Captiva Island Live Cam

Dating back to the early 30's it was a tea house and was known as The Gulf View Inn. There were a few cottages and a small inn that served beer and wine. Over the years, and because of beach erosion, The Gulf View Inn was closed and the building was moved back form the beach about 300 feet.

The new owners turned the small inn into a house which stayed that way until 1975 when the Mayerons and the Webbs purchased the house on the beach thinking that maybe rental property could be a success on Captiva Island. One day while in Fort Myers at the courthouse inquiring about rental property, Mayeron and Webb were informed of an existing beer and wine license which had expired but could be reactivated if they wanted to pay $100.00, which of course they did.

Everyone was excited about the idea of opening a restaurant and Webb, being a bobby in London for 20 years, had the idea of an English pub. He and his wife remembered an old English pub in Stratford-On-Avon called the Black Swan they used to frequent, also known to the locals as the Mucky Duck.

When the pub first opened there was a dart board and a game room. The Duck was a real local spot to savor cold beers, play darts, enjoy beautiful sunsets and sing around the old player piano that used to play 'till the wee hours of the morning. The menu was limited to a nice selection of English dishes and fresh seafood.

It is hard to believe that we've now been open for all these years. We've seen about 6,000 sunsets and talked to, played jokes with, and enjoyed some of the most wonderful people from all over the world. We are very proud of what we have here at The Mucky Duck on Captiva Island, and hope to continue for many, many years to come.

Accessibility to this tropical retreat is just 30 minutes by boat from Pine Island. In addition, there is a 2000-foot, privately owned grass airstrip for pilots of light aircraft.

These days, Captiva is home to a growing number of residents and visitors,Golf Carts drawn by her own natural beauty and unspoiled island atmosphere. There are no cars on North Captiva; golf carts are the primary mode of transportation.

Indeed, Captiva Island is one of the few places left where man can be in complete harmony with nature.

Thick palm hammocks, banana, sea grape, papaya, and other tropical plants adorn the island. Island amenities include tennis courts, pool, pristine beaches, quaint restaurants, ship's store, state preserve, boutique, nature walks, fishing boats, airstrip, Harborcommon docks, jogging trails, shelling, picnic areas, and color television. Golf is available on the nearby mainland. Rental possibilities include power boats, bicycles, golf carts, kayaks, sail boats, video tapes, fishing gear, tennis gear, and VCRs.

One-half of North Captiva Island is a protected 350 acre state preserve that offers true unspoiled wilderness for those island explorers that want to view an untouched refuge.

Captiva is well-known for the abundance and variety of seashells. Without the influx of tourists to the island, great shelling is still enjoyed by our visitors. Charter a boat to do more shelling or beachcombing on the barrier island of Cayo Costa. Charter reservations can also be made for restaurant tours, sunset cruises, snorkling and diving, and beach picnics. Or take a Nature and History Cruise to discover the islands of Pine Island Sound and learn the history of the great Calusa people and the folklore of the ruthless pirates.

Planned children's activities and crafts are provided two days per week during peak season by trained recreational professionals. The ultimate thing to do is relax in the tropical luxury of North Captiva Island, a top vacation location.

While North Captiva Island is relatively small in size, there is a variety of "local" restaurants to satisfy diners' diverse tastes.

BudsBud's Bayside Grill offers Northern Itallian cuisine for dockside dining, water view from every table. Casual lunch and breakfast menu served, kids specials daily, catering for groups and home service also available for Island Club guests.

Specialty restaurants on the island include Barnacle Phil's Harbor Restaurant, a weather-beaten cafe famous for serving the best rice and beans in the world. Over the Waterfront Restaurant offers a simple, rustic setting overlooking Safety Harbor and serves up island specialties for lunch and dinner. The Mango Café treats patrons to continental and local dishes in a casual atmosphere overlooking the marina.