Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the Island?
- The most common way is uber or taxi to Pineland marina from airport, then take water taxi to island
- Note: If you are driving yourself, there is an option to park your vehicle at Pineland Marina for $10 per day.
- Schedule your Water Taxi Here http://www.islandgirlcharters.com/schedule
- A couple of things to note: The last water taxi leaves Pineland Marina at 5:00 P.M. Arrive no later than 4:30 P.M.
- If it is not possible for your party to arrive by 4:30 PM, there are private charter options available
- The second most common way is private boat. You can put your own boat in the water at Pineland Marina (or another public access of your choice) then boat over to North Captiva. Note: A slip must be arranged and rented to take advantage of this option.
- The 3rd (and most fun) is to fly in. Note: You must get prior approval
Once we arrive on island, how do we get to the house?
- Whether you arrive via Island Girl, Boats and Fun or Private Captain a member from the Shally’s team will meet you at the arrival dock (Mainstay for Island Girl & Private Captains) with the golf carts provided with the house as well as a trailer for your belongings. Vacation starts the moment you step off the boat so you don’t have to lift a finger! Shally’s team members will load all of your luggage and groceries (unless you have us pre-stock your house!) onto the trailer. If it is your first time to the island we will give you a tour of the island before taking you to the house. Once you arrive at your house, Shally’s will carry all your belongings upstairs, show you around the house, go over the house binder and answer any questions you may have!
What happens when we check-out?
- A Shally’s team member will meet you at the house 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. They will do a quick walk through of the house, load your luggage on the trailer and take your belongings to the dock. You will drive the golf carts provided with the house to the dock!
What if there is a medical emergency while on the island?
- North Captiva has a fire station on island staffed 24/7 with fire and medical personnel. The fire station is located on the corner of Hodgepodge Lane and Spanish Gold Lane. You can stop in for any non-life threatening emergencies. In the event of a life threatening emergency please call 911. All of our rental properties have the physical address in the house binder to provide the 911 operator. The fire department has a fire boat to get you off island if necessary and can also call for air support in dire situations.
How is the tap water on the island?
- Water on the island at every house comes from a well. Water is ran through a reverse osmosis filtration system prior to entering the house.
Are fires allowed on the beach?
- At no time, in any location on the island are open fires allowed. Even though the island has a fire department and firefighters on call 24/7, fire spreads quickly and the limited resources on the island may not be able to contain the fire. Unfortunately, we have seen a few house fires that have ended in a total loss. With wind from the ocean and large areas of vegetation, fires can get out of control quickly. To help prevent another catastrophe fires are not allowed, not even a tiki torch.
Can we rent fishing gear anywhere on the island?
- Boats and Fun on the island rents fishing poles. They also offer frozen bait and tackle. You can also purchase fishing poles and tackle at Mainstay Outfitters (located next to the Island Girl dock).
Do we need to bring baby gear with us?
- Shally’s has a large supply of pack n plays, high chairs, booster seats and baby gates! No need to lug it with you. Just inquire before arrival to ensure it is in the house, although most houses already do provide these items!
- Pineland Taxi service rents car seats($8) and booster seats (free) for your ride from Fort Myers Airport
Can we request check-in prior to 4pm or a late check-out of after 9am?
- Shally’s is happy to accommodate early check-ins or late check-outs when the property is not a back to back rental. You can inquire prior to your arrival to see if this is available.
What happens if we arrive before check-in time and the house is not ready yet?
- If you arrive prior to check-in time and the house is not yet ready, we will meet you at the dock, get your luggage, provide you with the golf cart(s) provided with the rental, give you a tour of the island and take you to the house. Once at the house our staff will store your luggage and you can take the carts to explore the island, get lunch, head to the beach, use the club facilities (if available with your rental) or even hang out poolside at the house (if applicable)! Our team will let you know as soon as the house is ready for you!
What supplies are provided with our rental?
- All perishables items are removed from the property in between rentals. There may be spices left by the owners or previous guests but they are not provided so we cannot guarantee what will be available. We always recommend bringing some of your own. Sandwich bags or the small plastic disposable sauce containers are a great way to not have to bring a whole bottle!
- Each rental comes with a “starter pack” of supplies:
- 3 rolls of toilet paper per bathroom
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash/bar of soap
- 10 laundry pods
- Dryer sheets
- Dish soap
- Sponge
- 8 dishwasher pods
- 2 rolls of paper towels
- 10 trash bags
- Each rental comes with a “starter pack” of supplies:
Are there pool rafts or beach toys provided?
- These items are typically not provided by the owners so we do recommend bringing your favorite items. Most of these items can be purchased at Publix or added to your grocery order. There may be some items left by other guests but cannot be guaranteed.
Is there recycling on the island?
- Unfortunately, recycling is not available on the island. Everything goes into the trash bins. Trash pickup is twice per week by a third party company. The day of the week varies but is not provided on weekends. When checking in on the weekend there may be trash left from the previous renters but is typically picked up by Tuesday. We do have quite a few trash pandas/trash bandits 🦝 on the island so please make sure to put all trash in the enclosed trash receptacles!
Can we drive our carts in the state preserve?
- Carts are not allowed in the state preserve. You can walk it or bike it. There is parking at the start of the preserve at Panama Shell and Rum Road. There is a well defined trail that loops around back to your starting point. You can also make the trek down to the southernmost point of the island overlooking Redfish Pass and South Seas Resort on Captiva. There are plenty of spots here to find your own private beach! Be sure to bring plenty of water, bug spray and sunscreen.
What if we need additional groceries during our stay?
- If you find yourself running low of food or booze or wish to place a fresh seafood order just text Ally! We prefer to have 24 hours for groceries but always try to get the out to you by the next morning. We ask for grocery orders by 3pm.
- Seafood and liquor can be delivered the same day when ordered by 11am!
- There are also restaurant options if you'd like a break from cooking
Mangos Pool Bar: Grab a cocktail and a bite to eat while swimming at the North Captiva Island Club pool! This restaurant and bar also does not require reservations and is seat yourself. Try one of their milkshakes, the kids love them! Mangos is open 7 days a week and the kitchen closes at 6pm!
Island Market: Coffee Bar, Ice Cream Shop, Essentials, Grab and Go and Gift Shop
Tuesday-Saturday: 8:40 am – 7 pm
Sunday-Monday: 8:40 am – 6:30 pm
Over The Waterfront: Text 239-689-9335 for reservations. Open Wednesday-Saturday 5pm-8pm; Reservations are required.
It’s a small unique restaurant that only has 1 chef, Chef Peter! Dinner is BYOB and reservations can be made one week prior.
Why do you not recommend using the North Captiva Island Club ferry?
- The North Captiva Island Club has a completely different luggage handling process that makes it difficult for properties not managed by the club. They do not have access to houses they do not manage and are unable to deliver your luggage to houses they do not manage. When using the NCIC ferry, your luggage/groceries ride on a separate boat to the island. With Island Girl your belongings are always with you! When the boat arrives to NCIC it is very difficult for us to sort through an entire boat of luggage looking for one houses belongings. Bags are just labeled with a piece of tape and has resulted in bags/groceries being misplaced or delivered to the wrong house. We would hate for your vacation to start with stress of trying to locate belongings.
Can we bring our own groceries on the ferry?
- You absolutely can bring your own groceries on the ferry. Packing coolers with regular ice is not recommended. Dry ice can be purchased at Publix. There are two Publix locations on the way to the ferry.