The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. 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. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. For Sale. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. 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. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. 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. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com 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. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. . What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Asides the Sanibel Lighthouse, you can join a dolphin cruise or visit other amazing spots like: If you dont plan on staying in the Island, feel free to head inland for a day trip in Cape Coral. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Slice of Paradise is Better? The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. 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. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva Then it takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel to the small bridge at Blind Pass that brings you to Captiva. Both islands have these things in common: Beautiful beaches, lack of high-rise hotels and condos, mostly low density development, and a laid back atmosphere. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. 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. They contain thousands of shells you can find. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina 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. But if you are looking for the more traditional sugar sand beach with clear blue water the Captiva Island Beaches are the way to go. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has secured its spot as one of the best Sanibel hotels on the beach, thanks to its many amazing amenities and waterfront location. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. 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. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. 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. 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. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Email agent. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. 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. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. 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 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. Blind Pass Beach. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! And the standards of the condos arent the highest. 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. 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. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). 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. 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. 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. The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. 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. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. Im not saying any of this to put you off, because Sanibel and Captiva are GREAT islands and one of my favorite places in Florida, but if youre used to staying at more high end beach resorts in other parts of Florida, what that money gets you on Sanibel and Captiva is a lotless. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Very different experiences. And share my account with your travel loving friends! Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. 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 Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Tarpon Beach. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. 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. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund But its far from chaotic. 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. There isnt a full-on grocery store (The Island Store is the closest it gets), but the shops on the island can get you most, if not all, of your basic needs. 1. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. 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. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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. There is no fee for Florida residents. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. 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. Mostly boutique shopping. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. 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. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. 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. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team 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. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. While the intention is to rebuild, the causeway has been fixed, and the island is expected to begin opening to tourism in January 2023, things are not back to normal and likely wont be for a long time. The best comparison is to a mattress. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? 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! Haven't been to either. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Tarpon Bay Road Beach. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the beach with a limited number of spaces, and is $5.00 per hour paid at the lot kiosk. 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. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. Not really. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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. You can even rent golf carts. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! 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. My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. See the Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. All great points. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Privacy Policy | Purdue9394/Getty Images. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. 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. 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. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Hotels near The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Hotels near Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Hotels near Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Hotels near Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Hotels near Sanibel Moorings Botanical Garden Tours. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. Your email address will not be published. Marcos beach is beautiful. The depth of beach space changes too. 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. Both islands have the same great beaches, but if youre coming for the day or youre not staying right on the beach, parking at the beaches on Captiva is much more limited and more expensive than on Sanibel. 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 . Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory Sanibel, Captiva residents await news of Ian's destruction | Miami Herald

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