When you head to a charming island, the only thing on your agenda may be to hit the beach. Not a bad agenda but there are so many more things to do and explore on beautiful Captiva Island.
Five things to know on your first visit to Captiva Island
Time spent on this island is nothing short of magical. Now that I’ve explored more of the island and surrounding area, here are five things I wish I’d known when visiting for the first time.
1. Watch Sunrise
Sure, the sunsets in Florida are legendary. But sunrise is just as glorious. Watch the island go from dark to light with beautiful hues in the sky. Captiva Island is rather secluded but there are times it can be crowded. Sunrise is likely the only time you have the island to yourself. Or so it feels. Not only will you see the island in a new light, you’re likely to catch a glimpse of manatees. They love the bayside early in the morning.
2. Where to Eat
We didn’t know where to eat. Who dishes up a great breakfast? Which places serve a meal with an amazing view?
Shipyard’s breakfast
We were told the blueberry pancakes were fantastic, not to be missed. But time and time again, we missed them. It took us too many years to finally get the Old Captiva House breakfast (now served at The Shipyard, next door). Turns out the pancakes really are that delicious. When someone tells you they can’t be missed, believe them!
Lunch at The Green Flash
The view alone is worth it. An expansive bayside view of the water is yours whether you eat inside or on the waterfront patio. Watch kayakers float by and pelicans swoop into the water for lunch while you eat yours. You can’t go wrong with the grouper sandwich, fish tacos or chicken salad.
No matter what you eat, order a Green Flash cocktail to wash it down.
Dinner at Crow’s Nest Steakhouse
This fine-dining restaurant wasn’t around until 2023. It didn’t exist on our first visit. But if you’re visiting for the first time, we can’t recommend Crow’s Nest Steakhouse enough.
The second-story restaurant boasts panoramic views of the gulf. The scenery is the focal point but the only thing that’ll distract you from staring at the view is the food. It’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
The modern, blue and white nautical decor is stunning and service impeccable. Reservations are required, even at the bar. We recommend you book early.
3. Take an Excursion: Cayo Costa
You may not want to leave the island but there’s even more beauty a boat ride away. If you ever want to experience being on a deserted island, Cayo Costa is as close as it gets, without needing a passport.
There’s nothing but sun, white sand and blue water as far as the eye can see at this state park. Walk hunched along the shoreline and stick your hands in the sand to uncover whole sand dollars and an impressive variety of seashells.
Visit our friends at Captiva Cruises to
4. Experience Sunset at The Mucky Duck
For six nights of our very first trip, we headed to the beach to watch the sunset. It was beautiful; a special family memory for sure. On our final night, we heard music and saw a crowd down the beach. We took a short walk to check it out. We arrived at The Mucky Duck, a beachfront restaurant. Fellow beach lovers gathered, sipping cocktails, laughing and swaying to live music, in anticipation of the sun going down. It’s a daily tradition.
There’s a special energy here and it sucked us in. Strangers become fast friends, taking pictures for one another. Everyone seems giddy from the extra dose of Vitamin D. When the sun dips behind the horizon, the crowd applauses. Now, we applaud too! And we head to The Mucky Duck for sunset every time we’re lucky enough to visit.
Related: The Best Place To Watch Sunset on Captiva Island
5. Molly Malone Seafood
We made the mistake of buying run of the mill groceries instead of trying more local fare. After our first trip, we heard about Molly Malone’s Seafood. It’s the best seafood I’ve tasted on the island.
Load up on crab cakes, fresh fish, coconut shrimp, smoked fish dip and more. And I do mean, load up. You’ll regret it if you don’t get enough. Trust me. Owners Katherine and Michelle will give you instructions on how to prepare each item. The only thing better would be if they offered shipping!
Check them out at the Captiva Island Farmers Market.
Yes, Captiva Island is small but it’s bursting with charm, natural beauty and peacefulness. Tiny as it is, there will always be new things to try on each visit. When you’re not at the beach, we hope you give these ideas a try!
