Sanibel and Captiva islands offer tourists at least fifteen miles of stunning beaches, and boost over 250 kinds of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regions.. You see why I said that Sanibel and Captiva have what I cherish. Theres nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach, and Lighthouse Beach has some of the best spaces to let your worries float away. Blind Pass Beach. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Sanibel isnt a cheap vacation destination (supply and demand because of development restrictions) so youre probably going to pay a premium for anything on the beach. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. 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. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. 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. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. 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. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. 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. P.S. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? 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. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. 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 has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. Sanibel is known for its beaches some of the best beaches in southwest Florida but even more so for the millions of shells that wash up on its shores by the hour. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. 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. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. 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. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. The sand quality is good. We are staying a week. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. Fishers will love the opportunity to fish and catch their day, and with amazing sunrises and sunsets, youll find somewhere to sit and marvel at the colors. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. Lighthouse Beach is one of the best places to watch sunset on Sanibel or Captiva because of the lighthouse it makes any sunset pic of Sanibel Instaworthy! Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Check VRBO Availability of Captiva Beachfront Rentals, Top 10 Tricks for Planning a Sanibel Island Vacation on a Budget, What to Look for in a Captiva or Sanibel Island Vacation Rental, The 3 Best Months to Visit Sanibel Island, The Highest Rated Captiva Island House Rentals, The 5 Highest Rated St George Island Beach House Rentals, The 5 Best Anna Maria Island Beachfront House Rentals, The 5 Biggest Florida Keys Beach House Rentals, The 6 Best Amelia Island Vacation Rentals, Top 10 Hidden Caribbean Private Island Rentals, Sanibel Island Tips & Secrets Only a Local Would Know, Complete Guide to Kayaking Sanibel Island. Thank you Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. Youll find restrooms here quickly, and while the beach wont allow your dog or any open fires, you can still have a great time here. Both islands have these things in common: Beautiful beaches, lack of high-rise hotels and condos, mostly low density development, and a laid back atmosphere. . There are other differences between the islands, too. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Rent a bike! Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. 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. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! 0.25 acre lot. The geography of each island makes it unique. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. The beach is very wide/deep so the buildings have zero impact, but if youre not used to seeing that, it can be a disconcerting at first. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. Everyone is differentI much prefer Sanibel to Marco by a wide margin, but if you want a more elegant experience with groomed beaches than Marco might be a better fit for you. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. There isnt a full-on grocery store (The Island Store is the closest it gets), but the shops on the island can get you most, if not all, of your basic needs. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. As they are a bit less shelly, the sands are a bit softer than on Sanibel and the water is usually clearer and less sandy. A collaborative effort of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, the survey of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida aims to gain a better understanding of their winter distributions, the SCCF reported. 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 biggest difference is the number of beaches. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . The residents, wishing to conserve the natural setting and protect the wildlife refuge atmosphere actually broke away from the county and formedSanibel's own municipal government. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Sep 26, 2020 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has secured its spot as one of the best Sanibel hotels on the beach, thanks to its many amazing amenities and waterfront location. Can you find a nice place to stay? And. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. You can reach Blind Pass by heading to Sanibel's western tip where the gorgeous white sand flanks the channel between Sanibel and Captiva islands. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. The J.N. Both have good shelling. McCarthy's Marina, Captiva Vessels up to 24 feet (239) 472-5200 Port Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 65 feet (239) 437-1660 portsanibelmarina.com. Not really. Tarpon Beach. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. Is this really a true statement? Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. Here is our best explanation of the main differences between Sanibel vs Captiva islands, to help you decide which island stay is right for you. Elsewhere the beautiful green canopy that was destroyed by Hurricane Charley is getting replaced by trees planted in 2006 and extensive landscaping is once again beautifying Periwinkle Way. In fact, as Sanibel and Captiva are connected by bridges, interested cyclists can bike from Fort Myers proper all the way across to both of the islands and back if they choose. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Its a popular destination for those who love to hop from Captiva Island to Sanibel Island and the kids will love the chance to comb for shells. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Its on the Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, so all swimmers need to be as cautious as possible, as there are strong currents and a swift undertow. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. However, that doesnt quite hold true. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Email agent. If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Because of the more remote location furthest from the Sanibel Causeway, what few public beaches there are on Captiva Island tend to be much less-crowded compared with the beaches on Sanibel. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. At stake in Sanibel's nonpartisan Tuesday city council election: the seats now filled by the island's mayor and vice-mayor, Holly Smith and Richard Johnson. Captiva does not have a bike path, but rather, a 3 foot "safety shoulder" that runs along each side of Captiva Rd, so inexperienced bicyclists and children should use extra caution. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. At the end of the lane is one of Captivas most popular restaurants, The Mucky Duck, a laid-back place thats great for a cold drink and watching the sunset.On the opposite side of Captiva Drive is a popular favorite, the Bubble Room complete with year-round Christmas decorations and a very funky decor. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. As far as recommendations on where to stay on each island: On Captiva: South Seas Island Resort or Tween Waters Island Resort, On Sanibel: Casa Ybel Resort, Tortuga Beach Club Resort, the Inns of Sanibel, Sanibel Restaurant Recommendations: What I Liked & What I Didnt, Shopping on Sanibel: A Must Visit Bookstore & Cute Boutiques, A Visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Cayo Costa Shelling Tours with Captiva Cruises, Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co in Downtown Fort Myers Review, Matlacha Isles & Pine Island: A Great Fort Myers Day Trips. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. 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. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. 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. 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. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. Drop us a line. Last month, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers participated in the 15th annual Florida Winter Shorebird Survey, documenting nearly 3,000 shorebirds and seabirds over two days. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. 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. But I digress. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Is Marco prettier? "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Hotels near The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Hotels near Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Hotels near Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Hotels near Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Hotels near Sanibel Moorings Botanical Garden Tours. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island for a vacation?Sanibel and Marco islands are both tropical gems of Southwest Florida, attracting thousands of visitors each year for a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a honeymoon. As you head for the tip of Captiva, the island gets very narrow allowing you to see the Gulf on one side and Pine Island Sound on the other. 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. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). This means you and your pup can frolic in the waves at Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park, Bowman's Beach, and other Sanibel waterfronts. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. . Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. With picnic areas for all, you can take a bike ride to the park and the beach, as there are bike racks to use, too. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. ago The kids will love the park, and you can take a moment to explore the shoreline and find as many shells as you like (not live ones!) 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. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! 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. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. There are several reasons for this, partly because Captiva lacks the number of activities and attractions that Sanibel has, and partly because it is almost entirely private property with very high-end homes. Both islands are breathtaking. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. 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. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. 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. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. . Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. 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. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Eight Sanibel and Captiva beaches you have to visit include: Bowman's Beach Lighthouse Beach Blind Pass Beach Captiva Beach Turner Beach Gulfside City Park/Algiers Beach Causeway Beach Park Tarpon Bay Beach And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Lighthouse Beach. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. 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. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the beach with a limited number of spaces, and is $5.00 per hour paid at the lot kiosk. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. 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! You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person.
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