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| The beach at Blind Pass
Captiva |
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| Boca Grande Lighthouse |
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Captiva is one of the barrier
islands on the lower Gulf Coast of Florida, 125 miles south of Tampa.
Captiva Island and it's sister,
Sanibel, are known widely for their pristine beauty and unspoiled
landscapes. Encouraging commercial interests to design and build
relative to the island's charm, residents have created a modern tropical
splendor for themselves and visitors alike. On Captiva, one feels the
call of the tropics and the inclination is to stay forever in this
island paradise. Unlike Sanibel, however, this island is mostly
residential homes with very little commercial enterprise. It is a hike
to get back to the mainland from Captiva, also. Thankfully, groceries
and other everyday items can be found in the small commercial area of
Captiva.
The drive from the south end to the north end
of Captiva is on a paved pathway cut through the lush natural
vegetation. Tall trees shade almost the entire roadway and the natural
growth blocks views of the gulf or bay in all but a few areas. Still,
its a lovely drive winding several miles and showing this island's
beauty. Occasionally one catches a glimpse of the "million-dollar" homes
built on the beach or bay but no extended viewing is likely because
parking is limited and traffic can be heavy.
The south end of the island starts at the
bridge at Blind Pass. There is a public access beach here with
restrooms. At the north end of the island you'll find restaurants, bars,
groceries and a smattering of specialty shops. One of the island's
public beaches is here as well as the famous South Seas Resort. Stop in
and have a cocktail at the Bubble Room or a fresh fish sandwich at the
Mucky Duck, where you can sit inside or outside viewing the Gulf of
Mexico.
While on Captiva Island, nature lovers MUST
tour the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. It is a short
drive from Captiva and the entire tour can be accomplished by car, as
well as biking or hiking. By car one can view or photograph wildlife and
never leave the car seat because of the cleverly constructed roadway.
You can also drive from point to point, leaving the car for short walks
to constructed viewing platforms. It's about an eight mile trip and, if
you plan to take photos, will take a while.
Visitors to Captiva can easily tour the
southwest Florida cities in the area. Driving south through Sanibel and
crossing the causeway bridge, you'll have close access to
Cape Coral,
Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach.
Pine Island including Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City are
closer by water than roadway. North Captiva, Useppa, Don Pedro
Cayo Costa and
Little Gasparilla islands are all just north of Sanibel-Captiva but must
be reached by boat. A 30 minute drive south will find
Estero Island
(Fort Myers Beach) and Bonita Beach. Naples is about an hour's drive
south on US Highway 41 or Interstate 75. The Punta Gorda / Port
Charlotte area is 45 minutes north. The Southwest Florida International
Airport is 45 minutes from Captiva.
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