What is the difference between Captiva and North Captiva Island?
I always believed that Captiva and North Captiva Island were the same places.
When we visited Captiva, I realized that the two destinations have unique features.
North Captiva is located in the Gulf of Mexico and is no doubt a hidden gem.
I have always been to this Island for the past 15 years.
It is a perfect spot for relaxation and a vacation destination.
You will like this Island if you visit it.
In this article, I will give you the best tips and advice that will guide you if you are visiting North Captiva Island, Florida.
Background Information – North Captiva Island
North Captiva Island and Captiva Island were one island before a hurricane divided them in 1921.
North Captiva is a more rural, quiet, and relaxing island compared to Captiva Island.
Few people visit North Captiva, with fewer mainstreams relative to Captiva and Sanibel Islands.
This is why it is the best place for vacationers who like quiet, relaxing destinations.
It is good there are no cars on North Captiva.
What you will see are only golf carts.
The Island is very low-key because the only access to it is by boat or small private plane.
There are no hotels on the Island where you can pay for accommodation.
It is either you rent or buys a home where you will stay.
In truth, the island is a natural paradise.
You will enjoy walking on its beach and exploring the undeveloped nature preserve.
The Island is a perfect destination for families on vacation.
It is highly secure and has a lot of fun.
Information about Island Clubs
Most homeowners belong to the two clubs on the island are the North Captiva Island Club and the Safety Harbor Club.
The clubs have clubhouses and swimming pools you pay to swim in.
They also coordinate golf cart rentals, luggage drop-off, and other things you may need on an island.
I recommend that you rent the more family-friendly North Captiva Island Club.
The environment is more fun and relaxed.
The target of the Safety Harbor is the older population.
If you require a quiet island experience and not going with your children, I advise you to book these properties.
A swimming pool in the property you rented means you will spend less time in the club except for the bars and restaurants.
I advise you to go for the property that will suit you and your family, not minding the club it belongs to.
Rental Homes and Packing Tips
There is access from all the rental properties to the beach.
Many are at the beachfront, and these are the more expensive ones.
If the property you booked is not at the beachfront, do not worry about it.
You can access the beach, which will not be more than the five-minute golf-cart ride from your home.
The Island beach is public, although some access points are private.
However, the homes in the island’s interior have public access points.
Many homes have swimming pools, so check through the rental listing carefully to know the ones that do not have swimming pools.
The swimming pool is an added advantage.
It will make you spend more time at home with your family and less at the club.
Pack Light
If you are going to North Captiva on vacation, go with your comfy clothes and shoes because the island is casual.
There are washers and dryers in all rental properties on the Island, so you can easily wash and re-wear your clothes.
However, do not forget to come along with sweaters.
During the fall and winter, the weather is nice during the day.
The temperature range used to be between 70 to 80 degrees, but at the night, it gets colder at 60 degrees.
So, remember to come with at least two sweatshirts and pairs of long pants, especially if you are the type that catches a cold easily.
North Captiva Packing Guide
Transportation to the Island
You can get to the island through Punta Gorda Airport.
However, the most convenient airports you can access on the island are Fort Myers and Punta Gorda airports.
Fort Myers has the highest number of major airlines coming to the island.
From the airport to the ferries is very convenient, it will take about one hour.
I have always found it easy to fly into Fort Myers airport.
Punta Gorda is about one hour from the island, and Allegiant Air is one of the airlines flying into the airport.
Punta Gorda is not a big airport.
Many other small airports across the country depend on its services.
The cost of a flight to the airport is relatively quite cheap.
You can pick the Pine Island Taxi that will take you to the ferry from both airports at $75.
We will give you details below.
Take Pine Island Taxi
For convenient airport pick-ups and drop-offs, you can book Pine Island Taxi.
The Pine Island Taxi has always been known for good service delivery.
They will pick you up from the airport and drop you at the ferry dock.
When you are ready to go, they will pick you up from the ferry dock and drop you at the airport.
You will not need a rental car.
Pine Island Taxi will charge you $75 to pick you up from the Fort Myers Airport and take you to the ferry dock.
Their car can carry four people, subject to their luggage size.
You can hire a van from them that will accommodate more people if you travel in a large group.
The taxi driver will stop and wait for you at Publix to pick up your pre-ordered groceries.
If there is no stopover on the way, the journey will take you about one hour.
What I Think about Captiva and North Captiva Island
North Captiva Island is remote and can be accessed by water only.
This is why you must make an extra plan if you want to visit the island.
Never worry, I will give you all the information you require for a fulfilled trip.
On Sanibel, and Captiva Islands, you will always experience traffic jams, but no car is allowed on North Captiva.
The means of transportation on the Island is a bicycle or electric golf cart.
A lot of home rental services have them too.
Therefore, you visit any of these destinations based on what you want to achieve.
FAQs
What is the difference between Captiva and North Captiva Island?
You can access Sanibel and Captiva Island by car, but you can not access North Captiva by car.
The only means of transport to North Captiva is by water or a small propeller aircraft.
That makes the island truly a remote place.
Is North Captiva Island different from Captiva Island?
You cannot resist visitingNorth Captiva.
Many people mistake the Island as a part of Captiva Island but the truth is that it is its separate Island.
It will be a beautiful experience for your family to visit the Island.
You will enjoy the Island more if you relax on it for some days.
When did Captiva and North Captiva separate?
North Captiva is located north of Captiva Island.
There is a channel called Redfish Pass that separates the two Islands.
A hurricane created the channel in 1921.
The Island is located south of Cayo Costa Island and is separated by Captiva Pass from Captiva Island.
Does North Captiva have a beach?
North Captiva has a beautiful and pristine beachfront for you to explore.
The beachfront is about 5 miles in length.
Visiting North Captiva is an escape from daily city life and coming to live with nature.
