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. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Almost every building still standing, only a few roofs damaged and some flooding around Andy Rosse Lane and the entrance to south seas (but not nearly as bad as on Sanibel). Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? Be sure to use the head. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. $899,000. ago Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. 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. Preferences, preferences. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? 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. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. 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. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. Bowman's Beach. No issue of traffic concerns. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. 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. Just within the past two weeks, we've seen Billy's Rentals and Tarpon Bay Explorers reopen, along with Doc Ford's, Timbers and the Great White Grill. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Thats a must! It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. 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. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. Onceyou're is on the beach, it is public property from mean the high tide line to the water, so you can stroll to your heart's content. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Is Marco prettier? The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. 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. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Blind Pass Beach. They contain thousands of shells you can find. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. to bring home. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. . Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. 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. 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. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Absolutely. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. For Sale. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. 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. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? At this point, the combined preserved/ protected conservation land owned by the National Refuge, private foundations and the City of Sanibel extends to about 70% of the island. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. 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. 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. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. 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". 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. There are other differences between the islands, too. You want to find a slice of paradise when you go to the beach, and Captiva Beach is the most authentic piece of heaven there is. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. 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. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. 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. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. Captiva Island. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. 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. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. 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. These islands are more alike than they are different. 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, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Now that I am retired and live here full-time I really appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and natural, ungroomed beaches, and of course the shelling. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. 2. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. jesseaknight 5 mo. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Gulfside City Park. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. 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. Or is there another better spot? Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. 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. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. 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. Mostly boutique shopping. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. You cant access Captiva without going through Sanibel and these two islands have such a different vibe than pretty much every other place in the area so theyre often compared. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. For Sale. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. 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. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Turner Beach. 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. We are staying a week. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. 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. Both islands are breathtaking. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. 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. P.S. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. The whole island is practically all beach on the West, and this is where the Gulf of Mexico laps at the shore just what you want to dip your toes into! These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. 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. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 "This light being lit . Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. The majority of Captivas accommodations are at South Seas Island Resort, and its a lovely stay perfect also for destination weddings and other family gathering as they have a variety of accommodation types from studios to 3 and 4 bedroom homes. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. But both islands have their own unique personality. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. 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. 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. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Here and on adjacent roads you will find a wide selection of restaurants, galleries, shops, food markets, a live theater company, a movie theaterand severalsmall shopping centers. Great Licks is the perfect place to help you cool off from Florida heat and pamper your taste buds for amazing and mouthwatering homemade ice cream. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. 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. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. 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. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N.
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