Many generations over the years have enjoyed the peaceful harmony that Captiva reflects. The islands of Sanibel and Captiva were connected at one time until a hurricane in 1926 separated them. This gave us the waterway we now call Blind Pass that connects the two parcels with a small bridge. The native Calusa Indians were the first-known residents of the island. Captiva Island has been called “Sanibel’s Little Sister” and has only 18 neighborhoods.
There is a small area known as Captiva Village at the north end of Captiva road just before it enters the South Seas Island Resort and Yacht Club. Captiva Village is the heart and soul of local life on the island.
There are restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, a Chapel by the Sea, and a small library amongst quaint homes tucked away.
The famous Chapel by The Sea has its own story to tell. This was the original schoolhouse on the island and it was later converted into a church. It is open to just come in and sit and reflect. All spiritual beliefs are welcomed here. There is an original cemetery where Wilbert Herbert Binder, believed to have resided here in 1888, is buried. Visitors are encouraged to place a shell on each grave of the first European American settlers if they wish. There are restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and a small library amongst quaint homes tucked away.
Keylime Bistro located at Captiva Island Inn has won the Love By Guests Award and is the most highly- rated restaurant on the island. This is a program which celebrates hotels with the best review scores from 20 million genuine traveler reviews. Keylime Bistro is Conveniently located in quaint historic Captiva Village and serves breakfast lunch and dinner and don’t forget their famous “Keylime Pie”!
The Green Flash has its own historic tale to tell. Originally known as “The Nook”, created by Timmy Wiles in 1950 becoming a local Captiva Landmark. The Green flash now resides in place of “The Nook” keeping alive its heritage and memories. The most amazing sunsets can be experienced here. The Green Flash is easily navigable by boat and is located southwest of Marker 38 on the Intracoastal Waterway. What is a Green flash? A green flash can resemble a green ray shooting up from the sunset or sunrise point.A meteorological optical phenomena.
One of the most famous restaurants on Captiva is the eclectic Bubble Room established in 1979. Mae West and Louis Armstrong have dishes named after them, but the desserts are the real stars here.
Another exciting Captiva food establishment was created In 1976. The old Gulf View Inn was reborn as The Mucky Duck after being purchased by two Entrepreneurs. This British-style pub has become a fixture for both the locals and visitors to enjoy nightly sunsets while sipping a cold brew.
Jungle Drums Gallery provides an amazing array of sculptures, wall art, statues and amazing finds for everyone. The owners Kathleen and Jim Mazotta represent artisans all over the US not just Floridians.
Islands Magazine - "One of the Top 10 things to do on Sanibel & Captiva!”
2 Islands Gallery is also a great whimsical place to find incredible one-of -a-kind items created by local island artists. Check them out in Chadwicks Square South across the street from South Seas Resort. You will also find clothing, beach gear, fragrance shops and more here. Check it out!
Don’t forget to check out the Captiva Village Library. This cute little building is almost like a small historic museum about captiva and focuses on nature. It also provides great books.
Fun Fact: Captiva has had famous visitors over the years. When Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Anne visited; she wrote her famous “Gifts from the Sea”” while vacationing on Captiva.
There is also a fun rumor that a man named Jose Gaspar in the early 1800 buried his stolen treasure here on Sanibel. He was nicknamed Gasparilla. Some say he built a prison on “Isle de los Captivas,” which translates to Captiva Island, where he kept his female prisoners “captive” for ransom. There is no actual proof to this tale of Captiva or even if “Gasparilla” existed but it is an exciting story nonetheless.
So much to experience in this tiny Village of Captiva, but it will leave a big impression on you for sure.
Captiva is only 6 miles long and less than 1 mile wide. It has been called one of the “most romantic beaches” and makes the Top Florida Beaches list. Take in the harmony and peacefulness. Walk the sugary sandy beaches and gather shells. Listen to the waves.
Let the experience of Captiva - captivate you.