You’ve reserved a place to stay, booked your flight and waited months for your vacation on Captiva Island. What should you do during your visit? We get asked a lot about our Captiva Island “must-do” list of activities and excursions. There are lots of things to see and do, from low-key relaxation to adventurous activities. We’ll lay them all out so you have plenty of options. Do as much or as little as you want. We’ve got you covered!
Here are some of the must do, can’t miss things we recommend on Captiva Island:
The Beach
It might be obvious but you can’t go to a tropical island and not hit the beach. What makes Captiva’s beaches so special is the sand. It’s powder soft and fluffy as a cloud. Stretch out on it like a supple mattress and enjoy the view of the aquamarine waters, which is another reason the beach is not to be missed.
Related: Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips
Best Bayside View
While the beach is a big draw, the bayside of the island is also stunning. It’s a popular place to find dolphins. For a sweeping view of the bay, grab lunch at The Green Flash Captiva. Reserve a table on their patio and you’ll feel like you’re dining on the water.
Insider Tip: Order the Green Flash Drink
Sunset
It’s not just a time of day; sunset is a true event on the island. Stop what you’re doing and head to the sand to take in the breathtaking show. Even the dolphins don’t miss it; you can catch them gliding across the water for an evening swim during the magic hour. Our favorite spot for sunset happens to be the best place to watch sunset on Captiva Island: The Mucky Duck patio. Here you’re only steps from the sand with live music to keep you entertained until sunset. Take advantage of the gorgeous backdrop and snap a few pictures of your group!
Island Excursions
Captiva Island is beautiful and relaxing enough to never leave during your visit. But so are the surrounding islands. We highly encourage you to explore the area. Take a half or full-day cruise to Cayo Costa (picture a deserted island), check out Cabbage Key for the best cheeseburger in paradise or climb aboard the Captiva Island dolphin cruise where these beautiful creatures put on an impressive show and are practically close enough to touch.
Adventure Seeking
Looking for a thrill? There are lots of options to soar above the Gulf in a parasail, skim across the water on a jet ski or hover above the water while flyboarding.
Sightseeing on Wheels
For the best view of island scenery, grab a beach cruiser and see the islands by biking across Sanibel to Captiva. Fair warning: Captiva doesn’t have bike paths or sidewalks (except on South Seas Island Resort property). But the speed limit is low and the pace is slow, making it easy to ride around and soak in the lush scenery.
Sweet Spots
After a hard day of fun in the sun, give yourself a reward. The key lime pie at the Keylime Bistro can’t be beat. Enormous slices the size of your head deliver a tangy, tart treat for your tongue. It’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Calories don’t count when you’re on vacation so let them eat cake! The Bubble Room is famous for its gigantic cakes. You can order by the slice at their new sweet shop, Boop’s by The Bubble Room. While you’re there, check out out the old-fashioned ice cream fountain and grab a cup of Illy coffee.
