Back in 1988, Captiva had very little in the way of beaches. Today, the small island is renowned for its angelic white sand beaches. Through island-wide projects by the Captiva Erosion Prevention District, the pristine beaches have earned worldwide notoriety.
Last month, TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site, announced that Captiva was named the eighth best beach destination in the United States. The award winners were determined based on the most highly rated beach destination by travelers in TripAdvisor reviews.
In December 2010, Travelocity named Captiva’s Alison Hagerup Beach Park the number one rated “romantic beach in the country and nearby.” It called Captiva’s sunsets “the most romantic in all America.”
Best Beaches USA, the famous rankings by Dr. Stephen Leatherman ("Dr. Beach") of Florida International University, rated Captiva number three in his Best Romantic Beaches. The rankings were based on features such as natural beauty, privacy, good sand and water quality, as well as amenities such as easy access, picnic area and places to walk along the shore.
But the accolades don’t stop there. The Best Florida Beaches website rated Captiva in the Top 10 beaches in the state.
Most recently, Captiva was recommended as a great family vacation spot in the May edition of the Disney FamilyFun Magazine. In its “Let’s Go” section, the Holland family of Hanover, Pa. recommended Captiva for its beautiful beaches and low-key family vacation.
“We saw an octopus and stingray and bald eagles at the near-by nature preserve,” said mother Aliisa Holland about the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. “We were amazed by all the cool wildlife around us.”
The article stated the gentle waters and superb shell-seeking make this small Gulf Coast Island, just over the bridge from neighboring Sanibel, a sure bet for families in search of a simple beach scene.
“I contribute the beaches on Captiva to its residents and businesses,” noted Kathy Rooker, senior administrative assistant at CEPD. “It’s no wonder why Captiva is such a well-recognized and popular family vacation site.”
In 2010 alone, there were more than 400,000 people who visited the beaches. CEPD is very proud to play a role by maintaining and improving the beaches.
“We are honored and glad to be recognized,” Rooker noted.
If it weren’t for the caring and supportive residents and business owners on Captiva, the beaches would still be just rocks instead of the natural white sand and seashells. In 2006 following the last CEPD beach project, the American Shore Preservation Association awarded Captiva for the best nourished beaches in the country.
“We are glad to be recognized for the value of the beaches and not just for recreational, but also environmental,” added Rooker.
The CEPD is comprised of five elected commissioners, who are dedicated to preserving and maintaining Captiva’s beaches and shorelines.
**Visit the world renowned Captiva Island, Florida beaches today for a night, week or longer. Visit http://www.ResCen.com for vacation rental condo, home and hotel/resort options. View photos, information and book on-line with certain properties. You may also call our local accommodation specialists at 1-800-290-6920 with any questions, availability and to make your next Captiva Island vacation a reality!**
-Article originally posted in the Captiva Current 05/06/2011
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