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Captiva Island Information
Unspoiled Beauty
Captiva Island, to the north of Sanibel, is five miles long and never more than a half-mile wide. Captiva is so narrow in spots you can see both the Gulf and Bay. It connects to Sanibel Island at Blind Pass (Turner Beach) and stretches to the northern tip at Redfish Pass. Though Captiva is considered one of the most exclusive islands in North America, it retains its casual ambiance. Even amidst enormous wealth and a few world-famous residents, Captiva continues to have a small-town feel and ‘laid-back island’ atmosphere. Captiva was homesteaded in 1888 and a tiny cemetery next to The Chapel by the Sea has the grave of the original resident, William Herbert Binder (1850-1932), an Austrian. Ann Brainerd moved with her family from Canada to Buck Key (a small island next to Captiva) in 1895. Six years later, at the age of ten she told William Binder how this one piece of his land, less than an acre, was the prettiest spot she had ever seen. Binder was charmed by her, and agreed to sell it to her for a small gold coin she was carrying. Ann agreed and bought it from him, but tragically she stepped on a rusty nail just a few days later, and died from tetanus. Her family buried her on ‘her land’ which today is Captiva Cemetery. Islanders place shells on her lamb-topped tombstone to honor her memory. Ann’s family is buried next to her, and William Binder is just a few steps away.
Captiva’s village is a quaint mix of restaurants, shops, homes and condos. The village is considered the ‘heart of the island’, and the place to see and be seen. Staying here, you wouldn’t necessarily need a car. Services are limited, and shops are small, but the basics are available: groceries, liquor, rental bikes and golf carts, plus galleries and boutiques. There is also a small library as well as a church and historic cemetery. It’s never more than a five-minute walk to the bay, the beach, a great meal or some unique shopping excursions. Pictured is the Chapel by the Sea Church.
Captiva Island beaches all face west and offer incredible sunset views. Visitors and locals alike congregate for the nightly event. Due to the east-west orientation, Captiva (and Sanibel) catches an abundance of shells. In fact, the island is literally made up of shells, created over thousands of years, and is considered one of the best in the world for shelling. Like Sanibel, water sports are almost limitless. There is plenty of live music at the island's restaurants, bistros and lounges.
