But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. 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. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. Eight Sanibel and Captiva beaches you have to visit include: For many people, the massive amount and variety of shells that can be found is what brings them Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. 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. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. It was warm and pleasant. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Captiva Island. Purdue9394/Getty Images. 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. I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit For Sale. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 The sand quality is good. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. 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. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island 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. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. 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. 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. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. 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. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. Blind Pass Beach. 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. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is another fun place to visit on Sanibel with interesting exhibits, interactive stations for the kids, and shell collections from all over the world. 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. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. The Keys are AMAZING in my opinion, but you do give up the nice, wide, sandy beaches when choosing to vacation in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. 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. 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. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. 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? The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. . Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. 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. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. 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. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. 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. 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. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? 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. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. 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 . There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. 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. Where to Eat. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. 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. The geography of each island makes it unique. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. . 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. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Its a beautiful resort and one we highly recommend staying at for its resort facilities including a 9-hole golf course, and the variety of accommodations that will suit everyone. Blind Pass Beach. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. Two Sanibel incumbents face challengers in Tuesday elections There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. $899,000. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Trip Report - TripSavvy People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. 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. The depth of beach space changes too. But its far from chaotic. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? We are staying a week. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. 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. Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. Turner Beach is a beautiful day out for the whole family, and with enough amenities to do it all, youll enjoy your time there immensely! Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Sanibel's lighthouse shining bright again five months after Hurricane Ian Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill 2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel Island OR 5400 S Seas Plantation Rd, Captiva Island That's right - Doc Ford's has two locations within the islands! Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. Im not saying any of this to put you off, because Sanibel and Captiva are GREAT islands and one of my favorite places in Florida, but if youre used to staying at more high end beach resorts in other parts of Florida, what that money gets you on Sanibel and Captiva is a lotless. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. 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. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. 7/9/2016. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. 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. Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. There are no stoplights (only a couple of four way stops and traffic directors who help move things along in congested areas at peak times) and a phenomenal network of bike trails. Very different experiences. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. You can download an app with tons of info on it. 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. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). Captiva Island Beaches Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! 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 smarter to go further down the beach here for swimming, but with the nearby bars and beachside restaurants, you may decide that sitting on the sand and watching the waves move is a safer option for you. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! 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. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. 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". Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. 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. 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. 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. Handicapped parking is free.Further up Captiva Drive, at the end of the main road on Captiva, there is another public beach adjacent to the entrance of South Seas Resort. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. 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. Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bowman's Beach. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! 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. Haven't been to either. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. 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!) Thats the right question! YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. 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. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . to bring home. 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling) it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. 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. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . 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. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. 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. Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. 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. Both islands are breathtaking. The J.N. 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. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. 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. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. 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! 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. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. 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. DINNER AT TIMBERS 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. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. ago Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. Differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches Sanibel is a bike island. Fishermen also enjoy the beach.

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