History of Captiva Island, Florida

At four miles long and a half mile wide, Captiva Island is a small ecological gem on the Gulf of Mexico. Fort Meyers is the closest mainland city to Captiva Island, but you probably won't really care. Everything you want, from great fishing, golf, shopping, dining plus great accommodations are here. Captiva Island is a barrier island, uniquely sitting in an east west configuration which allows for beaches full of beautiful shells. The island was first inhabited by the Calusa Indians, Juan Ponce de Leon then "discovered" the area while searching for the Fountain of Youth. Pirates allegedly took over in the 1800's using it as a prison for pirate Jose Gaspar's female captives awaiting their ransom to be paid. Thus the name Captiva Island was adopted. The island has long been a favorite of celebrities and conservationists, and the preservation efforts are visible to all who visit and vacation here. Wherever you choose to stay, whether it is a quaint island resort, beachfront condo or luxury private home, Captiva Island is a Floridian Paradise not to be missed.