Captiva Island beaches are part of what makes Southwest Florida so special. A little more remote and secluded than its sister island’s beaches, Captiva is where you go when you want to escape, recharge and really relax. Sanibel Island has a little more hustle and bustle (though, not by much!), and Captiva is more reminiscent of a Caribbean paradise. Time slows down. Worries are washed away. They even say the water is bluer and the sunsets are brighter.
Captiva Island beaches are beloved by both locals and visitors. For Southwest Florida residents who don’t live on the island, it’s always a treat to visit its shores. Whether you’re visiting Turner Beach at Blind Pass or Allison Hagerup Beach Park, they’re both known for powdery white sand, emerald-turquoise water and impressive sunsets.
We’ll tell you about the small details that make each one stand out and why they’re some of Captiva Island’s best beaches. Whether you want to lounge on the beach and read a good book, collect seashells, enjoy the Southwest Florida weather, watch your kids play in the water and build sandcastles, or go boating or paddle boarding, this blog post will tell you everything you need to know about Captiva Island beaches and what to expect when vacationing on Captiva Island.
What is There to Do on Captiva Island?
Get on Island Time and enjoy Captiva’s unique shops and restaurants, walk around the village, visit Captiva Island beaches, or do nothing at all. The beauty of Captiva Island is that there’s no need for a jam-packed schedule. It’s ok to take it slow and relax. That’s why they call it Island Time!
Captiva beach parks and Captiva Island beach accesses are great for shelling. If you’re visiting the island and hope to collect beautiful and unique seashells, here are some shelling tips to get you started.
Sit down and enjoy a delicious meal while you watch the sunset after a fun-filled day at the beach. Captiva is home to a handful of eclectic eateries. Locals love a casual meal at The Mucky Duck. The Mad Hatter (which is technically in Sanibel, but very close to Captiva) is perfect for special occasions. And though it doesn’t have sunset views, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is a local favorite and we recommend trying it at least once. Be sure to order the Yucatan shrimp if you go. Trust us, it’s a thing.
And without further ado, here are Captiva Island’s best beaches. Please keep in mind that Captiva beaches do not allow open fires, pets or taking live shells off of its beaches. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited from November through May.
Turner Beach at Blind Pass
There is limited parking so plan to get here early. Turner Beach is the beach on the Captiva side of Blind Pass and the first beach you see after you cross over the Blind Pass Bridge. It’s an excellent shelling beach and one of the best in Southwest Florida. You’ll find a unique collection of shells at Captiva Island’s Turner Beach because it connects the bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Shelling is always best after a storm and you’ll find all sorts of treasures from both the bay and the Gulf. Be sure to let us know if you find a Junonia!
Please be mindful that Turner Beach is known for a strong current near the bridge. There is a strong undertow and the water gets deep quickly.
Turner Beach is a great spot for fishing, too. You can fish from the shore and there is also a canoe and kayak launch. The rock jetty is always dotted with fishermen and fisherwomen when the sun is shining and the weather is nice. A saltwater fishing license is required to fish from the shore. There are restrooms at Turner Beach, but keep in mind that the beach on the other side of the pass, on the Sanibel side, does not have restroom facilities.
Allison Hagerup Beach Park
Some people refer to Captiva Island’s Allison Hagerup Beach Park as Captiva Beach. It’s an excellent place to watch the sunset. Keep in mind that there are no restrooms and there is a small parking lot so parking is very limited. If you don’t mind a bit of a walk, you’ll see some incredible views from the end of the island. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is one of the least crowded beaches on Captiva. For that reason many consider it to be very romantic. There are picnic tables if you want to bring a nice meal and bottle of wine to share.
You’ll find Alison Hagerup Beach Park at the end of Captiva Drive, behind South Seas Island Resort. Royal Shell offers condos, beach homes and beach cottages for rent at the resort. If you are staying there, you will be able to use its private beach. Another great thing about Allison Hagerup Beach Park? It’s within walking distance of some of Captiva Island’s best restaurants!
Captiva Island Beach Rentals
Does a romantic getaway to one of our Captiva Island beaches sound like something you and your loved one would enjoy? What about a family reunion in one of the most beautiful places in the world? Or maybe you’re here for a Captiva Island beach wedding? Royal Shell has a variety of Captiva Island luxury beach rentals to choose from, whether you’re looking for a charming Captiva Island beach bungalow or a large estate to fit the whole wedding party (or any other large group).
We have Captiva Island beach homes for rent, bayfront vacation rentals and a variety of Captiva Island vacation homes with a beachfront view. If you’re planning a vacation to one of our Captiva Island beaches, our team of highly skilled professionals will be able to help you find the best rental home that checks off the boxes on your wishlist. Nearby, we have the best Sanibel Island beaches list for you too.
If you have any questions about the island, Captiva Island beachfront rentals or the Southwest Florida area, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We can share some tips if this is your first time visiting the island, tell you which airport is the best to fly into, where to go for the best dessert on Captiva and where to rent bikes and get beach equipment. We’re here for you and so are our Southwest Florida beaches! Our goal is to help you create lasting memories you’ll treasure for years to come. Contact Royal Shell today!
