which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. 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. 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. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. You can download an app with tons of info on it. All great points. Captiva Island. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. 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. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Thats the right question! But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts boasts more than 50 years of hospitality marketing and management success all based on the delivery of our mission, by each team member, to each of you, our guests: deliver a warm, friendly and memorable island resort experience that provides value to you so exceptional, you'll want to return . 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. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Can anyone give us advice. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Port Sanibel Marina | Mostly boutique shopping. 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. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Or is there another better spot? No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. Sanibel won, hands down. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. 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). These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. 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 paths are well marked and almost flat. 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. 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. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. 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! You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Not really. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. 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. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. 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. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. 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. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. Email agent. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. 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. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. 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. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. 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. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. 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. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. 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. Overall, the options youll find on Captiva are a little more upscale than Sanibel, but both are very laid back islands without much major development. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). 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. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. There are several reasons for this, partly because Captiva lacks the number of activities and attractions that Sanibel has, and partly because it is almost entirely private property with very high-end homes. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! 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. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. 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. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . 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. They contain thousands of shells you can find. P.S. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. 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. Turner Beach. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. jesseaknight 5 mo. The access you get to the state park beach is at the West side of Panama Shell Drive at the end of Captiva Drive, and there are just miles of empty sands and fallen trees to explore and climb. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! The best comparison is to a mattress. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Not at all. With Sanibel's unique orientation as a primarily East-West island, the shelling is great AND the beaches at either end (Lighthouse, East end) Blind Pass (west end) offer a variety of beach conditions to explore on the same day. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. Captiva doesnt have the network of dedicated bike paths that Sanibel has, so if you were looking forward to extensive bike-riding on your vacation, Sanibel may be the better choice. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! 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. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. 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! If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. 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. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Mostly boutique shopping. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. . Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. 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. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . Tarpon Bay Road Beach. 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. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. 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. However, that doesnt quite hold true. The other three councilmen are Scott. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. 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. Is Marco prettier? But both islands have their own unique personality. 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. This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 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. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com 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. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . 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. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. ;-). You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. While you're likely to find many shells at any of Sanibel's 6 public beaches, a couple that stand out include: Gulfside City Park Beach- This beautiful sandy beach is covered with countless shells to collect. Purdue9394/Getty Images. These islands are more alike than they are different. There are 76 general parking spaces. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. To give you an accurate perspective, Sanibel is downright sleepy compared with other southwest Florida towns like Fort Myers, Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs even Punta Gorda.But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though there's still plenty to do.. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, you'll immediately notice how the road narrows and . The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. 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. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. 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. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 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. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. 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 SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Some of the features of the beach that youll find here include: Whether youre by yourself, with a loved one, or bringing the whole family, Bowmans Beach is a great option. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. 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. 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! There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. 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 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. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. You can visit: Matlacha is a small home village, which is best known for their quirky shops, and several eateries offering some of the best delicacies. 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. 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. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. 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's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Blind Pass Beach Park. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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". One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular.

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