As a narrow island, staying on Captiva Island means you’re never far from the beach. An island long relative to its width, you might be farther from activities and dining than you expect. But getting around Captiva Island is easy, so let’s look at your options.
Getting Around Captiva Island
Where you stay will influence how you get around Captiva Island.
With one public street that runs north to south, traversing up and down Captiva Drive is your main method of getting from Point A to Point B, other than using the beach.
Walking
Walking is by far the most popular way to get around Captiva Island. Parking is limited on Captiva Island, so it’s not uncommon for rental cars to be used only for getting to and from the airport.
The route you choose to walk depends on your plans. Your options are: Captiva Drive or the beach. Captiva Drive will take you through the village. Walking the beach will give you a water view, plus a little soft sand between your toes.
If you rent a home in the village, it’s a short walk to most restaurants, stores and activities.
If you’re staying at South Seas Island Resort, you could be in for a long walk, depending on where you are on the property. Check out our guide to South Seas Island Resort for more on the resort’s accommodations. And if you’re at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort and Spa, you’ll need to walk along the narrow shoulder of Captiva Drive for several minutes to access the village.
Golf Carts
Golf carts are everywhere on Captiva Island and the island’s second most popular form of transportation for vacationers. You’ll see golf carts cruising up and down the streets from the northern tip of South Seas Island Resort to Tween Waters, as far south as golf carts are permitted to go.
There is one caveat on golf carts, driving one on Captiva Island does requires a valid driver’s license. Whether you’re staying at a home in the village or all the way at the north end of South Seas Island Resort, a golf cart can get you where you want to go, quickly and easily.
You’ll likely see many carts at island restaurants around mealtime. Keep in mind, you can’t park a golf cart on the street, only at shops and restaurants.
You can rent a golf cart through Sunny Island Adventures (website), Yolo Watersports (website) or directly with your resort. South Seas and ‘Tween Waters’ guests may want to consider renting one if planning to frequently leave the resort.
Insider Tip: Some rental items, including golf carts, book up months in advance. If you want a golf cart, be sure to reserve one as soon as possible.
S-Car-Go
There is a free shuttle that runs between the Captiva Island Inn properties and South Seas Island Resort’s main entrance. Named the S-Car-Go, this snail-themed Jeep (think Jeep connected to a long golf cart) offers free rides to everyone; you don’t have to stay at a particular resort to hop on. Who doesn’t love an open-air ride, decked out in lights, in the middle of paradise? It’s a welcome respite for weary legs in the evening.
The S-Car-Go operates in the late afternoon through the evening.
South Seas Trolley
If you’re staying at South Seas Island Resort, their trolley is a godsend. Between the S-Car-Go and South Seas shuttle, you can get from the resort’s North End to the Key Lime Bistro taking only a few steps.
The trolley is available to anyone booking through the resort (read the fine print when booking privately to find out if you have access to all resort amenities). It’s included in the daily resort fee so you might as well use it!
Keep in mind, Plantation Road (the resort’s main road) is narrow and winding. Street lights at night aren’t allowed, for the sake of wildlife, making it less than ideal for walking the resort grounds. Walking the beach is a far better alternative.
We once stayed at the South Seas bayside villas and used the shuttle often. These villas are nearly two miles from the North End. It’s the perfect ride to the pools and ice cream shop. With two kids, the shuttle was a total time-saver. We never had to pack up the rental car to hit up the northern end of the resort. Plus, the charming, open-air trolley has much more appeal than a car!
Bikes
Biking is our favorite way to see Sanibel and Captiva Islands. It’s a great way to get some exercise while getting up close and personal with the beautiful scenery. It’s also a super convenient way to get around and avoid a parking nightmare. You can bring your own bikes but most people rent from a local business; you can get them almost anywhere.
On Captiva Island, it’s much easier to park a bike than a car. Bikes are popular on this quiet, laidback island. You’ll find many bike stands throughout Captiva. Most places offer bike rentals by the day or week. But not everywhere let’s you reserve bikes ahead of time.
Need bikes for kids? No problem! Wheels for the youngest bikers, bike trailers and child seats are also on hand.
If you do rent bikes on the island, be warned: you can’t leave your car at the place of business while biking. There simply aren’t enough spaces for everyone to park their car in the (very small) lots. So be sure to plan ahead!
No matter which way you get around the island, you’re sure to make lasting memories of the adventures you take.
