Getting to North Captiva Island
No cars? No bridge? No worries!
To get to North Captiva Island you’ll need to leave your vehicle on Pine Island and cross Pine Island Sound by boat. There are two companies that offer ferry service to North Captiva Island. We recommend using The Island Club ferry if the schedule works with your arrival. The ferry ride takes about 25 minutes.
The Island Club
5576 Doug Taylor Circle, St. James City, FL 33956
(239) 395-100
Island Girl Charters
13921 Waterfront Drive, Bokeelia, FL 33922
(239) 633-8142
It's a good idea to book the ferry when you first reserve our home since the best times can sell out quickly.
If you're taking The Island Club ferry, be sure to mark all of your luggage and groceries with #120 which is our Club Membership Number. This helps to ensure that your belongings get sorted and delivered to Bluefin Beach House. Tape and markers will be provided for you to mark luggage and groceries at The Island Club Welcome Center upon arrival.
If you prefer to book a private boat instead of a ferry, we recommend contacting Deborah Hudson at (307) 251-2846.
When planning your return trip avoid scheduling your departure flight too early since the first ferry leaves the island at 7:30 AM.
Please contact us with your ferry arrival and departure information at least 45 days prior to your trip. This helps us coordinate with our caretaker to welcome you at the correct North Captiva dock and to help you transport your luggage and groceries to the house.
Flights & Driving
The majority of our guests fly into Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers (RSW) or Punta Gorda Airport (PGD). Flights to Sarasota (SRQ) or Tampa (TPA) are sometimes economical and may be worth checking into if you're renting a car and don't mind an extra drive.
Distance and Approximate Time to The Island Club Welcome Center
- Fort Myers (RSW) - 36 miles (55 minutes)
- Punta Gorda (PGD) - 27 miles (40 minutes)
- Sarasota (SRQ) - 90 miles (1 hour 45 minutes)
- Tampa (TPA) - 139 miles (2 hours 30 minutes)
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) - 156 miles (2 hours 45 minutes)
It takes an additional 5 to 10 minutes to get to The Island Girl ferry marina. During peak season you should plan to leave extra time for increased traffic.
We suggest taking Pine Island Taxi from the airport instead of renting a car. They're safe, reliable, and can make a stop to pick up pre-ordered groceries on the way if requested.
Parking is available for a fee. Make reservations for parking when you make your ferry reservation.
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure.
Early Arrival
If you’re arriving in the evening and need to overnight before coming to the island, there are many hotel options in the Fort Myers area that are close to the airport and offer complimentary shuttle service. You can schedule Pine Island Taxi to pick you up at your hotel the following morning to bring you to the ferry marina.
If you want to stay closer to the ferry, consider
Tarpon Lodge. Established in 1926, this fishing lodge is old Florida at its finest. If you arrive early enough, be sure to have dinner at the lodge and order whatever local fish is on the menu. They serve a basic, complimentary continental breakfast and have a pool that faces the sound. Pine Island Taxi can pick you up and take you to the ferry which is only a 5-minute drive.
If you're looking for a quick meal before heading to the island, consider the Fine Swine. They serve delicious, authentic southern bar-b-que and seafood and are within walking distance from the The Island Club Welcome Center.
Island Arrival
Let the vacation begin!
Our caretaker will meet you at the dock and help you transport your luggage and groceries to the house. Check-in is at 4:00 PM. If you arrive early, feel free to use the golf carts and The Island Club facilities until check-in time.
Private Airstrip
If you have a plane you might want to research flying to North Captiva Island. Salty Approach is a private airstrip that requires a membership or prior permission before landing. The airstrip is grass and approximately 2000 feet long.
There are normally aircraft parked to the side of the runway, mid-point, on the south side. Houses line both sides of the runway. When strong crosswind conditions exist, the approach and landing should be done with extreme caution.