World’s Best Island Beaches 2015

This island off southwestern Florida is best known for its seemingly endless inventory of pastel seashells—250 different varieties—covering the sand. But unlike its more bustling sister island—where seashellers do the “Sanibel Stoop”—Captiva visitors do the “Captiva Crouch.” Prime shelling season runs from May through September, but year-round, the sunsets are fabulous from Alison Hagerup Beach. Perhaps because shelling is not terribly strenuous or sociable, the island did not rank highly for its wealth of activities or friendly locals. To boost your chances of having the most pristine sand to yourself, stay at the South Seas Island Resort, where you can take a quick boat ride to the even quieter beach of Cayo Costa State Park.