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. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. On the end of Captiva near Blind Pass Captiva is typically pretty busy but the reast of the 5 miles of beach is some of the quietest you will find. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. 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. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? 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. Thanks to the forethought and determination of local residents, there have been consistent efforts since the 1970s to conserve and protect the natural setting and limit mass development, so much so that citizens formed their own municipal government apart from Lee County. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. . The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. 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. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. Gather some refreshments and enjoy a picnic on the beach, its one of the most beautiful places you will ever have the pleasure of visiting. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Sanibel vs Captiva? "This light being lit . Thank you for your responses. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. 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. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. 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. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? 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. 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. The J.N. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. The intimate 10-day festival starts off in Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, then moves on to downtown Fort Myers and wraps up at Fort Myers Beach. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. Blind Pass Beach Park. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! 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. Be sure to use the head. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. 2. See the Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. To get to the beach, its a short five minute walk through a nature trail, boardwalk bridge, hammock, and beach scrub to get where you need to be. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. Amelia Island. 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. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. It reported that the agencies responsible for declaring public safety for the beaches and waters in Lee County are Lee County Parks & Recreation and the Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches program. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. Both have good shelling. 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 . We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. 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. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. Email agent. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! Is Marco prettier? Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . While the intention is to rebuild, the causeway has been fixed, and the island is expected to begin opening to tourism in January 2023, things are not back to normal and likely wont be for a long time. 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! 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. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. 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. 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. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. 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. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. 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. more. 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. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. But you will 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. 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. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. 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. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! 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. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Tarpon Beach. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. The best comparison is to a mattress. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. 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. 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. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. No issue of traffic concerns. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? 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. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. 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. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Is this really a true statement? Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. 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. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. $5 per hour for public parking. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. 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! To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. Sanibel City leaders said their beaches fared better than Captiva's in the erosion department following Eta, although isolated erosion was spotted on some public beaches. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). Bowman's Beach. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Frequent Islander is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Mostly boutique shopping. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. 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. 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. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. . If youre planning to visit the area, make sure to do plenty of research to find out whats open, whats available and whats just not even there anymore. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Gulfside City Park. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. The geography of each island makes it unique. 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. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. 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. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. Whats the difference between Sanibel 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. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Lighthouse Beach. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . There is no fee for Florida residents. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. 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. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). That is a personal decision. 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. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Since then, Sanibel has followed a path of creating a balance for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the island while at the same time proactively and aggressively controlling development and sprawl. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. Not really. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Can anyone give us advice. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. 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. 0.25 acre lot. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva were still closed due to Hurricane Ian w hen we visited, but we marveled at the huge, powerful, beautiful waves we saw from the road. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. 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. 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. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
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