Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! 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. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. 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. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. Sanibel vs Captiva? Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Not really. 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. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Can anyone give us advice. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. 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. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. 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. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. It takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel and come to the small bridge over Blind Pass that brings you onto Captiva. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Captiva Island. 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. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. Blind Pass Beach Park. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. "This light being lit . Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Turner Beach. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. 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 $$). Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Thats a must! Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. There are 76 general parking spaces. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. What's there to do I one place vs the other? 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. They contain thousands of shells you can find. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. 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. 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. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". 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. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? 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 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. 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. The depth of beach space changes too. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. 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. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. 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. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. . Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. 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. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. 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. Copyright Lisa Erickson, Capturing Captiva, About|Contact|Privacy Policy|Sitemap, The Mucky Duck reopens after Hurricane Ian, How To Support Sanibel and Captiva Businesses, Captiva Island Parking App Pay Via Phone. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. The other three councilmen are Scott. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) We are staying a week. 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. Taking a boat tour off the beach? When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. 0.25 acre lot. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). Like neat little boutiques for shopping. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. The SanCap area is reminiscent of the differences between a smaller community versus the regional center; Sanibel is a smaller town that provides basic services to the broader area. But its far from chaotic. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. 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. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. 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. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. The majority of Captivas accommodations are at South Seas Island Resort, and its a lovely stay perfect also for destination weddings and other family gathering as they have a variety of accommodation types from studios to 3 and 4 bedroom homes. While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. It does. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. 7/9/2016. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. 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. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. 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. ago Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Both have good shelling. 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. Just within the past two weeks, we've seen Billy's Rentals and Tarpon Bay Explorers reopen, along with Doc Ford's, Timbers and the Great White Grill. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. The Atlantic with its steep continental dropoff has stronger surf than the Gulf coast which is relatively shallow (there is actually a shallows area many miles off-shore). . The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. The sand quality is good. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. This means you and your pup can frolic in the waves at Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park, Bowman's Beach, and other Sanibel waterfronts. But both islands have their own unique personality. 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. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Marcos beach is beautiful. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. And share my account with your travel loving friends! If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. 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. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. 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. 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 ? Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Amelia Island. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. For Sale. 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. See the Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. Sanibel is a bike island. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. 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. Sep 26, 2020 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. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. 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. These islands are more alike than they are different. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Not at all. 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. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. to bring home. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. As far as "clear water" is concerned - no matter WHERE you are, the local conditions depend on the direction and strength of the winds, and the currents which vary from day to day, AND from one section of beach to the next. 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. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Elsewhere the beautiful green canopy that was destroyed by Hurricane Charley is getting replaced by trees planted in 2006 and extensive landscaping is once again beautifying Periwinkle Way. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Tarpon Beach. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 1. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Thank you Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! 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. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! 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!) The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. 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. 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. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. There are other differences between the islands, too. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. 2. 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. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? 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. $5 per hour for public parking. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. 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. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. 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. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. 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.
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