which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. 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. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). They contain thousands of shells you can find. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. There is no fee for Florida residents. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. Local grocery stores like Jerrys and Baileys General Store are good for sandwiches, prepared foods, good picnic food for the beach, and stocking your own kitchenette or vacation rental. Both have good shelling. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. 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. . Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. 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. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. Sanibel Island might be better for you if youre looking for active family vacations, great shelling beaches, more shopping and dining amenities, being closer to nature preserves and off-island driving adventures to Fort Myers and beyond to the Everglades or Charlotte Harbor. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Haven't been to either. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. You can even rent golf carts. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. It was warm and pleasant. 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. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. While you're likely to find many shells at any of Sanibel's 6 public beaches, a couple that stand out include: Gulfside City Park Beach- This beautiful sandy beach is covered with countless shells to collect. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. 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. There are 23 general parking spaces. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. P.S. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. 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. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. Thank you for your responses. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. 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. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. Absolutely. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. But if you are looking for the more traditional sugar sand beach with clear blue water the Captiva Island Beaches are the way to go. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. jesseaknight 5 mo. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. Bringing the whole family is a must when you head to Captiva Beach, and there are plenty of beaches and places to stay along those beaches. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Sanibel beaches are renowned for the shells that wash up every day - it's the top shelling destination in North America and residents and visitors bending over to examine the shells is the source of the posture known as the 'Sanibel Stoop". The Atlantic with its steep continental dropoff has stronger surf than the Gulf coast which is relatively shallow (there is actually a shallows area many miles off-shore). It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. Which is never a bad thing. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. 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. Be sure to use the head. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? 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. Whether you choose Sanibel Island or Captiva Island, these destinations are a 30 minutes car drive from each other so you can always change your mind if you want to. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. ;-). It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. The sand quality is good. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. There are 76 general parking spaces. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands Turner Beach (Blind Pass Beach) Just a stone's throw from the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva lies Turner Beach, aka Blind Pass Beach. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. 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. Sep 26, 2020 If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Thats a must! $899,000. 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. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. 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. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. That is a personal decision. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Blind Pass Beach. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. But its far from chaotic. Can anyone give us advice. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. 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. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. As you approach the northern part of Captiva, you come to the small and very quaintvillage areawhere you will find an assortment of restaurants and shops, as well as the post office, a bank and a small library. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. 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. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. 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. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida lie the twin barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, coastal jewels of the Lee County coast. To give you an accurate perspective, Sanibel is downright sleepy compared with other southwest Florida towns like Fort Myers, Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs even Punta Gorda.But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though there's still plenty to do.. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, you'll immediately notice how the road narrows and . 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. This is all from my personal experience on the islands, nothing I have read on any blog or website trying to sell you on an expensive vacation package at one of the resorts. 0.25 acre lot. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. Can you find a nice place to stay? Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Despite a huge push from developers, the city held their ground with strong building restrictions that were intended to protect the environment (to this day, half the island is a nature preserve) and its largely what makes Sanibel so quaint. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. 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. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. 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. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Thats the right question! Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . Perwinkle Way is the main business street but you will note that large sections are still devoid of parking lots and buildings where it traverses natural areas. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Then it takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel to the small bridge at Blind Pass that brings you to Captiva. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. Port Sanibel Marina | 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. Overall, the options youll find on Captiva are a little more upscale than Sanibel, but both are very laid back islands without much major development. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). 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. 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. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. 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. Sanibel is a bike island. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. 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. Tarpon Bay Road Beach. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. 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. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? to bring home. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. 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. Gulfside City Park. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. Before we delve into whats unique about each island, let us just say that both islands have these things in common: Gorgeous beaches and a laid back, islandy atmosphere, There are NO: high-rise hotels and condos, big box stores, chain restaurants or traffic signals. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. The same gradual sloping shoreline that collects millions of shells on the beaches of Sanibel also prevent it from having bright clear blue water most of the year. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. 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. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. more. The SanCap area is reminiscent of the differences between a smaller community versus the regional center; Sanibel is a smaller town that provides basic services to the broader area. Bowman's Beach. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Very different experiences. Rent a bike! Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. 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. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Amelia Island. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Preferences, preferences. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. . Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. 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. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! 1. 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. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Turner Beach. The deep channel of water of what is now Blind Pass was formed, forever separating the two (though barely) by a narrow two-lane bridge thats small enough to walk across in under a minute. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. But both islands have their own unique personality. Located in the middle of the island, there is more than enough space to enjoy the sunshine or relax in the shade should you want to take a moment to rest. Marcos beach is beautiful. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. 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. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner.

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