Do you have to take a ferry to Captiva Island?

North Captiva Island is not accessible by car, and you need to take a boat, ferry, or small aircraft over the Redfish Pass channel to get there.



As of March 2026, the answer depends on which part of the island you are visiting. Captiva Island (the southern portion) is accessible by car via the Sanibel Causeway and Blind Pass Bridge; no ferry is required for the main island. However, North Captiva Island is a separate landmass severed by a channel (Redfish Pass) and has no bridge connection to the mainland or the rest of Captiva. To reach North Captiva in 2026, you must take a passenger ferry, such as Island Girl Charters, or arrive by private boat or small plane. Following the major infrastructure repairs of the mid-2020s, the road access to the main Captiva Island is fully restored and highly efficient, but the "off-grid" charm of North Captiva remains protected by its water-only access, ensuring it stays free of cars and heavy commercial traffic.

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Sanibel's sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captiva's lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Let's see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands.

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Sanibel Captiva Island is filled with gorgeous beaches on the Gulf of Mexico that are perfect for families or couples, such as Bowman's Beach and Tarpon Bay Beach. You can find just about any beach experience you want, from swimming and sunbathing to picnics, nature walks, and water sports.

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Captiva is ranked 56 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Captiva is 106.8% of the national average.

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North Captiva Island is laced with sandy roads that connect island facilities with the few hundred homes there. Most people walk or use golf carts to get around. This is great because it makes the island a safe place to explore and play, especially for children.

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Sanibel and Captiva have some of the best beaches in Florida and both Islands make for the perfect vacation destination. Enjoy 15 miles of beach with endless stretches of sand, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 250 kinds of shells – and the best part? 0 stoplights!

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Anytime is a great time to visit Captiva Island, especially for those in need of some R&R. Peak season runs from December to April. Mid-February through April (Spring Break) is the height of peak season. Some establishments may offer reduced rates for off-peak times.

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North Captiva Island is an island in Lee County in Southwest Florida, located just offshore in the Gulf of Mexico. It lies just north of Captiva Island, separated by a channel called Redfish Pass which was created in a 1921 hurricane.

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According to Florida Health, Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that naturally occurs in warm, brackish seawater and requires salt. This year, there have been 25 reported cases and five deaths since January 2023. “Living in Florida, being around the marine environment, we need to be aware of what it is,” said Dr.

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The barrier islands around Captiva Island and Sanibel Island have beautiful clear water that is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.

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There are NO lifeguards anywhere on Sanibel, so it's swim at your own risk. Avoid the area where water runs from bay to Gulf. The undertow can be very strong at these points. Enjoy the calm Gulf, but pay attention.

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Sanibel Island Beach Club offers plenty to do throughout both the day and the night. After you've had your dinner, you can enjoy a quiet walk on the beach or go for a swim in the resort-quality pool. If you're feeling unusually active and want to burn off your evening meal, there are floodlit sports areas available.

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