The Grand Re-Opening of Blind Pass

The Castaways is happy to announce that Blind Pass is now open for boaters! The dredging to re-open the pass began in December 2008 and it's finally complete!


The Lee County Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District and the Department of Environmental Protection joined efforts to complete this important project. The ribbon cutting for the Pass was held on January 15, 2010, and was attended by representatives from all involved agencies as well as Castaways staff and management.


The restoration consisted of maintenance dredging of Blind Pass, Wulfert Channel and portions of Roosevelt Channel. Approximately 150,000 cubic yards of material from Blind Pass and interior waters were removed to restore a flushing connection to the Gulf of Mexico; 11,000 cubic yards were disposed of upland; 32,000 cubic yards were placed in the near shore zone and 105,000 cubic yards were placed directly on the beach.

Tony Lapi, President and CEO of Rochester Resorts and Chairman-Elect of Visit Florida
In the beach fill area, the shoreline was extended 100 feet. The Channel is 10 feet deep and 330 feet wide in the Gulf of Mexico and narrows to 160 feet wide under the bridge - just perfect for guests who bring their boat to The Castaways or even guests who rent a sea kayak from our marina.

Grand Opening Certificate
Because of the impact to mangroves in one area, mangroves were planted in Clam Bayou. Because of the impact to the Sea Turtle nesting area, mitigation efforts involved removing exotic vegetation from another area on Captiva Island so as to enhance the opportunity for nesting.


The re-opening of Blind pass is vital to maintaining the wonderful water system and environment in our community. Habitat for birds and Marine life are restored to allow nature to grow and thrive. The experience for our citizens and visitors is enhanced with more gateways to nature through kayaking, canoeing and other boating opportunities. The beaches are made stronger by placing sand along the shoreline that otherwise would be lost in the channel of Blind Pass.

Castaways guests are already taking advantage of the great fishing, kayaking and boating passageway into the Gulf! Come on down and see it for yourself.