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. 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. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor See the 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. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. But I digress. 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. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. 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 has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. 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. 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 are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Which is never a bad thing. 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. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Now that I am retired and live here full-time I really appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and natural, ungroomed beaches, and of course the shelling. Sanibel Island Florida Vacation Rentals | Breakaway Vacation Properties With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. Turner Beach. 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. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? 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". With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Where to Find Shells on Sanibel Island - Port Sanibel Marina Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. 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. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. $5 per hour for parking. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. 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 off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida lie the twin barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, coastal jewels of the Lee County coast. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. We did some . Port Sanibel Marina |
Rent a bike! Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. 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. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. 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. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. . Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. As you head for the tip of Captiva, the island gets very narrow allowing you to see the Gulf on one side and Pine Island Sound on the other. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. 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. Not really. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. In the village area there are a number of marinas that offer charter captains and water taxi service to the out islands of North Captiva, Cabbage Key and Useppa. Relative to Sanibel, only 583 residents live on over 1.6 square miles of island, and not nearly as many visitors venture over to Captiva, other than those staying at South Seas Island Resort. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida Mostly boutique shopping. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. jesseaknight 5 mo. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. 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. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Lighthouse Beach is one of the best places to watch sunset on Sanibel or Captiva because of the lighthouse it makes any sunset pic of Sanibel Instaworthy! 7/9/2016. Preferences, preferences. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. And. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. 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. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands Turner Beach (Blind Pass Beach) Just a stone's throw from the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva lies Turner Beach, aka Blind Pass Beach. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) It does. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? more. Sanibel won, hands down. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. 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. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! Privacy Policy |
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. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit 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. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. 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. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 0.25 acre lot. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. Sanibel is a bike island. 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. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. 1. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? For Sale. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation 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. As far as recommendations on where to stay on each island: On Captiva: South Seas Island Resort or Tween Waters Island Resort, On Sanibel: Casa Ybel Resort, Tortuga Beach Club Resort, the Inns of Sanibel, Sanibel Restaurant Recommendations: What I Liked & What I Didnt, Shopping on Sanibel: A Must Visit Bookstore & Cute Boutiques, A Visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Cayo Costa Shelling Tours with Captiva Cruises, Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co in Downtown Fort Myers Review, Matlacha Isles & Pine Island: A Great Fort Myers Day Trips. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. Tarpon Beach. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - travels-answers.com The other three councilmen are Scott. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. 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. There are 76 general parking spaces. 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. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! 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. All great points. Both islands are breathtaking. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. 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. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. 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. And share my account with your travel loving friends! This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Blind Pass Beach. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). Fishermen also enjoy the beach. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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! Thank you for your responses. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. 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. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. 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. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Eight Sanibel and Captiva beaches you have to visit include: Bowman's Beach Lighthouse Beach Blind Pass Beach Captiva Beach Turner Beach Gulfside City Park/Algiers Beach Causeway Beach Park Tarpon Bay Beach 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. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. 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. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Not at all. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. 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. 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. Bringing the whole family is a must when you head to Captiva Beach, and there are plenty of beaches and places to stay along those beaches. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Purdue9394/Getty Images. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. . 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. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida And there are no golf carts on Siesta. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. But you will 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. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. 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. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. 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. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. 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 ? The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. Sanibel, Captiva residents await news of Ian's destruction | Miami Herald 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. 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. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. It will take you roughly one hour to get to Sanibel and Captiva from the Fort Myers airport Southwest Florida International (RSW) to the Sanibel Causeway. 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.
