Captiva Island sits at the northern tip of Sanibel Island and is accessible only by bridge or boat, making it one of the most private and exclusive real estate markets in Southwest Florida. The island has no traffic lights, no chain restaurants, and no high-rise development — by design. Properties range from Gulf-front single-family homes to bayside cottages, with the majority of the market sitting between $1.5M and $8M. Hurricane Ian caused significant damage to both Sanibel and Captiva in 2022, and the recovery on Captiva has been slower given its more limited infrastructure. Insurance costs are among the highest in SWFL — buyers must obtain quotes before any offer.