Captiva Island has long been considered the perfect vacation destination. Captiva is Sanibel Island's sister island, and is quite a bit smaller and quieter. Many famous people throughout history have considered Captiva Island their vacation getaway, including Theodore Roosevelt and Charles Lindbergh. The island was formed over thousands of years by deposits of seashells, and many still travel to Captiva Island to collect the beautiful and colorful shells that come to rest on the beaches. Because of its relatively small size, Captiva enjoys a quieter vacation crowd than its sister island, but there are still many fun and exciting things to do on the island.

Shopping enthusiasts will enjoy many of the boutiques and shops in the village. If you are looking for fashion, then you will find several stores that offer various styles, according to your individual tastes. Antiques collectors will be delighted with the wide selection of shops that offer local and international antiques and trinkets. There are also several crafts and art galleries and shops that will keep you busy for hours. You can even find the perfect souvenir to take back to the people that were not lucky enough to join you on your vacation.

The bike paths are probably the most popular pastime on Captiva Island. With miles of wandering trails, Captiva offers some of the most beautiful wildlife that you will ever see up close. You can rent a bike from one of several shops on the island, and leave your car parked for the duration of your vacation. The paths travel through beautiful wildlife refuges, allowing you to see animals and plants that you would normally only see in books or movies. If you choose a budget hotel in the center of the island, then you can easily take your bicycle to the beach every day. The island is only about five miles long, so traveling the whole distance by bicycle is certainly a possibility.

Above all, you should witness the sunsets on Captiva. The island is known far and wide for the amazing array of colors that streak the sky each evening as the sun makes its way toward the horizon. If there are a few clouds in the sky, then that's just a bonus, because you will be treated to a breathtaking show as the clouds reflect back the light in purples and blues to complement the dazzling reds and oranges.