Every island has a personality

Southwest Florida’s islands are varied and unique. What they all share in common is a relaxing and welcoming ambiance where the seafood is always fresh, the calm waters invite you in, and picturesque sunsets bring peace to your days. From laid-back islands that are rich with adventure to remote barrier islands dotting the Gulf coast, find an island where you can sit back and stay a while. Many of our islands are still recovering from Hurricane Ian in September 2022, so while some areas may look a little different right now, there is still plenty of fun and relaxation to fill your days.

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Islands and More

The islands off the coast of Fort Myers can take you to a whole new vacation mindset. See what people are up to across our islands.

Explore Our Islands

Select a marker on the map to learn more about a specific island.

Gasparilla Island

Home to a beautiful state park, two lighthouses, and the quaint island town of Boca Grande. The iconic Gasparilla Inn anchors the town rich in history with an Old Florida feel.

Cayo Costa

Only accessible by boat, this remote barrier island may be small – 10 miles long and a mile at its widest point – but it’s rich with outdoor activities. The seashells are spectacular, and there are acres of sea oats, forests of windblown trees and crystal-clear waters to explore.

Useppa Island

Experience relaxed luxury on this exclusive private island club. Enjoy lunch at the Tarpon Bar Restaurant, visit the island's History Museum and take a leisurely stroll through the lush garden pathways. You must be a member or a guest of a member to stay on the island, but you can visit during the day by booking a cruise with Captiva Cruises.

Cabbage Key

Your own piece of paradise is right here in Pine Island Sound. Watch the historic water tower come into view as you approach by boat, and then step into 100 acres of lush vegetation surrounding the inn and restaurant of the same name.

North Captiva Island

Not to be confused with neighboring Captiva Island, this remote barrier island is only accessible by boat. Enjoy a quiet, car-free retreat in a remote vacation rental home or enjoy the Island Club.

Captiva Island

Home to some of the world’s most sought-after beaches, Captiva Island is utterly captivating for families and couples alike. Connected by a small bridge to Sanibel Island, this quiet, flower-filled island is idyllic for shell collecting, fishing, and on-the-water activities.

Sanibel Island

Considered one of the most beautifully preserved beach destinations in the world, Sanibel Island offers natural beaches and 25 miles of paved trails to explore. It's also known as the "Seashell Capital of the World" due to the pristine shells that wash ashore each day.

Picnic Island

Find your slice of paradise on this 7.4-acre spoil island that lies along the Great Calusa Blueway. Dock your own boat or take a guided excursion for a day of swimming, fishing and plenty more outdoor adventures.

Pine Island

To reach the largest island off of Florida’s Gulf Coast, drive from the mainland and neighboring Matlacha across the “World’s Fishingest Bridge.” Explore the tropical fruit farms of Bokeelia and historic St. James City. Then, learn about the island’s past on the Calusa Heritage Trail in the Pineland archaeological site.

Matlacha

This tiny island bridges Pine Island and the mainland. Here you can find some of the freshest seafood and a water-based community that thrives on water activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating.

San Carlos Island

In the town of Fort Myers Beach, this separate island sits between the mainland and Estero Island. It’s a shrimping capital where you can see the pink-gold gems being harvested from the waters before dining on the freshest seafood in a waterfront restaurant.

sunset on Fort Myers Beach with two palm trees sillhoutes in view

Estero Island

Estero Island is also known as Fort Myers Beach, a colorful beach town filled with soft, white sands, waterfront restaurants, and the historic Mound House.