You'll find an array of enticing attractions within easy reach of your Captiva Island vacation rental. If you've even a passing interest in golf, you'll want to spend an afternoon at the South Seas Island Resort Golf Course. With beautifully manicured greens and sweeping ocean views, it's renowned as one of the country's premier short courses. On neighboring Sanibel Island, connected to Captiva by a bridge, you'll find the one-of-a-kind Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Here you can marvel at ancient fossils and some of the world's largest shells, and learn all about the creatures that made them.
Captiva is heaven-sent for beachcombers, and is widely regarded as one of the best spots in the United States for shelling. The island's shorelines are carpeted with conches, whelks, colorful coquinas, and exquisite false angel wings, all just waiting to be claimed. Anglers will also be in their element, with the surrounding crystal-clear waters teeming with highly sought-after catches like sea trout, redfish, and snook. For further aquatic adventures, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard, and explore the coastline at your leisure. Or if you're craving an adrenalin fix, you could try your hand at jet skiing or parasailing.
Captiva Island enjoys an subtropical climate, ensuring warmth and plenty of sunshine at most times of year. It's an extremely popular spot for a winter getaway, with agreeably mild temperatures and very little rainfall. Captiva Island vacation rentals are in particularly high demand at this time of year, so early booking is recommended. Summers can get sizzlingly hot, but the humidity is offset by refreshing sea breezes and regular showers. It's worth bearing in mind that hurricanes and cyclones can occur between June and November.
A highlight of many Captiva Island vacations is a boat trip in search of acrobatic Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and gentle manatees. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for great egrets, osprey, cormorants, and all manner of other birds. If you're visiting in spring, you may be treated to the sight of loggerhead turtles making their way ashore to lay their eggs. Turn your attention inland, and Captiva's verdant wetlands and hidden waterways beg to be explored by kayak _ just be sure to watch out for alligators.
Captiva Island vacation homes are close to plenty of gorgeous beaches for a day of relaxation and fun in the sun. Bowman’s Beach, a sandy beach with an abundance of shells and calm waters for swimming, and Lighthouse Beach Park, a scenic beach park and lighthouse on the island tip with a fishing pier and picnic areas, are perfect for a relaxing day on the coast. You could also visit North Captiva Island, a barrier island with tranquil beaches and spectacular sunset views.
Captiva Island offers an array of nearby attractions for families with children. Vacation homes put you within reach of places like J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a park on the gulf with hundreds of bird species, nature trails, and family activities, and the Sanibel Lighthouse, a historic beacon with vast grounds and spectacular views. Kids will also like the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, a nature center with educational programs about local flora and fauna.
Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 1,722 vacation rentals around Captiva Island. From 728 house rentals to 50 cottage rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.