which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. For Sale: Single Family home, $1,795,000, 3 Bd, 5 Ba, 3,516 Sqft, $511/Sqft, at 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Privacy Policy | Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. Thanks to the forethought and determination of local residents, there have been consistent efforts since the 1970s to conserve and protect the natural setting and limit mass development, so much so that citizens formed their own municipal government apart from Lee County. 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. $899,000. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. "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. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! 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. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Slice of Paradise is Better? Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. 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. The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Captiva Island Beaches: 3 Best Access Points | PlanetWare Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. 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. 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. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Turner Beach. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. Blind Pass Beach. Differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches 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. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. And share my account with your travel loving friends! Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. 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. 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. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. 7/9/2016. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. The J.N. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. SANTIVA GENERAL STORE - 16 Reviews - 6406 Sanibel Captiva Rd - Yelp The currents that bring abundant shells to sanibel and the 10K islands do result in some turbulence and suspended sand in the water at times even when there are no water releases. But I digress. 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. Is Marco prettier? 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. Sanibel and Captiva remain very much in recovery mode, but some business leaders urged city management to open back up, so visitors can once again eat, shop and stay at the iconic barrier islands . You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Which is never a bad thing. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. 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. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. 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. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You can even rent golf carts. 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. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Email agent. Gulfside City Park. 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. Captiva has more of a village feel. No issue of traffic concerns. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. Is this really a true statement? That is a personal decision. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. 2. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. Because its the only way on and off the island, as you can imagine, traffic can be insane given the popularity of the islands as a tourist destination especially at the height of season from December through March. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling) The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. 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. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Its on the Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, so all swimmers need to be as cautious as possible, as there are strong currents and a swift undertow. The sand quality is good. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. 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. 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. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. 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. 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. However, that doesnt quite hold true. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Thats the right question! The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits 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! Can anyone give us advice. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum It does. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. Sanibel, Captiva residents await news of Ian's destruction | Miami Herald There are 76 general parking spaces. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Thats a must! 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. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Perwinkle Way is the main business street but you will note that large sections are still devoid of parking lots and buildings where it traverses natural areas. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. With amenities such as bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and playgrounds, youre going to find everything you need for the perfect day at the beach. The 7 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and 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. . Sanibel vs Captiva? 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. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian As they are a bit less shelly, the sands are a bit softer than on Sanibel and the water is usually clearer and less sandy. 19 THINGS TO DO IN FORT MYERS FOR FUN IN THE SUN - 365 Atlanta Traveler Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. Turner Beach. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . 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. 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. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night more. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. Siesta Key vs Captiva Island - Siesta Key Forum - Tripadvisor Mostly boutique shopping. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Frequent Islander is 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. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. 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. 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. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Sanibel is a unique blend of well-protected nature destination and tourist hotspot with a bit of everything for those seeking a laid-back, go at your own pace vacation. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. P.S. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Tarpon Beach. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. 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. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. A collaborative effort of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, the survey of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida aims to gain a better understanding of their winter distributions, the SCCF reported. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) 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. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. Blind Pass Beach Park. Both have good shelling. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. But its far from chaotic. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if

which beach is better sanibel or captiva? 2023