Captiva Island Scenes

The Island Store (click to enlarge image)
The Island Store
Captiva Mailbox (click to enlarge image)
Captiva Mailbox

The Island Store

Pick up virtually anything you need right here on the island. Conveniently located in the Village Center, this quaint store is well-stocked with all of the necessities and has been serving residents and visitors for decades. Fresh produce and deli counter add to the charm of this old-timey grocery. Parking never seems to be a problem, maybe because those staying in the Village Center can just as easily walk. Regardless of what you might need, chances are the Captiva Island Store has it... this is where the "locals" shop! Numerous other stores (perhaps with less character) are also available.

Great Restaurants (click to enlarge image)
Great Restaurants

Restaurants

Captiva Island, Florida, has become a remarkable center for dining out, with fantastic food and appealing atmosphere. Some restaurants are famous attractions of themselves, and draw visitors from off-island just for a Captiva meal. Others are undiscovered gems that you can enjoy in peaceful bliss, over and over again.

At The Island Girl, you're staying near Captiva's Village Center. Wonderful meals ranging from informally elegant to casual cafes and snack bars are a very short walk down a sandy lane (virtually no traffic). By walking you can enjoy a leisurely stroll home on a fine tropical evening, plus avoid the parking crunch inevitable at the most popular restaurants. Check out this guide to Captiva Restaurants.

Kayaks and Sailboats for Rent (click to enlarge image)
Kayaks and Sailboats for Rent

Activities

There are so many things to do at Captiva, though just being here seems to be enough for many repeat visitors. Naturally, you'll spend a lot of time enjoying The Island Girl beach and pool. You could also sail or kayak in the bay (right) or Gulf (left).

Kayaking at Sunset off the Beach (click to enlarge image)
Kayaking at Sunset off the Beach

Fishing and boating are wonderful on Captiva. Many charter captains will take you to special spots depending on your fish ambitions. You can also rent a boat yourself, or just fish from the beach.

Tennis and golf are extremely popular in Captiva's fine weather. Many people take a day trip via water taxi to one of the outer islands such as Cabbage Key, where you can enjoy a fresh meal at the old inn. If you've had enough fun in the sun, browse the excellent art galleries and unique shops of Captiva's Village Center. And as your day winds up, join one of several sunset cruises for an elegant and sociable start to your evening.

An Osprey eats a Fish (click to enlarge image)
An Osprey eats a Fish

Wildlife

Nature abounds at Captiva. The large wooded tract behind The Island Girl provides quiet refuge to shy species, while others are quite comfortable around mankind. Numerous wildlife preserves are nearby for your exploration, including the world-famous Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. But chances are good that you'll see plenty of dolphins, large aquatic birds, and the protected osprey right from your beach at The Island Girl.

Updated 2006-02-04   Content copyright © 2002 - 2006 CaptivaIslandGirl.com. All rights reserved.