Have you ever thought of what it would be like to live on an island that is only accessible by car via one causeway? Now you can experience the island lifestyle if you decide to buy a home in Captiva, FL, located on Captiva Island. With a very small population and limited total area of land, Captiva is the ultimate destination for those looking to live in relative seclusion, peace, and tranquility by the sea. At Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty – Vasbinder International, our experienced real estate agents can help you locate the perfect home to buy on the island. We know that living in Captiva, FL, certainly has its perks, and our real estate experts want to assist you in taking advantage of them all.

Fast Facts About Captiva 

If you are considering living in Captiva, it is always best to find out as much as possible about your new home before you actually move there. Here are some of the most important fast facts to be aware of about this island community:

Population (2020): 165

Distance from: 

• Cape Coral, FL: 53 minutes (27.6 miles)
• Fort Myers, FL: 1 hr 2 minutes (31.8 miles)
• Bonita Springs, FL: 1 hr 13 minutes (41.2 miles)

Nearest airport:

• Southwest Florida International Airport – 36.8 miles

Median income (2020): 

• Individual: $64,821 
• Household: $120,488

County: Lee

Type of location: unincorporated community, census-designated place

Why is Captiva a Nice Place to Live?

Unlike many other locations in the Sunshine State, Captiva is home to a very small community of residents but still receives a good amount of tourism. Captiva and its sister island to the south, Sanibel, are well-known for their beauty, bright colors, and richness. 

Captiva has been visited by some very notable individuals, including Teddy Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh, and there are some historically significant sites on the island such as Old Captiva House restaurant and some guest cottages. Another notable locale that many visitors and residents often frequent is The Bubble Room. This multi-themed restaurant has a collection of old toys from the 1930s and 40s which continues to expand. It also plays music from the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. It is certainly not a place to miss when visiting or living in Captiva.

What is Captiva, FL, Known For?

Captiva has an interesting history beginning with the Calusa Indians, who may have numbered as many as 50,000. They eventually died out, and the island was not inhabited by anyone. Then an Austrian named Binder was shipwrecked and washed ashore on the island in 1921. He was able to survive for several weeks before building a raft and making his way to Pine Island and then home. He was naturalized in 1888 and was permitted to make a homestead on Captiva in the same year at the age of 38. He was Captiva’s only resident for 10 years.

Local folklore attributes the name of the island to a pirate captain called José Gaspar because he supposedly held female prisoners for ransom on the island. However, this may only be a tall tale because the existence of the pirate has been sourced from an early 20th-century advertising brochure.

What Are the Best Restaurants in Captiva?

In addition to The Bubble Room, you will find many other great eateries and dining establishments on the island. These restaurants include:

• The Mad Hatter Restaurant – elevated American cuisine with a Gulf-view
• The Mucky Duck Restaurant – classic bar food and beer located on the beach
• Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille – South American and Caribbean-style seafood in a casual dining environment that also includes plenty of rum and entertainment
• Harborside Bar & Grille – steak and seafood right on the docks
• The Green Flash Restaurant – upscale seafood dishes with an exquisite waterfront view

If the exclusivity and privacy of living in Captiva have captivated your imagination, give our real estate agents at Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty – Vasbinder International a call at 239-990-3131. You can also check out the median home prices in Captiva as well as our inventory here or call me at 239-990-3131.