North Captiva, also known as Upper Captiva, an unspoiled sub-tropical barrier island lies one-half mile off Florida's Gulf Coast near Sanibel-Captiva Islands and Fort Myers. A fantasy island hideaway with secluded beaches, no bridges, no cars, two pools and tennis courts, and a private airstrip.

Upper Captiva harkens back to the way the Keys used to be in the serene Hemingway days. The island owes its seclusion to a 1921 hurricane that broke away from Captiva Island creating Red Fish Pass, a 200-foot channel where boaters fish for trophy tarpon, snook and grouper. Upper Captiva Island is approximately four miles long and one-half mile west at its widest part. Of its 700 acres nearly two-thirds is a protected state wilderness park, with tidal flats and surrounding waters serving as an aquatic preserve for manatees, loggerhead turtles, and over one-hundred species of migratory birds. Ospreys are a common sight, sitting on rooftops eating their days catch.

The residential section of the island is divided into seven communities, amid lush tropical vegetation interspersed with crushed shell roads that crisscrosses all over the north end of the island ending abruptly at the state park. Today, there are just over 290 homes with about 60 year round residents and a total anticipated buildup of approximately 400 to 450 homes. The homes are magnificent with wooden decks beautifully aged to a diamond-dust gray by rain, salt spray, and a relentless Florida sun. The lofty perches provide panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, Pine Island Sound, and Captiva Pass.

There are four restaurants on the island offering a variety of dining experiences. Barnacle Phil's is older, rustic, and famous for its black beans and rice. Over the Waterfront have expansive views of Safety Harbor and irresistible desserts. The "Mango" Island Café offers "barrier island cuisine" that is as delicious as it is eye appealing. Bud's Sports Bar & Grill, the newest addition, has a variety of items on the menu in a comfortable, cozy atmosphere.

The major sources of entertainment on the island are beach walks, bird watching, fishing, shelling, dolphin watching, and afternoon naps. Life on North Captiva Island is truly relaxation and serenity at its pinnacle. For information on how you can get your own piece of paradise call Seascape Properties at 1-800-711-8135.