Transportation
North Captiva Island is a truly unique destination, and while it may require a bit of effort to get here, the experience is absolutely worth it. If you're planning to fly to Florida, we recommend Fort Myers International Airport (RSW, 36 miles) or Punta Gorda (PGD, 40 miles) as your gateway to this island paradise.
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Once you've arrived at the airport, you have the option to rent a car or take a taxi to Pine Island. For a hassle-free transportation service from the airport, we suggest Pine Island Taxi. It's important to note that North Captiva Island is accessible only by boat, as there are no bridges for cars. Once you reach North Captiva, the preferred mode of transport becomes golf carts. To get to North Captiva from Pine Island, we recommend taking the ferry operated by Island Girl Charters, departing from Pineland Marina. When scheduling your ferry drop-off location, choose Safety Harbor. Parking is available and you will need to grab a parking pass from the Island Girl office at the Marina.
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Upon arriving at Safety Harbor, the SweetWater Bay management team, represented by Dervil Management, will be there to pick you up and ensure a smooth transition to your island retreat.
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If you plan to travel by private boat, you can rent a boat slip at Safety Harbor. While you can drop off groceries and luggage at the dock in front of SweetWater Bay, please note that boat parking is not allowed in that area.
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We hope this information helps you prepare for your unforgettable visit to North Captiva Island and SweetWater Bay!
Grocery Shopping
As dining options on North Captiva are limited, preparing your own meals is the key to savoring your week on the island. If you're driving or renting a car, you have the option to purchase your groceries and bring them with you to the ferry. If you have a substantial amount of luggage and groceries, it's a thoughtful gesture to tip the captains for their assistance.
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For added convenience and a stress-free start to your vacation, our property managers, Joe & Yvena Dervil, can help you pick up and stock groceries. They have a variety of options and are very easy and cost effective. If you can swing the additional cost, we'd recommend paying for a full stocking service. While it may come at a higher cost, there's nothing quite like arriving after a long journey to find your refrigerator and pantry fully stocked. In our opinion, it's worth every dime for the convenience it offers.
Catering
During your stay, if you'd like to explore catered meal options, Becca Findeisen comes highly recommended by fellow North Captiva homeowners. Her culinary expertise can elevate your dining experience while enjoying the island's tranquility.
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In addition, Farmer Joe's Market in Cape Coral has a great catering menu. If you order from them, Yvena can pick it up and deliver it to you (with at least a day notice).
Of course, if you love to cook and prefer to be your own "caterer," the SweetWater Bay kitchen has a Kitchenaid, a slow cooker and more to help you prepare delicious meals for your friends and family.
OTHER GROCERY SERVICES
There are two other grocery stocking companies that service North Captiva. They are:
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Antoine Goode from A Good Grocery Delivery
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Debbie Winstead from Fresh Pick Grocery Service. This service offers different levels of service at varying price points.
Restaurants
On Island...
If you love to go bar/restaurant hopping and/or adore shopping, North Captiva is NOT for you! We have very few options available. That said, Safety Harbor's Over The Waterfront restaurant is excellent and offers lunch and dinner on certain days (depending on season). We recommend it for "date night" vs. as a family dinner spot. Lunch is walk-in and dinner is reservation only. Please note - they do not serve alcohol but you can bring your own.
In addition, Mangos Pool Bar & Restaurant os part of the Island Club and a fun place to grab lunch, dinner and/or a: cocktail. Located right next to the pool, kids can be kept busy while Mom & Dad grab a cocktail. This restaurant and bar also does not require reservations and is seat yourself. Hours vary depending on season and day. Please note, it can get very busy on weekends with boaters.
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Word on the street is that Mainstay Restaurant, which closed after Hurricane Ian, is coming back and should be ready by late spring! Stay Tuned.
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Off Island...
If you want some adventure off the island, guests can book the ferry to go over to Cabbage Key, rumored to be where Jimmy Buffet wrote Margaritaville.
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If you have a boat, in addition to Cabbage Key, you might want to consider The Pink Elephant (our favorite) on Boca Grande, Green Flash on Captiva or Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island. If you need to do a grocery run, Publix is on Pine Island and The Blue Dog Cafe in Matlacha is very good. Tarpon Lodge is right next to Pineland Marina, so if you are really early for the next ferry, it's a great place to grab a drink and some eats.
Shops
The Island Club has a new market that is very popular. It offers ice cream and other items you might have forgotten (sunscreen/milk/juice?). Beware - grocery items are expensive.
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Boats & Fun, right next to The Island Club, has a cute retail shop filled with North Cap merch, sunhats, flip flops and more!
Activities & Services
Beach Walking, Biking, Fishing, Hiking, Shelling & More...
At SweetWater Bay: Experience a plethora of activities right at SweetWater Bay! Whether you're casting a line off the dock, luxuriating in the hot tub, or paddling off the beach in our kayaks, there's endless adventure to be had. Relish a leisurely lunch on the porch or beneath the shady seating area, then craft your favorite cocktail at the tiki bar before engaging in a lively game of ping pong. For quieter moments, unwind with a card game or enjoy a blissful nap on the screened-in porch. With an array of options, every moment at our home promises relaxation and enjoyment.
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The Beach: SweetWater Bay is nestled on the tranquil Bay side of the island and offers the privilege of its very own private beach, where magnificent sunrises greet you each morning. When exploring this side of the island, it's important to note that private docks can make walking along the shoreline a bit challenging. For leisurely beach walks, we suggest strolling down Sea Air Road, located adjacent to the airstrip, which leads you to the Gulf beach on the west side of the island. When you reach the end of the airstrip, simply take a left, and you'll find yourself with miles of pristine shoreline to explore at your leisure.
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The Preserve: North Captiva Island boasts an enchanting natural gem known as the "North Captiva Island State Preserve." This pristine sanctuary encompasses around 700 acres and is situated at the southern tip of the island. Its establishment is a testament to the dedication to preserving the island's unique natural beauty and rich wildlife. We highly recommend exploring the preserve by hiking or biking its well-maintained trails. For the more adventurous souls, consider running, hiking, or biking all the way to the island's tip, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Captiva Island across the channel. This journey not only offers stunning vistas but also provides an opportunity for exceptional shelling. The captivating experience of walking from one end of the island to the other covers approximately 7 miles of unspoiled beauty.
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Swimming & Pickleball: Should guests wish to access The Island Club and Safety Harbor pools, a guest fee will be applicable. Additionally, Safety Harbor offers the added attraction of two pickleball courts for your enjoyment. Please note, we have 4 pickle balls and rackets for tenants to use.
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Massage: Need some extra relaxation on your vacation? We highly recommend Eugenio from North Captiva Massage. He will come to you and setup inside or outside on the deck or beach!
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Boats & Fun, right next to The Island Club, is the place to go on island for all things fun! They offer Guided Boat Tours, 24hr Private Water Taxi, Kayak Rentals, Stand Up Paddle Board Rentals, Inshore/Offshore Fishing Charters, Manatee Watching Tours, Shelling Trips, Dolphin Watching Tours, Gift Shop, Bait and Tackle and Golf Cart Rentals!
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RESOURCES - For other ideas, we recommend following the following North Captiva Facebook Pages:
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North Captiva Island (The Legitimate Page
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