You head to an island to escape reality and bask in the sun. But you can’t control the weather and sadly, it can and does rain on tropical islands. While you can’t change that, there are fun things to do on Captiva when it rains.
Things to do in Captiva when it rains
If the weather is putting a damper on your time at the beach, we have a few ideas to make the most of your vacation.
Captiva Memorial Library
The Captiva Memorial Library (website) is a charming white building tucked away on Chapin Lane. You have to be a Lee County resident to borrow an item but the library is free and open to the public. It’s a great place to browse documents on the local history.
Step aboard the Santiva – a mail boat ferrying people and mail before the Sanibel Causeway opened – and learn the history of the area through interactive displays and photos. The replica boat is part of the Captiva Island Historical Society’s gallery inside the library.
The library also offers free programs for all ages.
Shopping
A little retail therapy can go a long way when you have the bad weather blues. This is the perfect time to hit the shops; you won’t miss out on a beautiful day at the beach.
Head to Chadwick Square for the largest shopping complex on the island. You’ll find several clothing stores filled with bright beachwear, featuring plenty of goods from Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines.
If you’re looking for a souvenir, there’s all kinds of t-shirts, tote bags and jewelry to choose from.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the art gallery! 2 Islands Gallery (website) is my favorite place in the shopping center. Local artists create one-of-a-kind paintings that somehow manage to capture the soul of the sea on canvas. I fall in love with the brilliantly colored art every time I visit. If you don’t want to shell out the cash for an original piece, they sell small prints you can buy for a fraction of the price.
For more art, check out Jungle Drums Gallery (website) in the heart of the village.
Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
Sanibel and Captiva are famous for their endless supply of stunning shells. Naturally, it’s the perfect place for the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum (website); the only museum in the country dedicated to shells and mollusks.
You’ll find more than half a million shells inside the museum. Take the kids and check out shell art, permanent and temporary exhibits and interactive displays.
The museum boasts a Giant Pacific Octopus and you don’t even need to visit the museum to enjoy it. Their OctoCam livestream allows you to watch the octopus anytime; day or night.
Watch the Show
If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Head to one of the fabulous Captiva Island restaurants, grab a cocktail and watch the storm pass by. (Hint: The Mucky Duck is on the beach if you want a front row seat to the giant waves) You might even meet some great people who happen to love this little slice of tropical heaven as much as you do.
If your rental has a porch, grab a cup of coffee, a good book and enjoy the sounds of the rain.
Like little orphan Annie said, the sun’ll come out tomorrow. Eventually, the rain will pass. And when it does, get your shovel and bucket ready: the best shelling is always after a storm.
