Florida's Islands
FLORIDA’S ISLANDS
Sanibel : A Tropical Paradise This barrier island offers visitors a most unusual mix of Mother Nature and resort relaxation. Hospitable as the area is for wildlife, it is equally enticing to its visitors, offering beautiful beaches, the best shelling in North America, remarkable art galleries, tempting restaurants and intriguing shops, along with a casual, relaxed style of living enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. 
Boca Grand: From pirates to presidents Located on the Gasparilla Island about 70 miles north of Fort Myers on Charlotte Harbor, is unique among Lee County attractions. Te island straddles both Lee and Charlotte counties – and to reach it, you have to drive through Charlotte County or go by boat. Boca Grande attracts well-to-do northerners seeking perfect weather and some of the most exclusive real estate in Florida.
Pine Island – A Step Back In Time Seen as the last of Old Florida, Pine Island is one island that has not succumbed to commercialism and is steeped in history. Florida history buffs can spend endless hours exploring the past, both on land and by sea.
Fort Myers Beach: Fun in the Sun For decades families have returned to Fort Myers Beach to create childhood memories or revisit days of fun in the sun. Early risers comb the entire shoreline for shells, sand dollars and sea biscuits to add to their collection. In the afternoon, sun worshippers flock the shore armed with beach towels, sunscreen, chairs and swim fins to enjoy refreshing dips in the waves or an afternoon siesta under a brightly colored umbrella. As neon lights flicker on in the bars and restaurants, a quick drive or hike to the northernmost point of Estero Island offers the best spots for watching the colorful sunsets. Nightlife on the beach is vibrant, with places to dance, sing karaoke, or listen to live bands seven nights(and days) a week. A fantastic time will be had by all.
NORTH CAPTIVA ISLAND
North Captiva Island is located north of Captiva and south of Cayo Costa. Part of the Charlotte Harbor barrier island chain, North Captiva is approximately four mile long and one-half mile wide at its widest extent. Accessibility to this tropical retreat is just 15 minutes by boat from Captiva or Pine Island. In addition, a 2000-foot, privately owned grass air strip provides landing space for pilots of light aircraft.
Known for its pristine white sand beaches, lush tropical vegetation, extraordinary bird watching and shelling, and unbeatable salt water fishing. North Captiva is one of Florida’s few places left which survived unscarred the early days of land grabs and bulldozers. In fact, it is one of the few places where the delicate balance between man and nature has gracefully withstood the passage of time.
Today the osprey still wheel overhead, fish teem just offshore in the sound, gopher tortoises plod across the savanna, and others sport in the harbor. These days, North Captiva is home to a growing number of residents and visitors, drawn by the vibrancies of her natural beauty and unspoiled island atmosphere.
Indeed, North Captiva Island remains one of the few places left where man and nature coexist in complete harmony.
Island of Cayo Costa
Popular Vacation Spot Provides Escape
Cayo Costa, an early 20th century pioneer fishing village where boats flocked to the dock and talk of the day’s catch filled the air, is now an ecological treasure devoid of concrete. Shorebirds now chase the surf, and travelers can hear the rustle of sea oats while sugar-white sand tickles their toes.
The 2,416 acre state park is a popular destination for day-trippers and weekend campers because of its secluded, back-to-nature atmosphere. Cayo Costa has seven miles of trails, powder beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, mangrove forests, pine upland habitats and cabins and campgrounds. The park is also full of native animals including ospreys, snakes, gopher tortoises and bobcats.
Hurricane Charlie, which devastated some southwest Florida areas, actually uncovered more of the island’s natural glory.
Cayo Costa is one of the most unique barrier islands left in Florida because it is really unpopulated and you get the feel of the real Florida – the way it used to be before condos and construction.
The state park was established in 1976. The state of Florida owns 95 percent of the island. There are a number of private residences on the island and many can’t be seen because the majority are on the southernmost end of Cayo Costa. The island also has no utilities.
The island is a popular winter destination, and weekend reservations for cabins and camping sites fill up months in advance.
For reservations call (800) 326-3521
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