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Boating & Things to Do in Captiva

Discover 16 amazing destinations, from hidden anchorages to lively sandbars.

🏝️2 Sandbars⚓3 Marinas🍽️8 Dock & Dine⛵1 Anchorages⛱️1 Beaches🌳1 Parks & Preserves

Best Time to Visit

Gentle Gulf Coast waters featuring hundreds of barrier islands, mangrove passes, and sugar-sand shelling beaches. Low winter humidity and calm morning seas. Boaters generally favor the October to April window for the most stable cruising conditions.

Winter (Dec – Feb)
73°F – 77°F68°F – 72°F
Peak cruising season, pristine shelling at barrier beaches, and active manatee sightings.
Spring (Mar – May)
80°F – 85°F74°F – 78°F
Warm and sunny, legendary Boca Grande Pass tarpon migration, and uncrowded coves.
Summer (Jun – Aug)
89°F – 93°F85°F – 88°F
Warmest gulf water, afternoon rain showers, and tranquil exploration across Ten Thousand Islands.
Autumn (Sep – Nov)
82°F – 87°F79°F – 83°F
Pleasant autumn cooling, peaceful anchorages, and world-class Gulf sunsets.

Events Calendar

🐟

Red Snapper Season (Gulf)

seasonal · Month 6

The limited recreational red snapper season in Gulf federal waters. Usually only a few weekends, check FWC for exact dates each year.

🎆

July 4th on the Water

annual · Month 7

The biggest boating day of the year. Every sandbar, anchorage, and waterfront spot is packed. Fireworks displays visible from the water across Florida.

🌊

Labor Day Weekend

annual · Month 9

The last big boating weekend of summer. A favorite for multi-day Keys trips and sandbar sendoffs before the fall.

🦀

Stone Crab Season

seasonal · Month 10

Florida stone crab season, the best time for dock-and-dine restaurants serving fresh claws. Peak season is October through January.

🦭

Manatee Season (Slow Speed Zones)

seasonal · Month 11

Peak manatee activity in Florida waterways. Many channels enforce seasonal slow-speed/no-wake zones to protect manatees.

View All Boating Events

Recommended Voyages & Itineraries

Curated RouteFull Day

Barrier Islands & Passages Cruise

Cruise tranquil barrier passes, anchor along secluded shelling beaches on Cayo Costa or North Captiva, and dock-and-dine with fresh Gulf seafood.

Planned Stops
Sanibel / Captiva→
North Captiva→
Cayo Costa Beach→
Useppa Island
Start Planning This Trip

Browse by Activity

🏝️
sandbars
2 Locations
⚓
marinas
3 Locations
🌳
parks
1 Location
🍽️
waterfront restaurants
8 Locations
⚓
anchorages
1 Location
⛱️
beaches
1 Location

All Captiva Destinations

Old Captiva House
DOCK & DINE

Old Captiva House

Captiva

Old Captiva House offers a high-end dining experience featuring classic meat and seafood dishes paired with an extensive wine selection. Located in a beautiful setting, it provides a romantic atmosphere perfect for special occasions.

Safety Harbor Club
ANCHORAGE

Safety Harbor Club

Captiva

Safety Harbor Club offers a tranquil anchorage spot on North Captiva Island, ideal for boaters seeking a peaceful retreat. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and unique beachy architecture, providing a picturesque backdrop for relaxation. Boaters can anchor nearby and enjoy the serene environment, making it a perfect spot for family gatherings or romantic escapes. The presence of marine life adds to the charm, while the secluded nature of the location ensures a quiet and intimate experience.

The Green Flash Restaurant
DOCK & DINE

The Green Flash Restaurant

Captiva

The Green Flash Restaurant is a charming island destination offering an elevated seafood menu in a handsome setting overlooking the water. With its relaxed Florida atmosphere, it provides a perfect spot for both romantic dinners and family gatherings. The restaurant features dockage for boats, making it an ideal stop for boaters looking to enjoy a meal with a view.

South Seas
MARINA

South Seas

Captiva

South Seas is a sprawling oceanfront complex featuring a marina that caters to boaters with a range of amenities. Located along 2.5 miles of pristine white-sand beach, this destination offers a full-service marina with dockage, fuel, and provisioning options. Boaters can enjoy the convenience of on-site dining at one of the eight restaurants, as well as access to restrooms, laundry facilities, and wifi. The marina is transient-friendly and provides a vibrant local scene, making it an ideal stop for those exploring the waters around Captiva Island.

Captiva Island Yacht Club
DOCK & DINE

Captiva Island Yacht Club

Captiva

Captiva Island Yacht Club offers a serene and welcoming atmosphere perfect for families and couples alike. Known for its excellent dining options, including a highly recommended filet mignon and chocolate fantasia, this yacht club provides a picturesque setting with dockage available for visiting boaters. The club is also home to the NSA Junior Sailing Program, making it a hub for budding sailors. With a focus on creating a friendly and enjoyable experience, visitors can expect top-notch service and a memorable visit.

⛱️
BEACH

Redfish Pass

Captiva

Redfish Pass is a picturesque location renowned for its stunning scenic beauty and vibrant marine life. This spot is a favorite among boaters for its breathtaking views and the chance to see dolphins frolicking near the shore. It's an ideal destination for families and those looking to capture memorable photos of nature's splendor. Fishing is also a popular activity here, adding to the diverse experiences available at this scenic stop.

Mango's Bar & Grill
DOCK & DINE

Mango's Bar & Grill

Captiva

Mango's Bar & Grill is a premier waterfront dining destination in Captiva, FL. Known for its beautiful views and direct dockage, it is a favorite day-trip stop for local boaters looking to dock and dine.

Mainstay and Barnacles Bar
DOCK & DINE

Mainstay and Barnacles Bar

Captiva

Mainstay and Barnacles Bar offers a quintessential island dining experience with its unfussy American menu and Gulf seafood. The walls adorned with dollar bills and a spacious patio create a unique, beachy vibe. This waterfront restaurant provides convenient dockage for boaters, making it a popular stop for those exploring North Captiva Island by sea. While the food receives mixed reviews, the setting and atmosphere are often highlighted as enjoyable. Be prepared for island pricing and automatic service charges.

Over the Waterfront
DOCK & DINE

Over the Waterfront

Captiva

Over the Waterfront is an intimate seafood restaurant offering a casual vibe and panoramic water views from its dockside location. Known for its inventive dishes crafted by Chef Pete, this hidden gem on North Captiva Island is a culinary delight for seafood lovers. With a menu featuring Maine lobster tail, Wagyu steak, and smoked mahi dip, every meal is a masterpiece. The restaurant's limited seating makes reservations essential, ensuring a personalized dining experience. Guests can enjoy the serene waterfront setting, making it a perfect spot for romantic dinners or memorable gatherings.

The Shipyard
DOCK & DINE

The Shipyard

Captiva

The Shipyard is a premier waterfront dining destination in Captiva, FL. Known for its beautiful views and direct dockage, it is a favorite day-trip stop for local boaters looking to dock and dine.

🏖️
SANDBAR

North Captiva Island

Captiva

North Captiva Island is a narrow island that boasts five miles of pristine beaches and is a popular place for fishing, relaxing, or exploring by beach buggy or golf cart. Indeed, the island hosts several golf cart parades each year, including Easter and Halloween. The island is a 700-acre wildlife reserve and unspoiled paradise, where you can enjoy seeing the turtles during sea turtle season, dolphins and manatees, and hiking or biking.

Sandbar Jun
SANDBAR

Sandbar Jun

Captiva

Sandbar Jun is a vibrant and popular sandbar destination known for its lively weekend gatherings. Boaters flock to this spot to enjoy the sun, socialize, and take in the picturesque surroundings. It's an ideal location for both families and those looking to join the party scene. With ample space to anchor and swim-friendly waters, Sandbar Jun offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Jensen's Twin Palm Cottages & Marina Resort
MARINA

Jensen's Twin Palm Cottages & Marina Resort

Captiva

Jensen's Twin Palm Cottages & Marina Resort is a charming waterfront destination offering a blend of cozy accommodations and a full-service marina. Guests can enjoy simple suites and cottages, alongside a marina equipped with boat rentals, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and nautical adventures. The marina provides essential boater services such as fuel, ice, water, and wifi, ensuring a comfortable stay. Visitors can also explore nearby dining options and enjoy the local scene, making it a well-rounded stop for boaters.

'Tween Waters Inn & Marina
MARINA

'Tween Waters Inn & Marina

Captiva

'Tween Waters Inn & Marina offers a comprehensive marina experience with a blend of luxury and convenience. Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound, this marina provides a protected docking area with full-service amenities including fuel, water, and ice. Boaters can enjoy on-site dining, laundry facilities, and access to a vibrant local scene. The marina is a cruiser hangout, welcoming transient boaters and liveaboards alike. With its proximity to town and provisioning options nearby, 'Tween Waters is an ideal stop for both short visits and extended stays.

Cayo Costa State Park
NATURE

Cayo Costa State Park

Captiva

Cayo Costa State Park is a secluded island paradise accessible only by private boat or charter. With nine miles of pristine beaches and lush forest trails, it offers a perfect escape into nature. Visitors can enjoy shelling, hiking, and observing diverse marine life, including dolphins and turtles. The park is family-friendly and ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Facilities include well-maintained docks, restrooms, and camping areas, making it a perfect spot for a day trip or overnight adventure.

The Island Club at North Captiva
DOCK & DINE

The Island Club at North Captiva

Captiva

The Island Club at North Captiva offers a tropical resort experience with upscale beach house rentals, some featuring private pools and ocean views. This destination is perfect for those looking to unplug and enjoy a serene island getaway. Guests can enjoy great facilities including pools, a restaurant, and a gift shop, all set in a picturesque location ideal for family vacations or romantic retreats.

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