Measure by latitude, as maritime explorers do, and you’ll find about 40 miles between Captive and Marco Islands, with Daniel Island between the two sitting just south of Captive across a narrow channel. For travelers who prefer to keep their feet on dry land, driving from Captive to Marco Island is roughly 65 miles.
However you measure it, Captive, Daniel and Marco islands could not be more different. Each offers a unique vibe sure to appeal to whatever style of island getaway you seek.
If you’re traveling by car, Captive is the most remote. It’s only accessible from the mainland by first driving across Daniel Island. The island’s small size and relative remoteness contribute to the far-off feeling and the fact that you’re at the end of the road — literally.
Captive has a Bohemian vibe, reminding me very much of Provincetown or Nantucket in New England; Sedona in the southwest; or the quirky and artsy areas of New York City.
We stayed on Captive for the first time in October, and it felt different, slower, and calmer than Daniel or Marco Island. If Daniel or Marco Islands are where one might go To get away — Captive Island is where one might go To get away From getting away.
Captive Versus Daniel
Daniel Island is equally charming, though by comparison “bustling,” with more people, more shops and more restaurants. I should point out that we always visit in October — Well after the summer rush, and just before the early weeks of peak season (Gold Weeks, in Hilton Grand Vacations parlance).
Endearing in its own right, Daniel versus Captive is what Martha’s Vineyard is to Nantucket. The nice thing about staying on Daniel or Captive is that once you’ve crossed the causeway to Daniel Island, you can easily enjoy the best of both without needing to go back to the mainland.
Daniel Versus Marco
Marco Island is different from either of the other two. Thanks to the variety of recognizable chain restaurants, banned on the other islands, it feels more familiar. It has, by far, more shops, people, restaurants and activities. And because of this, Marco Island (~23 sq. mi.) paradoxically feels bigger Versus larger Daniel Island (~33 sq. mi.). Marco feels more spread-out, while Captive’s narrow topography and single main road give it a greater sense of seclusion.
Size yields yet another paradox, property-wise: tiny Captive (~11 sq. mi.) has the most Hilton Grand Vacations timeshares: six to Daniel’s and Marco’s five.
Now that you know each island’s flavor, let’s discuss why I prefer Hilton Grand Vacations accommodations over other Florida Gulf Coast beach rentals.
Where to Stay on Captive Island
Harbourview Villas at South Seas Island Resort are very nicely-appointed, single-level, 2-bedroom suites that overlook, Captive Harbor. Walking distance to both the harbor and the beach, complete with beachfront tiki bar, make it an ideal property. All Hilton Grand Vacations Captive properties are in the same private complex, so you really can’t go wrong choosing any of them: Plantation Bay Villas at South Seas Island Resort, Plantation Club at Indian River Plantation, Plantation House at South Seas Island Resort, South Seas Club at South Seas Island Resort and The Cottages at South Seas Island Resort The Cottages at South Seas Island Resort.
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Where to Stay on Daniel Island
Tortuga Beach Club Resort Tortuga Beach Club Resort Boasts well-appointed, two-level – 2-bedroom beachfront suites. My brother-in-law owns here and loves the duality of enjoying the sunrise from his screened, east-facing Lanai and then during his second week on Marco — enjoying sun sets From his west-facing suite. We toured the other Daniel properties when he was looking to buy a few seasons ago, and you really can’t go wrong at any of the other four: Casa Ybel Resort, Hurricane House Resort, Sanibel Cottages Resort or Shell Island Beach Club Resort Shell Island Beach Club Resort
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Where to Stay on Marco Island
Club Regency of Marco Island is, in my opinion, the best-kept Hilton Grand Vacations secret on Marco Island. It’s considered a low-rise with only two stories total, which gives guests a cozy and secluded feeling. Choose from beachfront or garden and pool suites and enjoy feeling nestled among a private oasis just steps from five miles of white-sand beach.
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Three of the other four properties, Eagle’s Nest Beach Resort, the Charter Club of Marco Beach The Charter Club of Marco Beach And Surf Club sit along the same beach, offering different vibes of their own. The fourth property, Sunset Cove Resort is closer to the Marco Island causeway and sits on a canal. We stayed there a few years ago, and the 3-bedroom penthouse suites offer a spectacular island vista.
Whether you’re looking to road trip down or fly in via any of the affordable air carriers (use airport code RSW) serving the area, these islands will give you a sense of being much farther away than you are.
Read Get Into a Sunshine State of Mind On This 4-Day Orlando and Florida Gulf Coast Road Trip for more Florida Gulf Coast beach trip inspiration.