The North Captiva Environment

The beach on Upper Captiva Island is an unbroken ribbon of sand. The residential area on the North End of North Captiva Island has approximately half a mile of beautiful Gulf beach. Extreme setbacks mean the beach remains wide open, private and much like the secluded barrier island that it is. The remainder of North Captiva's Gulf of Mexico shoreline, all 4 miles, is bordered by a State Wilderness Preserve and remains untouched by civilization and its trappings. A busy day may bring two dozen beach walkers or picnickers to the area. Birds abound, dolphins and game fish can be seen darting about in the shallows and the bounty of shells will leave you speechless.

The unspoiled beaches of Upper Captiva, Cayo Costa, and Johnston Shoals are where serious shell collectors roam the miles of white sugar sands to discover their treasures. These barrier islands offer the third best shelling in the World and the best in North America. The blue Gulf waters are warm with no surf or undertow to speak of, so swimming, snorkeling for your bounty from the sea, or just playing in the water is safe and inviting.

North Captiva Island is not far from Boca Grande Pass, where world-class tarpon fishing takes place every year, including the World's Richest Tarpon Tournament. The waters surrounding Upper Captiva Island are teeming with flounder, pompano, grouper, trout, bluefish, red snapper, kingfish, mackerel, redfish, and more.

Dining & Shopping on Upper Captiva Island