Captiva spotlights scenic sunsets among turquoise waters
As the sun sets each night, a warm blend of deep reds, oranges, yellows, and a rare flash of green, captivates a small island in Southwest Florida. Captiva, a narrow barrier island off the coast of mainland Fort Myers, has a front-row seat for the Gulf Coast's iconic sunsets. It leads locals like Jeff Burns to forget they're in the continental United States. "It's like you're down in the Caribbean with the feel of the U.S. Virgin Islands," Burns says, a senior global real estate advisor of Premier Sotheby's International Realty. He runs the Burns Family Team with his wife, Tiffany Burns, and has lived in the area for over 40 years. Captiva's easily navigable waters and quiet beaches encourage a nautical lifestyle, and its sweeping views come with a million-dollar price tag.
The island is a particularly popular vacation destination, though there is also a small permanent population. "Most people are looking for their second, third or fourth home," Burns says. "When people aren't using their properties, they often put them in a nice rental program."
Beaches and boating shape daily life on Captiva Island
Residents spend most of their time outside. "Water sports are huge," Burns says. "People love kayaking and paddleboarding, and many love going off into the Gulf for deep-sea fishing." Soft sand beaches line Captiva's shores, where beachcombing and sunbathing are top activities. Turner Beach Park offers plenty of space just over the Blind Pass Bridge, and Alison Hagerup Beach Park is within walking distance from many homes on the island's north end. "Our beaches are famous for seashells and sunsets," Burns says. Folks hope to catch a glimpse of the green flash phenomenon from Captiva's beaches. "Right when the sun sets beneath the horizon, if the conditions are just right, you can see a green flash on the horizon," Burns says. "I've only seen it once. I never thought it was real." Island-hopping is common among boaters, and Burns and his family used to boat to Cayo Costa State Park. "We used to anchor there, grill out and hang out on the surf," he says. "We did our Easter there. We would hide eggs for our daughter in the driftwood."
Waterfront homes offer idyllic views and high price tags
Captiva's waterfront properties offer panoramic water views and exclusivity. "Our Gulf front homes are some of the most coveted properties," Burns says. "You have a view of the most gorgeous beaches from your home." The island features many estate-style lots with homes that meld coastal and Mediterranean styles. Houses on the water, both the Gulf and bay sides, typically sell for over $1 million, but the island's few inland homes and condominiums often dip below the million-dollar mark. "The South Seas Resort has studios or one-bedroom condominiums at an entry-level price," Burns says. One-bedroom condos can sell from around $2500,000 to $600,000. The median sale price for a home is around $1 million, but Burns says homes have sold for upwards of $20 million.
Captiva’s retail and dining scene centers around the main road
Locally owned boutiques, beach shops and restaurants line Captiva Drive, attracting residents for shopping, seafood cuisine and live music. Arguably one of the most popular spots on the Island, The Bubble Room's bright retro aesthetic draws diners with its robust menu of burgers, seafood and house-baked cakes. Overlooking the Roosevelt Channel, The Green Flash is accessible by both land and water; boaters often dock for dinner and enjoy menu items like pan-seared diver scallops and grilled swordfish. While Captiva Provisions Company and The Island Store have essentials, locals typically head to the mainland for big-box grocery shopping. Publix is about 20 miles away.
Golf carts, boats and shuttles help residents get around
While residents often use golf carts to shuttle from beaches to restaurants in Captiva, according to Burns, it's a pretty walkable island. The S-Car-Go evening shuttle service is also available. Captiva Drive is the community's only drivable route off the island, cutting through Sanibel Island and connecting with Sanibel Causeway. The Causeway takes commuters "overseas," as locals say, to mainland Fort Myers. Central Fort Myers is about 32 miles from Captiva. Travel via the Intracoastal Waterway is also common, which Burns says has frequent boat traffic. Residents must head to the mainland to access a full-service hospital; Golisano Children's Hospital and HealthPark Medical Center are about 23 miles away. Southwest Florida International Airport is about 37 miles away.
The Sanibel School earns high marks and offers unique clubs
The School District of Lee County serves over 100,000 students and scores an overall B on Niche. The Sanibel School, located in the heart of Sanibel Island, enrolls pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade students and receives an A-minus. The school offers various clubs and extracurricular activities, including the fishing club, environmental studies and cross country team. Students must enroll in a choice application for high school, where they rank all high schools in the district's South Zone. The district then enrolls the student in a high school based on their ranking and the school's availability. Some students attend the A-rated Fort Myers High School, while others attend Cypress Lake High School, which has a B-plus.
Hurricane risk is high and flood insurance is recommended
As a barrier island, Captiva is particularly susceptible to hurricanes and has sustained damage from past storms. According to the FEMA National Risk Index, Lee County has a very high risk of hurricanes and lightning. "Almost all of Captiva is in a Special Flood Hazard Area," Burns says. Professionals recommend flood insurance for buyers who are not required to purchase it.
Captiva’s beaches and venues kick off a music celebration
Captiva helps kick off the first few days of the Island Hopper Songwriter Festival. The celebration invites musicians from Nashville and across the country to perform at the island's beaches, restaurants and resorts.
![Brennen Martin]()
Written By
Brennen Martin
![Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio]()
Photography Contributed By
Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio
