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Vacation Planning

North Captiva Island Vacation Planning Guide

Your complete resource for planning the perfect stay at Silverseas Cottage—including how to get here, what to pack, ferry details, groceries, beach gear, kid items, activities, and more.

Questions during planning? Text Miranda at 573‑718‑2875.
We’re here to make your vacation easy!

How to Get to North Captiva Island

North Captiva Island is a car‑free, boat‑access island, and getting here is part of the adventure. Follow the steps below to make your arrival simple and stress‑free.

Step 1: Fly or Drive to Southwest Florida

If flying:
The two closest airports to North Captiva Island are:

  • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW – Fort Myers)
  • Punta Gorda Airport (PGD – Allegiant Airlines)

Both airports are about 45–60 minutes from Pineland Marina, where you’ll take the Island Girl ferry.

If driving:
Navigate directly to:
Island Girl Charters – Pineland Marina, Bokeelia, FL

Step 2: Transportation to Pineland Marina

Choose the option that works best for your trip:

✓ Rent a Car

  • Turo (local hosts, best prices)
  • National rental agencies at both airports

✓ Rideshare

  • Uber and Lyft run reliably to Pineland Marina.

✓ Pine Island Taxi & Limousine

  • Great for families & large groups
  • Includes 15‑minute complimentary Publix grocery stop

Extra stops only $10 each

Step 3: Ferry or Private Boat to North Captiva Island

North Captiva is only accessible by boat or private plane.

Most guests take Island Girl Charters:

  • Ferries run on odd hours starting at 7 a.m.
  • Last ferry to North Captiva is 5 p.m.
  • Ride time: 20–30 minutes
  • Staff loads luggage & groceries
  • Pets welcome

👉 Reserve ferry seats early (peak times fill fast):
http://www.islandgirlcharters.com/

Arriving after 5 p.m.?
We can recommend private captains.

Step 4: Arrival on the Island

You’ll disembark at Mainstay’s Dock, where our team will:

  • Greet you
  • Load your luggage
  • Escort you to Silverseas Cottage
  • Provide a quick orientation

What’s Included at Silverseas Cottage (So You Can Pack Light)

We stock a wide range of supplies to make traveling easier, including:

Bath & Household Essentials

  • Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap
  • Hair dryers
  • Toilet paper & a roll of paper towels
  • Laundry detergent & fabric softener
  • Dishwasher pods & dish soap

Kitchen Essentials

  • Spices
  • Flour, sugar, coffee, creamer
  • Cooking spray
  • Brita water filter pitcher

Grocery Options on North Captiva

There is no grocery store on the island, but several easy options make provisioning simple.

1. Grocery Pickup (Publix or Walmart)

Publix (boat packing available)
Walmart Grocery Pickup (our favorite as Missouri natives!)

If using rideshare or Pine Island Taxi & Limo, schedule your grocery stop when booking.

2. Personal Grocery Shoppers

Highly recommended for convenience:

  • A Good Grocery Delivery
  • Fresh Picked Grocery Service

Services include:
✓ Shopping + stocking your rental
✓ Shopping + delivery to the ferry
✓ Mid‑stay restocking
✓ Liquor, seafood & essentials pickup

 

Seafood Options

  • Barnhills Seafood (Matlacha)
    Pre‑order → they pack it in ice for you
  • Publix Seafood Department
  • Boats and Fun (next‑day island delivery when ordered by 1 p.m.)
  • Local fishermen:
    • Billy Johnson, shrimp – 239‑299‑6646
    • Capt. Shane Dooley, stone crab – 239‑229‑0953

Kid & Baby Gear Provided

Silverseas includes:

  • Pack‑n‑play
  • High chair
  • Baby gate
  • Beach playpen + blanket
  • Puddle jumpers & life jackets
  • Games, books, Legos, Thomas the Train
  • Tons of beach toys
  • Two custom scavenger hunts

Beach Gear Provided

We supply everything:

  • Beach umbrellas
  • Canopy & beach blanket
  • Beach chairs
  • Snorkel gear
  • Shell bags & scoopers
  • Shark‑tooth sifters
  • Boogie boards & skimboard
  • Sand toys
  • Coolers
  • Beach wagon

Leave yours at home!

Special Events

North Captiva regularly hosts holiday golf‑cart parades and seasonal celebrations.

Follow this Facebook group for updates:
“North Captiva Island (The Legitimate Page) for Visitors & Residents”

Pet‑Friendly Travel

Silverseas Cottage welcomes pets!

Provided:

  • Dog bowls
  • Leash
  • Kennel

Litter box + scoop (bring litter)

Activities on North Captiva Island

Guests enjoy:

  • Shelling & beachcombing
  • Fishing
  • Golf cart exploring
  • Wildlife watching
  • Ice cream trips
  • Relaxing at the private pool
  • Visiting the State Preserve
  • Boat charters & shelling tours
  • Day trips to nearby islands

Plus, our two exclusive scavenger hunts for kids and adults.

Fishing at Silverseas

We are a fishing family, so you’ll find:

  • Rods
  • Sand stakes
  • Replacement line

See our full guide: “North Captiva Island Shore Fishing”

Need help planning your trip?

Text Miranda at 573 718 2875 — we’re here to help every step of the way.

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