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Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. Thats a must! While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. There are so many different species of fish here, and with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you can imagine how popular its been as a destination here as you can access the beach right from the water, too. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Holly Monroe Beneficiary Created October 5, 2022 Emergencies Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. Sanibel Island 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. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on 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. TravelMagmais 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. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. The best comparison is to a mattress. Gulfside City Park. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. 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. 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. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. 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. 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. All great points. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. And we totally get it when youre planning a trip, understanding whats unique about one or the other can be so confusing, especially if youve never been here before. But its all about your expectations. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? 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. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. 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. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. 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. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. 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! Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. 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. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Thank you Can you find a nice place to stay? Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? 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 are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. Is Marco prettier? Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Rent a bike! 0.25 acre lot. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. The J.N. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. 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. 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. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. 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. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! There are 76 general parking spaces. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Tarpon Beach. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. 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. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. 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. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. Can anyone give us advice. Not at all. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. I only took in the Captiva Island portion of the trip but made sure to experience as much of the area as possible and not just sit on patios listening to acoustic music while drinking rum punch. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. You can park for free here, and you can head to the park during the day for the kids to play before heading to the sand. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. 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. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. The other three councilmen are Scott. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. 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. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. 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. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. 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. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. Lighthouse Beach. The paths are well marked and almost flat. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. 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. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The island is a lot smaller than Sanibel (half of its taken up by the South Seas Island Resort), but it feels very much the same. But I digress. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. 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. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. more. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. "This light being lit . There is no fee for Florida residents. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. 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. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Sanibel is a bike island. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. Very different experiences. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. 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. Is this really a true statement? 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. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Also, Captiva and North Captiva had medium counts and Cayo Costa's was low, a trend that continued north to Manasota Beach and south to 32 miles offshore of Wiggins Pass in Collier County. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? We are staying a week. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. 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. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. But honestly, zero impact. 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. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. 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. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. It was warm and pleasant. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Amelia Island. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Sanibel is a unique blend of well-protected nature destination and tourist hotspot with a bit of everything for those seeking a laid-back, go at your own pace vacation. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. The water is frequently greenish and less than clear due to fine sediments stirred up by currents / wave action and significant drainage from the land, particularly after a storm. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. I will say, depending on the types of places youre used to staying in Florida (or on vacation in general)I find that 95% of whats offered on Sanibel leaves a lot to be desired (especially for the $$). 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. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. Purdue9394/Getty Images. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. . There are 23 general parking spaces. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. If youre trying to decide which island to stay on, its really going to come down to your budget and what exactly youre looking for. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. 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. Its a popular destination for those who love to hop from Captiva Island to Sanibel Island and the kids will love the chance to comb for shells. 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. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. 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. Be sure to use the head. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. Out of the 1.6 square miles of Captiva, over 300 acres essentially the entire northern tip is all owned by the South Seas Resort. 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. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. 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. 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. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. 2. 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. What's there to do I one place vs the other? . Blind Pass Beach Park. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone.