wonderful! Visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum - popular for all ages.
• Sanibel Island’s Big Arts Performing Arts Center for concerts and stage performances.
• Fort Myers : Edison & Ford Estates offers a look at their fabulous winter homes and botanical gardens; the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall for concerts and plays; Bell Tower Shops; Tanger Outlet Shops and Movie Theaters.
• Food shopping:
  • Fort Myers : Publix, Albertsons, Walmart