Secluded Island Beach Home - Starcut Cottage

Welcome to Starcut Cottage, our dream home on our favorite island. When we stayed in this 5 star rated home in the spring of 2022 we knew it was the vacation home we had always wanted. When we had the opportunity to purchase it a few months later we new we couldn't pass it up.

ABOUT STARCUT COTTAGE: The beauty and seclusion of this barrier island {accessible only by boat or small plane} will captivate your senses and restore your soul. It offers a slower paced vacation in a peaceful environment, perfect for taking a break from the stress of daily life. Come make some everlasting memories at our well appointed vacation home. Built in 2019 this home stood the test of Hurricane Ian, and features a bright, open floor plan home with cathedral ceilings and 8 foot doorways. There is a master suite with 1 king bed, a guest room with a king bed and a guest room with 2 full size beds. If you are traveling with little ones you'll appreciate the toddler bed and pack-n-play for additional bedding options.

Sink in to our comfy living room sofas or lay back to snooze on our breezy, screened porch while you watch the local tortoises stroll by. Each area has been thoughtfully furnished and each room (and the pool area) has smart tv's so you won't miss a thing {unless you want to}. Take a dip any time of day in our landscaped, in-ground, private saltwater pool. Enjoy al-fresco dining with our outdoor kitchen and bar area. We provide high speed internet, all necessary towels and toiletries, a golf cart for your use and more!

ABOUT THE ISLAND: This peaceful, private island boasts long stretches of secluded beaches and is accessed only by boat or small plane on a private, grass airstrip. The island is approximately 4-miles long and a half-mile at its widest. A little more than half of the island is owned by the state of Florida and is managed as a preserve. This geo-park looks much the way it was 400 years ago–untouched by man but weather worn by hurricanes past and recent. It is visited by hundreds of birds, some nesting on the shoreline. Protected birds like Plovers have been spotted nesting in this area. Other birds to be seen are American Bald Eagles, Osprey, Terns, of many varieties, Roseate Spoonbills, Wood Storks, Kingfishers, Black Oystercatchers, Skimmers, Brown Pelican, White Pelican, Great Blue Heron, and many more.

You will be lured by the calm and privacy of extraordinary natural beauty. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets are yours for the taking. Secluded beaches invite shelling, swimming, fishing or just watching the manatees and dolphins play. Lush vegetation begs you to bicycle, walk, jog or golf car ride along the trails.

North (Upper) Captiva is part of the Lee Island Coast barrier island chain in South West Florida. Nearby airports include RSW (Fort Myers, FL) and, our favorite, Punta Gorda. North Captiva Island makes you feel "off the grid" with just enough amenities to meet your family needs or get a few tasks done while you're away. There are a few restaurants on the island including a recent addition of a food truck style stand. There are no cars, paved roads, high rises or crowds on this tropical paradise.

WELCOME: Put your worries behind you in this island paradise. Our home is your home. We will provide you with instructions on how to make this vacation go smoothly with help with everything from booking a ferry to sourcing your groceries. Come see why we fell in love with this place and have come back year after year. HOW TO GET HERE: Travel to North Captiva should begin with checking on great flights to one of the major international airports nearby. SW Florida International (RSW) is a quiet and convenient airport to traverse. Mostly on One Level and very easy to access the parking areas, navigating it is truly a pleasure. Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is now serviced by Allegiant and Frontier airlines, between these two providers, there is now a gateway for direct flights from many more cities and at value to boot.

Tampa (TPA), Sarasota (SRQ ), and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) are a good distance away to the North or East but airfare deals often make it rewarding to travel up to 2 hours by car down to Pine Island.

By Car:

From the South or North of I-75

From I-75 (exit 143) or US 41, head west on Pine Island Rd. (State Road 78), then take a right on Stringfellow Rd. (State Road 767) in Pine Island Center. Three miles down, take a left on Pineland Road. This will turn into Waterfront Drive and you'll see the Marina on the left, nestled on the shores of Pine Island Sound.

*Important Information: When driving or taking the airport shuttle from Ft Myers International (RSW), allow approximately 1 hour drive time to The North Captiva to Pineland Marina, or to Four Winds Marina. If you are Grocery Shopping, please account for an additional 45 minutes and make sure you arrive at the Welcome Centers or Marinas at least 15 minutes before your scheduled water taxi departure.

By Taxi: Rates are approximately $60 one-way and require a reservation by calling:

* Recommended: Pine Island Taxi (239) 283-7777

Sanibel-Captiva Airport Shuttle (800) 833-4473

By Uber:

Uber drivers can pick you up at either major airport RSW or PGD. The drive time is about the same as the taxi company, but you may have a small amount more wait time if your driver is not at the airport waiting for you to arrive.

You can estimate the fare for your trip to the marina with the Uber fare estimator below:

https://www.uber.com/global/en/price-estimate/ UBER Fare Calculator

(please use your ferry departure address to calculate)

By Scheduled Ferry:

Island Girl Charters at Pineland Marina

(239) 633-8142

ADDRESS FOR GPS:

13921 Waterfront Drive Bokeelia,FL 33922

Scheduled Ferry to North Captiva

Stops at:

Safety Harbor Club & Mainstays and seasonally Cabbage Key (check for availability).

* Seasonally, boat times subject to change, please contact the ferry company for reservations and off-season scheduled times. Additional boat times are available in peak season at scheduled boat rates, private and later evening boats are available at an extra cost. ALL ferry boat times require a reservation and parking fee (if parking is needed).

Private Captains, Water-Taxi:

Captain Matias Barbero

(800) 991-3259 and (239) 472-3230

Personal water taxi, scheduled to your exact arrival/departure needs. Call to Reserve.

Boat Rentals, Guides, Excursions

Bike Rentals, Kayak Rentals, Paddle Board Rentals

*Important Note about all ferries and water taxi arrangements: Please allow time for grocery stops well in advance of your scheduled water taxi ride. All of the captains serving North Captiva Island provide us a truly wonderful gateway to the island, we appreciate their continued excellent service. Please consider tipping your captain and crew.

By your own private boat or rental boat:

Safety Harbor lies South of Boca Grande and Useppa Island off of the Intra-coastal Waterway starting at Marker # 52. Set your compass bearings to 195 degrees from the Marker and it will take you right to "The Fish House." Enter Safety Harbor around the Peninsula and follow the Markers to Hidden Cove. Meet us at the Docks and you'll be "on island time."

If bringing your boat on a trailer, contact Pineland Marina, Pineland FL

(239) 283-3593 for Parking fees, Launch fees, and temporary dockage fees information.