It lies just north of Captiva Island, separated by a channel called Redfish Pass which was created in a 1921 hurricane.

There is no automobile access to the island and electric golf carts are the primary means of transport.

The island was damaged in August 2004 when the eastern eyewall of Hurricane Charley struck North Captiva, immediately before hitting Charlotte Harbor to the north-northeast.

Hurricane Ian made landfall on North Captiva Island on September 28, 2022, with wind speeds of 150 mph.

The center of the eye of Hurricane Ian passed over the Safety Harbor Club Lake.