Travel information for Captiva Island, Florida

The beautiful island known as Captiva sits in the Gulf of Mexico, in warm, sunny southwest Florida. This area is truly subtropical, kept warm by the clean waters of the Gulf of Mexico. But no ferry is needed: you can drive there from the Florida mainland. And there are plenty of convenient flights into the international airport at Fort Myers: Regional Southwest (RSW). Or, you can arrive by boat from the Intracoastal Waterway (please call to make arrangements).

Captiva is a slender barrier island stretching six miles from the southern connection to Sanibel to the northern tip of South Seas Plantation. The sandy lanes run east and west one block of the paved main road, under canopies of royal palm, giant schefflera and Australian pine.

To find Captiva on a Florida map:

• Look for Fort Myers on the southwest coast.
• Then follow the peninsula west to Sanibel Island.
• Captiva connects to the north end of Sanibel.

Flying

These international airports can be used to travel to Captiva. The Southwest Florida International Airport is the nearest, and is a nice modern facility. All major rental car agencies are available to travelers at these airports.

• Southwest Florida International Airport (239) 768-1000 (ten miles southeast of Fort Myers)
• Tampa International Airport (813) 870-8700 (five miles west of downtown Tampa)
• Orlando International Airport (407) 825-2001 (seven miles south of Orlando, near DisneyWorld)
• Miami International Airport (305) 876-7077 (five miles northwest of Miami)

If you are driving from elsewhere in Florida, here are the approximate driving times to Fort Myers. Allow approximately 90 minutes to drive from Fort Myers to Captiva, depending on whether you stop to look at the beautiful sights along the way. You'll pass through the commercial district of Sanibel Island, which does become heavily congested with auto traffic in season. Be patient and be glad you're staying on peaceful Captiva Island.

• Miami: 3.0 hours driving time
• Tampa: 3.0 hours driving time
• Orlando: 4.0 hours driving time

See our Driving Directions page.

Accommodations

Advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak season, because of the popularity of Captiva and the small number of accommodations available. During the off-season such as mid-summer it should be possible to arrive at Captiva on a whim and find excellent homes at discount prices. We still advise guests to reserve ahead to make sure that the ideal accommodations are all ready for you upon your arrival. Use the island map, inventory list, and photo gallery to select your ideal vacation destination on Captiva. When you're ready, or if you have any questions, feel free to talk with us by phone, or exchange email or fax (see contact information). At American Realty of Captiva, we're here to help you get the most enjoyment out of your precious vacation time.