You will find miles of pristine beaches to enjoy, and you can island hop to the north of the beaches, and then go fishing when youre on your way! Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. While Sanibel and Captiva arent radically different, Ill do my best to break the two down: Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. The intimate 10-day festival starts off in Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, then moves on to downtown Fort Myers and wraps up at Fort Myers Beach. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. . LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. You can park for free here, and you can head to the park during the day for the kids to play before heading to the sand. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Is this really a true statement? There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. The way it juts out into the gulf (its situated more east/west than north/south) means its a treasure trove when winter storms stir up the billions of shells sitting out deeper in the Gulf of Mexico. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. Mostly boutique shopping. . Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. Lighthouse Beach. Where to Find Shells on Sanibel Island - Port Sanibel Marina Very different experiences. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. We are staying a week. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. And share my account with your travel loving friends! One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. South Capers, Sanibel Real Estate & Homes for Sale The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Captiva Island Beaches If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Bowmans Beach is one of many beaches on Sanibel Island, and on the western portion of the island.Its a protected site, with no developments going on, which leaves a pure and natural landscape to enjoy for all. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Sanibel is your choice if you are looking for nature, activities, choices in restaurants and shopping, are on somewhat ofa budget, biking or want to go off island fortouring or nightlife on the mainland. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. $899,000. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches Sanibel Island shelling is considered the best shelling spot in the world according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. We couldn't have had better customer | Island Vacations of Sanibel Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. 8 Great Places to Go Kayaking in Fort Myers, 50 Things to Do in Southwest Florida: The Ultimate Bucket List, 10 Fun and Easy Day Trips from Naples Florida, 15 Fun Things To Do on Sanibel Island, Florida, 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Castaway to 7 Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Islands Reachable Only By Boat, The 7 Best Beaches in Fort Myers Florida (Plus 5 More Nearby), 9 Sanibel Restaurants for Tropical Island Dining at Its Best. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. Or is there another better spot? Drop us a line. Both islands are breathtaking. With Sanibel's unique orientation as a primarily East-West island, the shelling is great AND the beaches at either end (Lighthouse, East end) Blind Pass (west end) offer a variety of beach conditions to explore on the same day. You can visit: Matlacha is a small home village, which is best known for their quirky shops, and several eateries offering some of the best delicacies. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Discover the Beauty of Sanibel and Captiva Islands There is so much to find and enjoy in Southwest Florida, especially on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - travels-answers.com If youre planning to visit the area, make sure to do plenty of research to find out whats open, whats available and whats just not even there anymore. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Not really. The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida Taking a boat tour off the beach? Haven't been to either. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. Copyright Lisa Erickson, Capturing Captiva, About|Contact|Privacy Policy|Sitemap, The Mucky Duck reopens after Hurricane Ian, How To Support Sanibel and Captiva Businesses, Captiva Island Parking App Pay Via Phone. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. I will say, depending on the types of places youre used to staying in Florida (or on vacation in general)I find that 95% of whats offered on Sanibel leaves a lot to be desired (especially for the $$). Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. There is access to the western sunset-facingpristine beaches of Captiva at Turner's Beach immediately after Blind Pass Bridge and also a small lot at the very end of Captiva Drive directly adjacent to South Seas Resort. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Where to Eat. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. I only took in the Captiva Island portion of the trip but made sure to experience as much of the area as possible and not just sit on patios listening to acoustic music while drinking rum punch. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. 10 Best Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches - Florida Vacationers Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. On the flip side of this is that Captiva allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? But honestly, zero impact. Dogs are welcome at Turner Beach- they must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 ft. We please ask that you remember to clean up after your dog. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. We did some . There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. day trips, Fort Myers, attractions, family fun with kids, Captiva, Captiva Island, restaurants, best restaurants, Southwest Florida, Gulf coast islands, Weird Florida: 8 Unusual Things to See and Do in Southwest Florida. You wont find any high rises (buildings are only allowed to be as tall as the tallest native tree on the island), any chains (except for the cutest little Dairy Queen thats been grandfathered in), and pretty much everything is a mom and pop shop or restaurant. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. The currents that bring abundant shells to sanibel and the 10K islands do result in some turbulence and suspended sand in the water at times even when there are no water releases. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. Realizing the differences in the two islands is important, Ive heard from people who stayed on Sanibel expecting the clear water and soft sand and were disappointed. Both islands have the same great beaches, but if youre coming for the day or youre not staying right on the beach, parking at the beaches on Captiva is much more limited and more expensive than on Sanibel. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. If youre trying to decide which island to stay on, its really going to come down to your budget and what exactly youre looking for. Frequent Islander is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Dont take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, its just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Sanibel is a better choice if you are beachcombing and want to enjoy biking on the bike paths, birdwatching, a d being out in nature in general. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. SANTIVA GENERAL STORE - 16 Reviews - 6406 Sanibel Captiva Rd - Yelp The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Because its the only way on and off the island, as you can imagine, traffic can be insane given the popularity of the islands as a tourist destination especially at the height of season from December through March. Its the top shelling destination in the country and shell collectors from around the world come to spend the day hunched over doing the Sanibel Stoop. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Hopefully this post helps you make a decision that puts you on the beach that will give you the most enjoyment from your island vacation. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. $5 per hour for parking. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. The water is frequently greenish and less than clear due to fine sediments stirred up by currents / wave action and significant drainage from the land, particularly after a storm. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. to bring home. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. That is a personal decision. Sanibel is crisscrossed by an extensive multi-use path system that gives bicyclists and walkers access to most of the destinations on the island including the wildlife refuge and most of the beaches. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. Your email address will not be published. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Since then, Sanibel has followed a path of creating a balance for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the island while at the same time proactively and aggressively controlling development and sprawl. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. Sometimes they are even joined when the narrow waterway of Blind Pass that separates them fills in and the two islands actually connect, though a concerted effort is underway to keep the pass open to improve the health of the bayous on the bay side. Honestly I cant imagine living on the island if I had to go to work off-island everyday, or just do a quick run to Target. Rent a bike! Blind Pass Beach. If youre not a paddler you can still see a lot of the refuge by taking the guided tram tour or hiking on established trails. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. Although you may not be able to climb to the top of the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, you are allowed to visit the surrounding areas for a lighthouse photo-op. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home "This light being lit . Shopping plazas along the main drag known as Periwinkle Way are small independent boutiques selling everything from souvenirs and beachwear to clothing and higher end designer apparel. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. That said, however, since most visitors seem to hit the beaches closest to the Sanibel Causeway (the only road on and off the island), youll find that the closer you get to the Causeway, the more crowded the beaches are. . Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. 2. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Holly Monroe Beneficiary Created October 5, 2022 Emergencies Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, youll immediately notice how the road narrows and homes are shrouded by lush greenery and gates. Can anyone give us advice. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Bowman's Beach. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. In the village area there are a number of marinas that offer charter captains and water taxi service to the out islands of North Captiva, Cabbage Key and Useppa. With amenities such as bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and playgrounds, youre going to find everything you need for the perfect day at the beach. It takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel and come to the small bridge over Blind Pass that brings you onto Captiva. Blind Pass Beach is one of the more unique beaches on this list given the fact that it stretches to the northern tip of Sanibel Island, making it easily accessible from Captiva Island as well. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. jesseaknight 5 mo. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. The geography of each island makes it unique. $5 per hour for public parking. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. While Captiva Island features a North-South orientation like most of Floridas Gulf barrier islands, youll find that Sanibel Island has a unique East-West orientation. CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. It will take you roughly one hour to get to Sanibel and Captiva from the Fort Myers airport Southwest Florida International (RSW) to the Sanibel Causeway. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. Here are the most noticeable difference between the islands to help you pick your island destination: One of the biggest distinguishing factors between Sanibel and Captiva lies beneath your toes: their sand. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Asides the Sanibel Lighthouse, you can join a dolphin cruise or visit other amazing spots like: If you dont plan on staying in the Island, feel free to head inland for a day trip in Cape Coral. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling) Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Captiva Beach, Captiva Island: See 1,385 reviews, articles, and 733 photos of Captiva Beach, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Captiva Island. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination.