Are you a morning person? If not, watching the sunrise on Captiva Island will make you one.
Maybe watching the blazing orange sunset over the Gulf of Mexico is your thing. It is hands down, a magnificent experience. But let me share a lesson I took too long to learn: if you skip sunrise, you’re missing out on a gift from the island.
Top 5 Reasons to Catch Sunrise on Captiva
Here are the top five reasons to catch the sunrise on Captiva Island:
1. Solitude
Captiva Island may be secluded but you’re not the only person vacationing on the island. There are times and places the island can get crowded. Sunrise is the one time you can find complete solitude. It’ll feel like you have the whole island to yourself. These quiet morning hours offer a chance to reflect and find some peace in the stillness of a new day.
2. Manatee Sightings
They’re the ultimate aquatic symbol of Florida and if you’re lucky, you may come across one or two. But the early bird gets the worm and heading to the bayside for sunrise almost guarantees you’ll spot these gentle sea creatures.
Look closely, they blend into the water well and can be tough to spot. During a recent sunrise, I was overjoyed to see half a dozen manatees, peacefully lolling by. Seeing them only inches away is a breathtaking sight.
3. First Dibs for Breakfast
At the start of peak season (mid-February), the sun rises around 7 a.m. But the whole show lasts around thirty to forty-five minutes. By the time the sun is high in the sky, most restaurants are opening for breakfast.
Take advantage of it and be the first to grab a fresh, hot breakfast, without waiting for a table.
Insider tip: Pick up breakfast for the family and surprise them with it on your return from sunrise. You’ll be a hero (at least until lunch)!
4. Dolphins
When the sun goes up, so do your chances of seeing dolphins. They’re known to swim on the bayside at sunrise. Watch them jump between Captiva and Buck Key and near the North tip of the island, Redfish Pass (from South Seas Island Resort). They can put on quite a show!
Don’t worry if you don’t come across any, they pop up frequently on the gulf side at sunset.
5. See The Island In A New Light
Literally. Sunrise offers its very own version of beautiful hues. Sunset brings out oranges, pinks and purple. Morning tends to be filled with gorgeous shades of blue, green and yellow.
Savor a cup of coffee while you watch the sky go from dark to light as the island slowly wakes up and comes to life.
Watching the promise of a new day unfold in this island paradise is something you won’t regret!
Insider Tip: If you stay at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort, you can catch the sunrise from the resort’s marina. We strongly recommend you climb the steps to the second story for a bird’s eye view of sunrise.
When Is Sunrise on Captiva?
Looking for a sunrise time on Captiva? You can find it here.
