Captiva Island, located at the far end of Sanibel, is one of the most exclusive islands in North America, yet retains a casual ambiance.

So narrow in spots you can see both Gulf and Bay, tiny Captiva retains its small-town feel, even amidst enormous wealth and a few world-famous residents. Internationally renowned for superb beaches and a wide range of outstanding accommodation, Captiva Island and its bigger neighbour Sanibel are linked to the mainland by a three mile causeway.

Both islands are tranquil havens, with no traffic signals, street lights or billboards to detract from their natural beauty. Captiva's village is a quaint mix of restaurants, shops, homes and condos. The heart of Captiva, the village is lively, the place to see and be seen. Staying here, you wouldn't necessarily need a car. Services are limited, and shops are small, but the basics are available in an upgraded format: groceries, liquor, film processing, rental bikes, cars and boats, plus galleries and boutiques.

It's never more than a five-minute walk to the bay, the beach, or a great meal. Captiva is also the gateway to nearby out-islands. Locality: Captiva Island is found at the far end of Sanibel Island, located in the SE United States, off the SW coast of Florida State, in the Gulf of Mexico. Captiva is a low-lying island connected to the mainland by a toll causeway spanning San Carlos Bay.