http://www.northcaptiva.net/abouttheisland.html

Out for a Sunday drive takes on a whole new meaning when you live on an island. We took  a quick ride out along North Captiva Island’s beautiful sandy coastline and the northernmost tip of the island.  You can see that it was a  great beach day for one and all with several small groups enjoying the warm summer waves of the Gulf.

North Captiva Island is outlined by 5 miles of beaches along the Gulf, and only 1/3 of the beaches are developed.  Beach houses on the island are charming and in keeping with a true sea island-style and culture.  The other 2/3 of the pristine sandy beach are part of a beach/land/wildlife refuge owned by the State of Florida.

Natural mangrove coastline curls around the bay side of North Captiva Island offering a haven to backwater fish, wildlife, and of course fishermen.  Mangrove snappers and other island favorites are resting hapily amongst the seabeds, creating a rich and varied environment in the dark waters.

After a short hop over to our next island to the north, just across the Captiva Pass, to Cayo Costa island for a bit of swimming and exploring. Most of this island is state park and miles of beaches.  There are cabins at the very northern end and a few homes dotting the bayside coast and the island’s interior.

Dolphins welcome us home as we cruise slowly into Safety Harbor.  You cannot ask for a better or more friendly reception than from this curious mommy and baby dolphin.