You can’t go to Captiva Island without coming across one of the Jensen’s resorts. Part of the island since the 1930s, the Twin Palm Marina and Cottages has provided weary northern travelers a warm place to stay, for generations. Located on the bayside, Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages is even known to vacationers who’ve never stayed there. But even on an island, times are a changin’. The resort has joined another well-known Captiva name, Royal Shell. It’s officially become Royal Shell Jensen’s Twin Palm Marina and Cottages.
Twin Palm Marina and Cottages
In February 2021, it was announced that Royal Shell would take over Jensen’s bayside resort and marina. In a Facebook post, the Jensens said:
“We are so happy the Royal Shell family, with their 24-year history on the island, will now be at the helm…The name, along with the rich history and culture that has endeared so many of you to become lifelong friends, will not change. Familiar faces of the people who have taken care of you for years will still greet you.”
Four-Decade Legacy
For more than 44 years, the resort has carried the Jensen name. With an expansive marina on Roosevelt Channel, the resort is one of the best places to see manatees on Captiva. The marina also attracts island visitors and day-trippers alike who come to fish and to travel to nearby islands.
The resort was listed for sale back in April 2018, so the news of the sale isn’t a total surprise.
Loss of A Captiva Legend
Nearly a week after the sale of the resort was announced, proprietor Dave Jensen passed away at the age of 65. Dave, the eldest of the second generation to run Jensens, was a Captiva Island legend who kept the tradition of “old Florida” resorts alive.
Jensen was a major influence in forming the Captiva Island Historical Society more than ten years ago. “Captiva Island – and the world – is a better place today because Dave Jensen lived among us,” said the Captiva Island Historical Society.
Our sympathies to the Jensen family on their loss.
Jensen’s On The Gulf
The Jensen’s still run another Captiva resort, Jensen’s on the Gulf, which will remain in the family for now. According to Fox 4, the family is looking to sell its gulf side resort for approximately $8 million.
Perhaps the biggest change for frequent Jensen’s on the Gulf visitors is the check-in process. With Royal Shell taking over the bayside property, those staying “on the Gulf” will no longer check-in at the marina. Guests will now proceed directly to the gulfside resort for their keys.
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