There’s nothing better than sitting at any one of the Captiva Island beaches, warming yourself in the Southwest Florida sun and watching the incredible view of the Gulf of Mexico.
One of the most frequent questions we get asked is, “Where can I access the beach if I am staying on Captiva Island?” If you’re staying in a Captiva Island vacation rental, you can access the beach using the beach path at the end of the street.
You’re never far from the beach on Captiva Island and this guide will let you know where you can find the best spot to suit your needs.
Captiva Island Public Beaches
Captiva Island is home to three public beaches, available to anyone staying on the island or visiting for the day. Public beach parking lots are a great place to park if you’re just here for the day.
Related: Captiva Island Parking
Alison Hagerup Beach Park
Alison Hagerup Beach Park is located at the end of Captiva Drive and boasts the island’s largest (and most expensive) beach parking lot.
Here, you’ll find portable restrooms in this lot. Andy Rosse Lane is a short walk down the beach, giving you quick access to the village restaurants.
Insider’s Tip: If the parking lot is full, don’t worry. In our experience, there’s often a quick turnover rate, except close to sunset.
Andy Rosse Lane Park
The beach access at Andy Rosse Lane Park is the most popular beach on Captiva Island. Its proximity to restaurants, including beach-front The Mucky Duck, make it a popular spot from sunup to sundown. Parasailing, flyboarding and other excursions through YOLO Watersports leave from here.
Note: Fair warning, there’s no dedicated parking lot here. If you grab a drink or snack at The Mucky Duck, you can park here while at the restaurant.
Related: The Mucky Duck Captiva
Turner Beach Park
Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets.
Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. The Santiva General Store, home to Molly Malone Seafood, has fishing and beach gear, snacks and cold drinks.
Safety Note: Due to the strong undercurrent in Blind Pass, it’s recommended that swimmers stay away from Blind Pass. Instead, swim closer to the northern side of the beach park.
Private Captiva Island Beaches
Aside from the public beaches, there are private beaches on Captiva Island operated by resorts.
South Seas Island Resort Beaches
Alison Hagerup Beach marks the southern border of South Seas Island Resort, which stretches all the way north to Redfish Pass, the northern end of the island.
If you’re staying at South Seas, you can use any part of the resort’s long stretch of beach. However, beach chairs are only provided near Alison Hagerup Beach and at Captiva Island Sunset Beach.
For those staying at the resort’s south end, beach chairs and towels are available to anyone with a South Seas wristband.
Captiva Island Sunset Beach
Captiva Island Sunset Beach is home to Attitudes Beach Bar and Latitudes Food Shack. With ample lounge chairs, a beachside taco stand and a full bar, it’s easy to see why this is a popular spot for resort guests.
‘Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa Beach
With beach chairs, umbrellas and the unmatched view of the azure-colored waters of the Gulf of Mexico, ‘Tween Waters’ private beach is built for rest and relaxation.
Sunset Row at ‘Tween Waters
Although there’s no beachfront bar or live music, this is an excellent place to watch the sunset when staying at ‘Tween Waters. The colorful Adirondack chairs add to the Florida Gulf Coast charm.
After sunset, head to the Old Captiva House or the Crow’s Nest at ‘Tween Waters for dinner.
Map: Captiva Island Beaches
Blue markers denotes the public beach parks and the red markers are private beaches of interest. This map does not include beach access points for vacation rental units.
Which beach land is public and which is private?
There are no clear lines marking which is private land and which is public land when you’re on the beach. Here are a few tips:
- The dunes: not only are they off-limits to foot traffic, but they are also private property (unless the land is government-owned).
- If you see a beach section marked “private” or “no trespassing,” it’s private.
- Beachfront resorts have sections of beaches open to their guests only.
Under the Florida State Constitution, the land seaward of the mean high-tide line has been placed in a state trust for public use. In other words, if the sand is wet, you’re on public land. (Read more at Sea Grant Florida)
Local regulations like erosion control lines can impact which beach land is public and which is private. According to the Sanibel Captiva Island Reporter, reclaimed beaches, like those from the 2021 Captiva Island beach restoration are public:
“Courts have ruled sand added to the beach seaward of the ECL is owned by the state and held in trust for the public. It was established based on the location of the Mean High Water Line, or MHWL, at the time of construction.“ (Source)
