$2,112,252Average Value$1,081Average Price per Sq Ft137Homes For Sale
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."
Captiva is a picturesque barrier island located in Lee County, known for its stunning sunsets, shell-covered beaches, and laid-back coastal charm.
Captiva Island residents can enjoy watching the sunset on the beach.
1/2
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."
Turner Beach on Captiva Island is right across the bridge from neighboring Sanibel Island.
Many Captiva Island residents enjoy fishing on the bridge connecting Sanibel and Captiva.
1/2
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.
Many vacation rental homes can be found in Captiva Island.
Many waterfront homes in Captiva have private docks with boat storage.
1/2
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.
The Bubble Room Emporium can be found on Captiva Dr in Captiva Island.
The Island Store on Captiva sells beer, liquor, wine and grocery products.
Captiva Island residents head to the Isalnd Store for some groceries and daily items.
1/3
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.
Bicycles and golf carts are two popular modes of transportation on Captiva Island.
Captiva Island is highly walkable, with charming streets that make exploring shops and beaches easy on foot.
1/2
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.
The Sanibel School is a top choice for Captiva Island families seeking a well-rounded K-8 experience.
Fort Myers High School serves students from Captiva Island, offering strong academics and extracurricular programs.
Families living on Captiva Island often choose Cypress Lake High School, a well-regarded option in Lee County.
1/3
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.
Written By
Brennen Martin
Photography Contributed By
Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio
Video By
Rebecca Askin
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Gregory Demaras,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Captiva, FL sell after 194 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Captiva, FL over the last 12 months is $1,025,000, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled between the Gulf and Bay, this stunning beachfront home offers unparalleled 180-degree views of both pristine waters, coupled with direct deep-water boating access and a private dock space with lift. Perfect for those who enjoy both the beach and boating lifestyle, this residence seamlessly blends luxurious indoor spaces with expansive outdoor living areas. The thoughtfully designed split
Located within the gates of South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Beach Home 25 has been completely reimagined into a refined 4 bedroom, 4bath coastal retreat that captures the essence of island living. With sweeping Gulf views from multiple vantage points and direct access to what are widely regardedas some of the most pristine and natural beaches in the United States, this residence offers a
JUST REDUCED $300,000! This home known on the island as "LUX CAPTIVA" is a Captiva Village beauty and is just waiting for you! Owners have chosen to use it as an investment rental and have enjoyed lots of family time here. This great rental, corporate housing or family home is just a short 6 minute stroll to the aquamarine waters of the Gulf. Have fun on the island of Captiva, biking, fishing,
Not everyone can get here... and that’s exactly the point. Indiana Jones Adventure Meets Luxury Island Living | Rare Fly-In / Boat-In Captiva Estate. Set along the waters of Pine Island Sound with views to the Gulf of America, this extraordinary Upper Captiva property offers one of the most unique lifestyles in Southwest Florida. Located on approximately 1.16 acres, this private island retreat is
High-performing Vacation Rental Getaway! Must see this extraordinary Key West-style retreat built in 2021, perfectly positioned on Upper Captiva Island’s private airstrip. Designed for discerning buyers who value both refined living and adventurous access, this elevated luxury home offers a rare opportunity for pilots and island enthusiasts alike. Accessible only by boat, ferry, or private
Arguably the most architecturally significant home to ever be brought to market on Captiva, Bella Luna was nationally recognized for impeccable design when it received the American Institute of Building Design’s (AIBD) prestigious American Residential Design Award (ARDA) in 2021. Conceptualized by the renowned Wayne Visbeen of Visbeen Architects, Bella Luna reflects the exceptional craftsmanship
Paradise found on Cayo Costa Island—this fully furnished, solar-powered beachfront retreat offers stunning 360 water views of Pine Island Sound, Redfish Pass, and the Gulf. Accessible only by boat or water taxi, the home features rich wood flooring, tile accents, a sun-filled kitchen with cupola, three upstairs bedrooms with panoramic views, two full baths, and a private outdoor shower off the
MAIN HOME IS 3 BEDROOM 2 1/2 BATHS AND ELEVATED. GUEST HOUSE IS 2 BEDROOMS 1 BATH AND THE COTTAGE IS 1BEDROOM 1 BATH. This secluded Captiva Island estate unfolds like a secret whispered along the shores of Roosevelt Channel, where privacy and natural beauty blend into an atmosphere of pure coastal enchantment. Approached by a modest shell drive softened by lush vegetation, the entrance is marked
At the northernmost tip of Captiva Island, where the turquoise waters of Redfish Pass flow gracefully between the Intracoastal Waterway and the shimmering Gulf of Mexico, awaits one of Florida’s most coveted enclaves. Tucked behind the private gates of the world-renowned South Seas Resort lies Land’s End Village, an intimate retreat of just 17 buildings, each thoughtfully designed with only four
Over the years, one of the most popular weekly vacation rental homes on Captiva has had an exceptional rating by VRBO guests. 2026 advance rentals are already over $100,000. This classic Captiva cottage-style home is totally updated with new LVP flooring, two new baths, new quartz kitchen with new S/S appliances, and a separate laundry room. The home is very well furnished for guest comfort with
At the northernmost tip of Captiva Island, where the turquoise waters of Redfish Pass flow gracefully between the Intracoastal Waterway and the shimmering Gulf of Mexico, awaits one of Florida’s desired enclaves. Tucked behind the private gates of the world-renowned South Seas Resort lies Land’s End Village, an intimate retreat of just 17 buildings, each thoughtfully designed with only four
Located on quaint Captiva Island and along the beloved Laika Lane, this beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath Old Florida cottage is, just steps from the Gulf of Mexico. Well maintained along with timeless island character, the Captiva Cutie blends a colorful Island warmth with modern comfort, an unbeatable combination for both owners and renters. Infused with southern charm, Captiva and the
The popularity of this 3/3 Key West-style home, the Sun & Moon, may place it in the top tier of Captiva rental houses, with over 100 VRBO guests rating it exceptional. It is easy to maintain and prepare for incoming guests. Early 2026 advance reservations already total over $70,000. The house is very well furnished and equipped for guest or owner's use. The metal roof was replaced in 2020.
Nestled between the Gulf and Bay, this stunning beachfront home offers unparalleled 180-degree views of both pristine waters, coupled with direct deep-water boating access and a private dock space with lift. Perfect for those who enjoy both the beach and boating lifestyle, this residence seamlessly blends luxurious indoor spaces with expansive outdoor living areas. The thoughtfully designed split
THIS IS A SHORT SALE! Deeded Beach Access! Opportunity is knocking! Answer the door! One of Captiva's most iconic residences resting on over 2.5 acres with 200 ft of bay-frontage overlooking the sparkling waters toward the preservation land beyond. Situated on a peninsula this property affords unparalleled wide water views unlike any other on the islands. As you approach up the shell drive you
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
