North Captiva Island · Pine Island Sound · Florida
Island life, tiki style. Fun for the whole crew.
A 3-bedroom island home with NCI's only swim-up tiki bar, a heated pool and hot tub, a crow's nest rooftop and two golf carts. No roads, no bridge, no crowds. This is vacation!
Turquoise water skips beneath you as the ferry pulls into the dock. Your island team is waiting, and minutes later you're floating in the heated pool while someone blends a tropical drink at the Thirsty Turtle Bar. The music is playing. The group has gathered.
Thirsty Turtle Bar
NCI's only swim-up tiki bar. Belly up from the heated pool, no resort crowds.
Heated Pool & Hot Tub
Both open 24 hours. The fenced pool has a shallow toddler-splashing section.
Crow's Nest Rooftop
360° views of the Gulf, Pine Island Sound and the island's colorful homes.
Two Golf Carts Included
Two 4-person carts. The beach is a 2-minute ride, restaurants under 8.
A Car-Free Island
Arrive by ferry, private boat or small plane. Our team meets you at the dock.
Beaches & Shelling
The closest 2 beach access points are a 2-min golf cart ride. Shells and dolphins await.
Getting here is part of the adventure.
North Captiva is one of Florida's last unspoiled barrier islands: no roads, no bridge and no cars. Guests arrive by:
⛴️ Ferry
🛥️ Charter or private boat
🛩️ Small private plane
Our property management team meets you at the dock, loads your luggage and groceries, and escorts you to Tipsy Turtle by golf cart. Your digital guidebook walks you through every step.
Photo Tour
Take a look around.
Tap any photo to see it larger.
The Thirsty Turtle Bar: NCI's only swim-up tiki barSwim up for a drink! AI-generated bartender not included – ha!Living room with island-view windowsFull-size kitchen, stocked for real cookingUpstairs king suite: claim it first!Sunset from the crow's nestNo bridge, no cars: arrive by ferry, boat or small planeTipsy Turtle from above, tucked in the tropical canopyUnspoiled, uncrowded North Captiva beachesUnder-house living doubles the floor planTiki bar, lounge and dining in one open-air spacePool or hot tub? Your choiceHot tub, open 24 hoursBoard games in the tiki-style loungeCovered outdoor dining for 8Weber grill, steps from the table and the barHammocks and a garden play spotDining for 8 with floor-to-ceiling windowsDrip coffee maker, grinder & KeurigMain-floor bedroom: queen + bunksMain-floor queen, right off the kitchenMain-floor ¾ bathKing suite: tropical pillows and luxury linensKing suite: French doors to the palmsKing en suite with a long double vanityDouble-headed showerPrivate king suite deckFamily suite: queen bed with deck accessFamily suite bunks + private full bathFamily suite bath with tub/showerFamily suite deck with spiral stairs upSpiral staircase to the crow's nest360° views to the Gulf at sunsetTwo 4-person golf carts includedWorld-class shellingSunset Beach, a 2-minute golf cart rideThe 600-acre nature preservePilots: the 1,800 ft Salty Approach grass stripFly in, then golf cart to the doorNorth Captiva from above: no roads, no bridge
Can you picture your crew here?
Spring break, summer and the holidays book up early.
A king suite, two queen-and-bunk rooms, and a whole floor of outdoor living.
Grandparents can settle on the main floor near the elevator, the kids claim the bunks, and everyone meets at the tiki bar.
Ground Level Elevator up
🍹
Thirsty Turtle swim-up bar with a beverage fridge
🏊
Heated pool & hot tub, open 24 hours
🍽️
Covered dining for 8 + Weber grill
🛋️
Tiki-style lounge with sectional seating
🌴
Hammocks, cornhole & an outdoor shower
Main Floor Elevator access
🛏️
Queen bedroom with bunks, right off the kitchen
🚿
¾ bath next to the bedroom and living area
🍳
Open kitchen with bar stools & dining for 8
📺
Living room with smart TV & Starlink WiFi
🧺
Laundry room off the kitchen
Upper Floor
🛏️
King primary suite with a private deck
🚿
En suite bath: long double vanity + double-headed shower
🛏️
Family suite: queen bed + a second set of bunks
🛁
Full bath with tub/shower, attached to the family suite
🌅
Private deck with spiral stairs to the rooftop
Crow's Nest Rooftop
🧭
360° rooftop deck over the island canopy
🌊
Views of the Gulf and Pine Island Sound
🌇
Sunset toasts and sunrise coffee
Sleeping for 81 King · 2 Queens · 2 sets of bunks · 3 full baths · Pack 'n Play, high chair & baby gate available
Stocked For You
Fully loaded, so you can pack light.
Getting to an island takes a little planning, so we stock Tipsy Turtle with you in mind. Leave the extras at home and save the suitcase space for sunscreen.
Games & puzzlesFamily-friendly board games and puzzles for every age.Towels for everythingKitchen, bath and beach towels, plus beach chairs and a cooler.Stocked showersShampoo, conditioner and body wash in all 3 bathrooms.Coffee stationDrip coffee maker, grinder and Keurig. Just bring your favorite beans or K-cups.
Nearby
Adventure awaits.
Your golf cart is your ride. Miles of sandy beach, a 600-acre preserve and the island's restaurants are all a few minutes away.
Short walk
World-Class Shelling
Whelks, conchs and sand dollars along some of the Gulf's most pristine shoreline.
2 min by cart
Sunset Beach
Join others by the shore to watch the Gulf turn pink every evening.
Minutes away
Dolphin & Manatee Spotting
Dolphins play just offshore, and manatees lounge around the docks.
Short cart ride
600-Acre Nature Preserve
White-sand trails, native plants and 200+ bird species to discover.
Seasonal
Sea Turtle Nesting
Loggerheads nest on NCI's beaches. You can even sponsor a nest.
Under 8 min
Boats & Fun
Rent a boat, kayak, paddleboard, bikes or fishing gear at the island harbor.
Boats & Fun
Kayak & Paddleboard
Glide through the mangrove-lined backwaters of Pine Island Sound.
Book ahead
Fishing Charters
Snook, redfish and tarpon. Inshore, shark, tarpon and deep-sea trips.
Under 8 min
Mainstay & Barnacles
Cold drinks, fresh seafood and Old Florida charm right by the docks.
Under 8 min
Mango's Cafe & Grill
Casual poolside bites and frozen tropical drinks at the Island Club.
By boat
Island Hopping
Day-trip by boat to Cabbage Key, Captiva and Boca Grande for lunch with a view.
Fly in
Salty Approach Airstrip
Pilots can land on the 1,800 ft grass strip with our membership.
Swipe to explore →
Dolphin photo: James St. John, CC BY 2.0 · Cabbage Key photo: Isles Yacht Club, CC BY 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Your island story starts here.
Choose your dates and check availability in seconds.
In 2017, my husband and I began welcoming guests at our Alpine, Wyoming vacation home. Setting it up and hosting turned into something our whole family loved doing, so we began dreaming of doing the same in tropical Florida – Cowboys & Mermaids Vacation Rentals was born!
We believe life is a beautiful gift, and our wish is for you to make lasting memories with the people who are near and dear to your heart. Kale and our island team will meet you at the dock and make sure you feel right at home.
— Molly
Professionally hosted by Cowboys & Mermaids Vacation Rentals
4.9★Average rating
380+Reviews
6Years hosting
Guest Reviews
What guests are saying
★★★★★4.95 average from 59 guest reviews
★★★★★
“We had an amazing time at Tipsy Turtle! The location was great but also felt private. The tiki bar, swim up pool, hot tub, and lounge area outside was our favorite! The staff was great and helped us get our luggage to and from the dock. Everything we needed was available at the house.”
— Jennifer
★★★★★
“Our stay at the Tipsy Turtle might be our favorite vacation ever. North Captiva Island has captured our hearts. Practically ruined us… we can no longer vacation at a beach with cars. The home fully supports the relaxed vibe of the island.”
— Kim
★★★★★
“We were a family of 7 including a toddler and a 6 year old. The Tipsy Turtle was absolutely the best space we could have found on N Captiva to meet our needs. While only 2 minutes from the beach OR the bay, the pool area was just wonderful also!”
— Claire
★★★★★
“Awesome place to stay to get away! Very private nice relaxing pool. Roof top observation deck is fantastic for watching the sun rise while drinking your coffee and watching amazing sunsets!!”
— Robert
★★★★★
“We enjoyed all the water views from the various decks and gorgeous sunsets from the rooftop bird's nest. I love to cook and was impressed with the selection of kitchenwares. Kids loved the pool and the hot tub was great for the crisp evenings.”
— Laura
★★★★★
“We absolutely loved staying at the Tipsy Turtle! We had our own private paradise on the beautiful North Captiva Island. It was great to get away from the fast pace hustle and live “off the grid” for a few days.”
— Hannah
★★★★★
“GREAT HOUSE! Amazing downstairs swim up pool bar and lounge area. Great views! High ceilings make it feel large. One of the best on NCI. Can't wait to stay here again!”
— Cheryl
★★★★★
“Loved staying at the Tipsy Turtle! Has everything you could need and more. You don't even have to leave the house to have an amazing time… really felt like an oasis! Can't wait to go back!”
— Noel
★★★★★
“The Tipsy Turtle was epic! North Captiva is a marvelous vacation spot, and the Tipsy Turtle is the ideal base camp. Super clean and well appointed. If you're a pilot considering a vacation on North Cap, this is the place you want to stay at!”
— Adam
Rates & Availability
Space for 8 at one nightly rate.
Nightly rates
$500 – $1,867 / night
Rates vary by season and dates. Split across your group, it often costs less than a few resort rooms.
2 golf carts
Dock meet & greet
Starlink WiFi
Linens & beach towels
Beach chairs & cooler
Damage protection included
Start your stay – your Florida story starts here.
Choose your dates and guests to check availability and book direct with us, your hosts.
Same property, same guarantees, no service charge from a middleman. Molly and team are one message away for anything you need before or during your stay.
Good To Know
House rules & FAQ
House rules
Check-in 4 PMOur team meets you at the dock
Check-out 9 AMTimed for the 9:30 AM ferry
8 guests maxKids & infants welcome
24+ to bookPrimary renter minimum age
No petsThank you for respecting our choice.
No smokingOr vaping, anywhere on the property
No events or partiesA peaceful island community
Quiet hours10 PM – 8 AM
Frequently asked questions
How do we get to North Captiva Island?
There are no roads or bridges, so everyone arrives by water or air. Most guests take a ferry: Island Girl Charters runs a set schedule from Pineland Marina, and Emmy Girl Charters offers private trips (up to 6 passengers) from Four Winds Marina. Private charters, water taxis and your own boat work too. The boat ride is about 40 minutes. The closest airports are Southwest Florida International (RSW) in Fort Myers and Punta Gorda (PGD). Our team meets you at the dock near Mainstay Restaurant.
Can we fly our own plane in?
Yes! Private pilots can land on Salty Approach, the island's 1,800 ft grass/sand strip, using Tipsy Turtle's membership. You'll need to register in advance at saltyapproach.com, then contact us to finalize the details. From the strip, it's a golf cart ride to the door.
Can we bring our own boat?
Absolutely, many guests do. A boat slip isn't included with the rental, but our team is happy to help you arrange a slip for your stay.
How do groceries work on the island?
North Captiva doesn't have a grocery store, so guests shop at Publix on the mainland before the ferry, or use a personal grocery shopper who can hand off your order, send it over on the ferry, or stock the house before you arrive. We share our favorite shoppers in your guidebook. The Island Market has coffee, ice cream and essentials, and filtered (reverse osmosis) water comes right from the kitchen tap.
What should we know about the golf carts?
Two 4-person golf carts are included. Only licensed drivers 16 and older may drive, with a maximum of 4 riders per cart. Florida law prohibits driving on the beach or in the nature preserve, and no driving after drinking. Just plug them in at their charging stations each night.
How far is the beach?
The closest 2 beach access points are about a 2-minute golf cart ride or a 7-minute walk. Head one way for the Gulf and the best sunsets, or the other for Pine Island Sound. Rip currents can be strong in some spots around the island, so please swim with caution.
Tell us about the pool and hot tub.
The private pool is heated, fenced and has a shallow section for little splashers. The pool and hot tub are open 24 hours. There's no lifeguard, so children need adult supervision, and please keep glass off the pool deck (reusable plastic cups are provided).
Does the home work for little kids and grandparents?
Yes. There's a pack 'n play, high chair and baby gate, plus two sets of bunks. An elevator runs from the ground level to the main floor for luggage, groceries and guests with limited mobility, and the main-floor bedroom keeps everything on one level.
Is there WiFi and TV?
Yes, Starlink WiFi throughout the house, and smart TVs with Roku in the living room and primary suite. Bring your streaming logins.
Will we receive a guidebook?
Yes! Once your reservation is confirmed, you'll receive our digital guidebook. It walks you step by step through ferries, groceries, packing, golf carts, restaurants and island activities, and guests tell us it makes planning easy.
What is the cancellation policy?
100% refund if cancelled more than 14 days before arrival. 50% refund if cancelled more than 7 days before arrival. No refund within 7 days of arrival.
Is there a rental agreement?
Yes. The rental agreement must be signed within 48 hours of booking, and your reservation is confirmed once it's returned. Damage protection through Rental Guardian is included at no additional fee.
Questions?
Ask us anything.
Our virtual assistant knows Tipsy Turtle and North Captiva inside and out and answers right away, day or night. Type your question in the chat.
Ready to pick dates? Send an inquiry through our booking form, or email us. We reply quickly.
Professionally hosted by Cowboys & Mermaids Vacation Rentals
