• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
(239) 472-1950 Login
Sanibel Real Estate Guide Logo

Sanibel Real Estate Guide

Find your Sanibel Home and Learn About Life on Our Island

  • Find Your Home
    • Real Estate Search
    • Island Condo Guide
    • Sanibel Map Search
  • Island Info
    • Island Living
    • Real Estate News
    • Sanibel & Captiva Market Report
    • Owning Vacation Rentals
    • Retiring On Sanibel
    • Sanibel New Resident Guide
  • About
    • Who We Are
  • Contact Us
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home/Island Living/What’s different about North Captiva?

What’s different about North Captiva?

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

Unlike Sanibel and Captiva Island, North Captiva is not accessible by car.

The only way to get to North Captiva is by boat or a small propeller aircraft, making the island a truly remote destination. This is why you’ll notice the prices of homes on North Captiva are lower than those on neighboring Captiva Island and Sanibel Island!

North Captiva
Photo Courtesy of Trip Advisor Traveler Michelle M.

Thinking about buying on North Captiva?

Awesome! Here are a few things you should consider…

First, what are your intentions for the property? Do you plan to retire on North Captiva, or use it as a vacation home that you visit once or twice a year? This is the first question that needs to be answered before you can move on to narrowing down the location and type of property you are looking for on the island.

Not sure where to start??

Contact Us!
North Captiva

Understanding the Lot to Dock Ratio

If you are planning on retiring to North Captiva, you will certainly need a boat dock so that you have the ability to get off island at any time. The challenge? – Not every lot and home comes with a boat slip! You’ll need to start your home search with this understanding of the importance of a boat dock, or at least a property that has the ability to build a dock.

If you are planning on just using the property for vacation purposes, not having a boat dock isn’t a deal breaker for you. There is a ferry from North Captiva to St. James City that crosses the Pine Island Sound a number of times each day. Click here to see the ferry schedule and pricing details.

North Captiva
Photo Courtesy of Island Girl Charters

Knowing Your Proximity of Amenities

If you retire on North Captiva and make it your full-time residence, you will learn to develop a routine of going off-island to get the food and supplies you need on a regular basis. Keep in mind that there aren’t many doctor’s offices on the island, and most residents get around the island via golf cart, bike or by foot.

If you only visit the island once a year, however, you’ll need to plan your trip strategically and in advance. You might consider coming a day early to get your shopping done and everything ready at the house. The fewer times you have to take the ferry to the mainland for a forgotten item, the more time you have to relax and enjoy your property!

North Captiva
Photo Courtesy of Trip Advisor Traveler Ginger G.

It’s also important to keep in mind the proximity of emergency medical facilities. When I celebrated my birthday out on North Captiva and cut my hand, I had to spend an entire evening and night on the mainland getting the proper medical attention. Not to be a “Debbie Downer,”… I just want to share with you a few scenarios you should be aware of when considering buying a home on a remote island.

North Captiva Homes For Sale

Click here to see all homes currently listed for sale on North Captiva Island, also referred to as Upper Captiva.


I hope this helped clarify a few questions you might have about North Captiva Island. As always, I’d love to chat more about which location is right for you and meets your desired lifestyle. Don’t hesitate to contact us or call the office (239)472-1950.

Contact Us!

Written by: Susan McCallion

Tagged With: Captiva Island, new Sanibel, North Captiva Island Filed Under: Island Living

About Susan McCallion

Susan was exposed to real estate while young with her parent's 8 Re/MAX offices in Connecticut! In 2008, Susan and Jim became permanent Sanibel residents, starting McCallion & McCallion to bring a fresh approach to real estate.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Sanibel Real Estate News

downsize sanibel

Is It Time To Downsize?…

Junonia shells on Sanibel

Sanibel Island Resident Finds 9 Junonia Shells!…

Hurricane damaged homes sanibel island

Hurricane-Damaged Homes on Sanibel, What Buyers Need To Know…

When Life Gives You Hurricanes – Grow Tomatoes…

Sanibel Landscaper

Read This Before Hiring a Sanibel Landscaper…

Tax Relief Hurricane Ian

Tax Relief for Hurricane Ian Victims…

New Captiva and Sanibel Real Estate Listings

View recent Captiva and Sanibel listings...

Sanibel Real Estate Listings

Sanibel Homes for sale

  • All Sanibel Homes for Sale
  • Sanibel Beachfront homes
  • Sanibel Bayfront homes
  • Sanibel Gulf Access homes
  • Sanibel Water View homes
  • Sanibel Elevated homes
  • Sanibel Golf Community homes

Sanibel Homes by Price

  • under $1,000,000
  • $1,000,000 - $1,500,000
  • $1,500,000 - $2,000,000
  • $2,000,000 - $3,000,000
  • $3,000,000 and up

Sanibel Condos for sale

  • --> See our full Sanibel Condo Guide
  • Sanibel Beachfront condos
  • Sanibel Bayfront condos
  • Sanibel Pet Friendly condos
  • Sanibel Boat Dock condos
  • Sanibel Condo Directory

Captiva Homes for Sale

  • Captiva Beachfront homes
  • Captiva Bayfront homes
  • Captiva Gulf Front condos
  • Captiva Bay View condos
  • under $4,000,000
  • $4,000,000 and up

Explore more

McCallion & McCallion Realty Logo

McCallion & McCallion Realty
1640 Periwinkle Way, Suite 1
Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
(239) 472-1950

  • email us
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest
McCallion & McCallion Realty Logo
(239) 472-1950 email us facebook instagram pinterest
Copyright © · Susan McCallion · Broker · McCallion & McCallion · Sanibel Real Estate · Listings · Sitemap