Captiva Island: Where Island Charm Meets Refined Living

Captiva Island is a destination like no other—tropical yet refined, relaxed yet vibrant. With its breezy beaches and sun-soaked streets, it offers the perfect balance of island living and upscale amenities. Whether arriving by car or boat, visitors and residents alike are drawn to Captiva’s shared passion for the sea.

Captiva is home to a thriving tourism-based economy and a growing full-time residential community. Just north of Sanibel, Captiva feels like an exclusive hideaway—a serene “bedroom community” for those who want to stay connected, yet escape the hustle of the mainland.

Charming 2-Bedroom Coastal Retreat in Sunset Captiva

25 Urchin Ct Captiva, FL

Asking Price $1,225,000

Located in the heart of one of Captiva’s sought-after communities, this adorable 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home offers the perfect blend of island charm and modern convenience. Just 750 feet from the pristine Gulf shoreline, you’ll enjoy deeded beach access, included boat dockage just 1,000 feet away on the bay, and a spectacular location near it all.

Resort-style amenities are just around the corner—take a dip in the heated community pool, play a match on the tennis or pickleball courts, or explore the nearby village shops and restaurants. Whether you're seeking a vacation getaway or a rental-ready investment, this Sunset Captiva home checks all the boxes for relaxed, upscale island living.

Captiva’s waterfront homes offer the best of both worlds: panoramic views and access to modern comforts. The island’s architectural style has evolved from its classic “Florida Cracker” roots to feature a blend of Key West charm and Mediterranean elegance. Grand estates now line both bayfront and beachfront, framed by tropical landscaping and steps from the shore.

Despite its growth, Captiva maintains its close connection to nature. Like Sanibel, the island is a haven for seabirds and coastal wildlife. Daily sightings of herons, pelicans, and osprey are part of the lifestyle here.

 

Captiva may be small in size, but it offers a surprising array of conveniences. The Island General Store is ideal for essentials—pick up snacks, cold drinks, or the local newspaper. For dining, beloved spots like The Bubble Room blend whimsical décor with hearty comfort food and oversized desserts that have become legendary among beachgoers.

Captiva’s main village area offers a classic beach-town vibe, with boutique shops, casual eateries, gourmet dining, and cozy cafés. The beaches here are more active than those on North Captiva, but still maintain a peaceful, small-town feel.

Occupying the northern third of Captiva Island, South Seas Island Resort is a premier destination offering accommodations ranging from tennis-view condos to luxury single-family villas at Land’s End. Guests enjoy full resort amenities, including beachfront access, multiple pools, tennis courts, dining, marinas, and curated experiences.

Exploring the Island

Meandering footpaths and palm-lined streets invite exploration. Though many estates are set behind private gates, a walk through the village or a bike ride along the shoreline reveals quiet corners, lush gardens, and storybook views. A popular footpath leads to the beach near the iconic Mucky Duck restaurant, where sunsets are not to be missed.

Captiva’s marinas serve as lively hubs for activity and connection. Jensen’s Marina on the Bay offers fuel services, a ship’s store, and that unmistakable island spirit. The Jensen family has preserved the tradition of “island time,” and their property still reflects the simple charm of Old Captiva. Their musical performances and events also bring a festive energy to both Captiva and North Captiva Islands.

McCarthy’s Marina provides boat slip rentals and day cruises, offering scenic tours to nearby islands such as North Captiva and Cayo Costa—perfect for beachcombing or dolphin watching.

Whether you’re staying on Captiva or visiting from nearby islands, a day trip here is always worthwhile. Parasailing, paddleboarding, and boutique shopping provide an exciting change of pace, while quiet lanes and shell-strewn shores offer opportunities to simply unwind.

Home to a thriving tourism based and small city economy, Captiva mixes the classic island feel with modern conveniences. Just a short drive from Sanibel, the island remains a getaway - more like a bedroom community for the bigger islands.

Scenic water front homes on Captiva Island mix the best of both worlds.
Island lifestyle combines with more city chic amenities.
Captiva islanders pride themselves on their small island city's unique features and attractions.

Stately manors line both the bay and beach coasts of the island. The overall style on the island was once the classic "florida cracker" style with much similarities to the home designs made popular in Key West.

Now more prevalent is a mix of classic architecture with larger newer homes that display more of a Mediterranean influence.

One thing that remains the same year after year is the close proximity to nature that the barrier island's enjoy. Just like Sanibel, Captiva enjoys sea birds frequenting island yards and the beaches.

The Island General Store offers a selection of grocery options and is great for last minute needs. Pop in for the local paper, bottled water, or a snack.
Local favorites like the Bubble Room offer a comination of charm, campy fun, and good foods. This restaurant is famous for its absolutely humungous slices of cake and desserts. Just what every hungry beach comber needs.
Miles of sandy beaches await you. The beaches at Captiva are a bit more populated than North Captiva's shores year round and offer the quaint "beach town" village with shops, numerous dining establishments and coffee shops, and resorts.
South Seas Island Resort takes of the northern one third of Captiva Island's land mass, offering small tennis condos all the way up to single family villas at Land's End. Resort amenities including restaurants, marinas, tennis courts, pools, and beaches.
Storybook paths along the sides of the road are mostly hidden behind grand estate entrance gates, but touring the island on foot leads to some beautiful discoveries.
This path takes you most of the way down to the beaches, just next to the Mucky Duck eatery.
Captiva's marinas are your port of call to have some night time entertainment, get to a mainland island for a jaunt, check the mail, grab a few supplies at the tiny island grocer, or just plain "walkabout."
Amidst it all, hold outs to the traditional island pace can be found. Jensen's Cottages on Captiva are a good example of that spirit of island time.
A busy port side marina with gas fill up service, ship's store, and all around good island vibes. Stop in at Jensen's on the Bay for supplies when you are at Captiva. The marina's owners are often spotted out on North Captiva Island too, playing music with their band for live events.

McCarthy's Marina offers slip rentals and Day Cruises that take tour boats out to the "out island" beaches of North Captiva and Cayo Costa.

Touring around Captiva by bicycle or on foot is a fun day excursion away from North Captiva Island.

With additional sights to see and activities, like parasailing, you can add to any island vacation by planning a day trip to Captiva Island.