Red Tide

Question

I have a trip planned for the first week of March to Captiva. I heard that the red tide was present.

We went to Belize a few years ago and red tide was there and it was horrible.

Does anyone have any updates? Should I change my plans and go somewhere else?

Answer

Great question — you’re wise to check on red tide before a beach trip. Here’s the most up-to-date situation for Captiva / Sanibel and what to consider for your March trip:

Current Red Tide Status (as of early 2025):

According to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF), a red tide bloom that was causing impacts in mid-January 2025 has largely dissipated. Recent water samples “did not find any Karenia brevis” (the algae that causes red tide) in Lee County.
The Florida Department of Health – Lee County (DOH-Lee) officially lifted its red tide health alerts for 21 locations around Captiva and Sanibel in March 2025.
The FWC’s March 14, 2025 red tide update reports that Karenia brevis concentrations have dropped to “background” levels in most of Southwest Florida.

What This Means for Your Trip:

Based on the most recent data, red tide is *not currently a significant concern* at Captiva — the bloom appears to have largely ended nearshore.
Because water quality can change, DOH-Lee still advises some caution: if you experience eye irritation or breathing issues, be prepared to move indoors or away from the beach.
SCCF notes that while red tide cells are no longer detected in shore samples, toxins can remain in the food chain (e.g., in fish or seagrass).

Should You Change Your Plans?

- Based on the latest scientific testing, there's no strong reason to cancel or significantly alter your trip to Captiva just because of red tide. - If you’re especially sensitive (respiratory issues, very young kids, etc.), you might still keep an eye on real-time updates as your trip approaches. - Bring beach shoes and avoid wading in stagnant water if you want to be cautious.

Where to Get Real-Time Updates While You’re There:

Check the Protecting Florida Together website for live water-quality sampling data.
Sign up for alerts from the DOH-Lee or SCCF — they regularly publish water-quality and red tide updates.
When you’re on the island, look for beach signage — local authorities will post warnings or updates if conditions change.

Bottom Line: The red tide bloom near Captiva appears to have mostly cleared out as of mid-March. While no system is foolproof, the current data is encouraging. Unless new evidence arises, your trip should be safe and enjoyable, and you don’t necessarily need to change your plans.

Red Tide

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