Explore The Best Captiva Island Beaches

Few places compare to Captiva Island. It has a funky feel and flavor all its own. It differs from its bigger sister island Sanibel, in many ways. Captiva Island is about a quarter of the size, measuring around 4 miles in length and only about a quarter of a mile at its widest point. This is one of Captiva Island’s charms, as you can easily walk from one side of the island to the other. This barrier island runs north to south. The beaches are west-facing perfect for watching breathtaking sunsets.

A perfect day on Captiva Island starts by watching the sunrise over Pine Island Sound on the bayside. A great end is watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico on the beachside. It’s even possible once a month to watch the sunset and the moonrise the same evening when there’s a full moon. The fact that Captiva Island is so small makes it attractive for walking or biking from place to place. Depending on where you stay, you may not even need a car.

Directions To Captiva Island Beaches

Once over the Sanibel Causeway, turn right onto Periwinkle Way until Tarpon Bay Road, turn right onto Tarpon Bay Road and take a left at Sanibel-Captiva Road, follow all the way down to Blind Pass Bridge, cross bridge onto Captiva Drive and onto Captiva Island.

Parking

Parking is quite scarce on Captiva Island. There is limited parking at Turner Beach and Blind Pass. Parking is $5 an hour. There is also parking around Andy Rosse Lane and you may be able to park at McCarthy’s Marina or, Jensens Marina.

Captiva Public Beaches

Turner Beach

Address: 17200 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924

On the opposite side of the Blind Pass bridge, Turner Beach welcomes visitors to Captiva where $5 per hour parking is available in a small lot that fills quickly. The beach has a restroom and an outdoor shower. It is close to the Santiva General Store a couple of local restaurants. This beach is popular for shelling, fishing and watching the sunset. A rock jetty attracts fish to the area and many anglers try their luck on the bridge. The current is swift along the pass so swim with caution.

Blind Pass Beach

Address: 6491-6499 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Blind Pass Beach sits at the north end of Sanibel at the foot of Blind Pass, the waterway separating Sanibel from Captiva. There is a small, $5 per hour parking lot but no other facilities on this side of the bridge. One handicapped parking spot is free. The beach is near the Sanitiva General Store and a couple of local restaurants, the same as Turner Beach. Blind Pass bridge is a popular spot for fishing and you can hang out on the bayside or gulf side.

Alison Hagerup Beach Park

Address: 14790 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924

Alison Hagerup Beach is at the north end of Captiva, near to South Sea’s Island Resort. This popular beach features paid parking but it is expensive and limited at 2 hours $25 / all-day $40. It is known as Captiva’s most romantic beach and a great place to watch the sunset.

Beach Rules

There are just a few simple rules to follow when you set foot on Captiva Island sand.

No live shelling. Keep scrolling to find out more information on that.
A valid Florida fishing license is required to fish. Poles must be attended at all times.
Dogs are not allowed on Captiva Beaches.
Stay off dune vegetation and avoid nesting shorebirds and sea turtles.
Recycle and dispose of trash and fishing line properly.
Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
No open fires.
Respect your neighbors and wildlife: Play music at a low volume; no nude sunbathing allowed.
Leave nothing on the beach but your footprints.

What Are The Top Things To Do On Captiva Island?

Watch The Sunset At The Mucky Duck

Watch the sunset at The Mucky Duck, the only beachfront restaurant on the islands. Get there early as they don’t take reservations and around sunset, this is the place to be!

11546 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL
239-472-3434

Visit the Mucky Duck Website

Have Dessert At The Bubble Room

Have dessert at The Bubble Room, an iconic piece of Captiva, famous for its amazing decor and cake! The whole place is plastered with collectibles including old toys, 1930’s & 40’s memorabilia, moving trains and an entire Christmas-themed room!

15001 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-5558

Visit the Bubble Room Website

Go On A Boat Tour With Captiva Cruises

Captiva Cruises offer several cruises to other barrier islands, private charters, wildlife tours, shelling excursions, and sunset tours.

11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-5300

Visit Captiva Cruises Website

Shelling

Captiva’s beaches are full of banks of shells. The best time to look for them is usually early in the morning or after a storm where high surf may have brought in new treasures. Turner Beach is popular for finding various species, but any stretch of sand along the island will hold all kinds of surprises. Check out our Complete Guide To Shelling.

Visit Jensen’s Twin Palms Cottages And Marina

Visit Jensen’s Twin Palms Cottages and Marina, a historic marina where manatees often congregate. There is also a fishing museum!

15107 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-5800

Visit Jensen’s Website

Visit Chapel-By-The-Sea And The Historic Cemetery

Visit Chapel-by-the-Sea and the historic cemetery. Still in operation, the chapel is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers interdenominational services in the winter season. Some of Captiva’s founders and most influential residents are buried in the cemetery.

11580 Chapin Ln, Captiva, FL 33924

Visit Chapel-by-the-Sea Website

Spot Manatee And Dolphin

Spot manatee and dolphins by simply standing on the beach or the shores of the bay. Tween Waters Inn Marina is a popular spot for manatees.

Watch The Sunrise On The Bay Side Over Pine Island Sound

Watch the sunrise on the bayside over Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve or, at any of the stretches of beach. Guide To Sunset & Sunrise

People watching sunset on Captiva Island

Listen To Music At The Restaurants In The Village On Andy Rosse Lane

Hang out at popular Captiva hotspot Andy Rosse Lane. This area is popular with diners hoping to catch the sunset before or after dinner at any of the fun and recommended restaurants on the lane. There is always live music going on and there is beach access all the way down the lane at The Mucky Duck.

The closest parking is located at McCarthy’s Marina, a short walk away at the east end of Andy Rosse Lane. Parking fees vary depending on the season. There is also a small paddle craft launching area at the east end, for access to Pine Island Sound.

Fishing

Captiva Island is known for great fishing, whether from the beach or boat.

Do I need a fishing license?

A license is required to fish both from shore or on a boat. There is no charge for a shore fishing license for Florida residents. Non-residents can purchase a 3-day, 7-day, or annual license. Information is available by visiting the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.

Visit the Fish & Wildlife Website

Fishing on Turner Beach on Captiva Island

Boat Rentals

Fishing enthusiasts should visit Jensen’s Twin Palm Cottages and Marina, where lodging and boat rentals are available, as well as fishing guides, bait, equipment, and there is even a fishing museum. This historic location is actually a must-do for every visitor hoping to get the true feel of Captiva.

Beach Restaurants on Captiva Island

Captiva is known for its fun and iconic restaurants. With a wide variety to choose from there is something for everyone! Catering to families, couples, foodies and more, Captiva is brimming with culinary delights with many of the restaurants providing nightly live music, views of the sunset and outdoor dining.

The Bubble Room
15001 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-5558
Visit The Bubble Room Website

No trip is complete to the island without a visit to The Bubble Room, famous for its eclectic Christmas-theme décor and mouth-watering desserts.

Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

The Mucky Duck
1156 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-3434
Visit the Mucky Duck Website

Also on the list of must-dos is The Mucky Duck, the only beachfront restaurant on the island. This is the place to be for sunset but come early, they do not take reservations.

Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
5400 South Seas Plantation Rd, Captiva, FL 33924
239-312-4275
Visit Doc Ford’s Captiva Website

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille, at the north end of Captiva Drive, near the entrance of South Seas Island Resort, has a great menu with indoor and outdoor dining.

Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Cantina Captiva
14970 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-0248
Visit Cantina Captiva Website

Cantina Captiva, for great Mexican food.

Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Keylime Bistro
11509 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
239-395-4000
Visit the Keylime Bistro Website

Keylime Bistro, award-winning island fare, with full liquor license. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with live music day and night.

Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

RC Otter’s Island Eats
11506 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
239-395-1142
Visit RC Otter’s Website

RC Otter’s Island Eats, casual family-friendly food and atmosphere, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great selection of beer on tap.

Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Sunshine Seafood Café And Wine Bar
11508 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-6200
Visit Sunshine Cafe Website

Sunshine Café is great for seafood and has a robust selection of wines!

Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

The Green Flash
15183 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-3337
Visit The Green Flash Website

The Green Flash is on the waterfront and has incredible views and, a small but lively bar.

Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Old Captiva House
15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-5161
Visit Old Captiva House Website

Located At ‘Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa, Old Captiva House, one of the islands’ finest dining restaurants, great for special occasions.

Where Can I Go Shopping On Captiva?

The Gold Parrot

11512 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924

239-312-4392

Visit The Gold Parrot Website

Offers high quality apparel, house wares, luggage and accessories.

Jungle Drums Gallery

11532 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva, FL 33924

239-395-2266

Visit Jungle Drums Website

Jungle Drums Gallery features artwork and hand-made goods, glassware, greeting cards and other items.

Chadwick’s Square

Two other souvenir and beach apparel stores are located on Captiva Drive, and a retail area called Chadwick’s Square is a short distance to the north, across from the entrance of South Seas Island Resort.

Here you will find another small grocery store, an art gallery, clothing and beachwear as well as the islands’ only Starbucks.