North Captiva Island is located in the Gulf of Mexico, just north of Sanibel and Captiva Island. Accessible only by boat or private plane, there are no cars on North Captiva, no paved roads. Bicycles and electric golf carts (a private golf cart and four bicycles are included in your rental) are used to explore our sandy paths.

Board the convenient water taxi on the mainland (Pine Island) for a delightful 25-minute boat-ride across the bay. Pass the mangroves thick with resting flocks of Ibis and Egrets; Cormorants and Brown Pelicans line the pilings, offering great photo opportunities as you leave the harbor. You are leaving the world you knew behind, and entering the unique blend of peace and serenity that is North Captiva. At the dock at Barnacle Phil’s, your destination on the Island, our private caretaker will greet you and transport you to The Blue Parrot. Your adventure in paradise has begun.  



Over half of the island is a dedicated state nature preserve. With its miles of pristine beach, North Captiva Island is home to dozens of species of birds—among them, Anhinga, the Brown Pelican, Egrets, Osprey and Bald Eagles--as well as migratory flocks that have come to rely on this unique refuge as a resting place on their long journeys across the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf waters play host to an abundance of marine life. Schools of needle and pinfish mingle with the snook and redfish Southwest Florida is known for. West Indian Manatees and Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins are regulars of these shores. With its acres of protected nature and wildlife preserves, North Captiva is also host to numerous loggerhead Sea Turtles, which come ashore each May to dig their nests and lay eggs.

The beaches of North Captiva are known worldwide for their treasure trove of rare and beautiful shells: Pear Whelks, Giant Cockles, Angel Wings, Shark Eyes, Junonias are to be found here. Sharp-eyed beachcombers will spot the tiniest Cat’s Paws among Common Jingles. 


Legend has it Captiva Island was named by the pirates who frequented the Gulf Coast and held hostage beautiful women giving the island its name Captiva. North Captiva was part of Captiva Island until a hurricane in 1921 created Redfish Pass, separating the 2 islands.

     

Historically, North Captiva Island was home to the Calusa Indians, the great seafaring tribe that populated much of the coast of Southwest Florida. The first shell collectors, the Calusa were also expert fisherman and formidable warriors. A wealth of information about the Calusa can be found at the Randell Research Center, on Pine Island and, short walk from the marina.
              
Today, North Captiva Island is a naturalist's paradise. The photographs that follow are just some of the surprises that await you as you explore our beautiful island. And don't forget to check out our photo album at the end of this page for more pictures!




Iguanas glow an irridescent green...

                          
                          Wildflowers surprise the eye...


Find your own beach path through the trees...

                          
                          








Discover driftwood sculptures on the beach....





Become possessed of a dream.............



                        Or just watch the sun set over your toes........





Please double-click on the photo album below for a slideshow of more island photos!