A popular boating, fishing and golfing destination, Captiva is also one of the region’s top wedding beaches. Vehicle access is from Sanibel Island. Boat and kayak and canoe rentals as well as guide services are available. Turner Beach Park at the south end of Captiva is the most popular public beach. The main road, Sanibel-Captiva Drive, offers a great view of the Gulf of Mexico.
Pros: Isolated from growth that’s taken over other beachfronts.
Cons: Heavy traffic during winter and spring months. Long drive from the Naples or Bonita Springs area. Causeway toll plus parking can easily add up to $10 or more.
Likely visitor: Anyone wanting to see a mixture of fancy houses and quaint, pastel-painted beach boutiques.
Getting there: Coming from the south on Highway 41, make a left on Gladiolus Drive, then bear left on Summerlin Road, which turns into McGregor Boulevard. Pay the $6 toll for cars ($2 for motorcycles or free for bicycles) and continue onto Sanibel-Captiva Rd. Drive through Sanibel island and cross Blind Pass bridge to reach Captiva.
Parking: There is a parking lot at Turner Beach at the southern tip of Captiva and there are limited spaces at Captiva Beach on the northern side of the island. Parking costs $2 per hour.
