There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. 1. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Whether you choose Sanibel Island or Captiva Island, these destinations are a 30 minutes car drive from each other so you can always change your mind if you want to. 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. 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. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. more. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! P.S. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). jesseaknight 5 mo. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. 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! 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 beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. 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. A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. Sanibel vs Captiva? For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Local grocery stores like Jerrys and Baileys General Store are good for sandwiches, prepared foods, good picnic food for the beach, and stocking your own kitchenette or vacation rental. 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. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. 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 . Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! Preferences, preferences. 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. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. Theres nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach, and Lighthouse Beach has some of the best spaces to let your worries float away. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. 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. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. 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. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. 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. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. 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 2. It was warm and pleasant. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? 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. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. 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. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. We did some . 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. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! 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. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. Mostly boutique shopping. Blind Pass Beach. 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! On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. No issue of traffic concerns. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. 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 Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. There are several reasons for this, partly because Captiva lacks the number of activities and attractions that Sanibel has, and partly because it is almost entirely private property with very high-end homes. 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! DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! There is access to the western sunset-facingpristine beaches of Captiva at Turner's Beach immediately after Blind Pass Bridge and also a small lot at the very end of Captiva Drive directly adjacent to South Seas Resort. It does. Captiva Island. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. 7/9/2016. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. 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. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. These islands are more alike than they are different. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. Turner Beach. Is Marco prettier? . Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. 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. 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. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. The geography of each island makes it unique. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Taking a boat tour off the beach? If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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 can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! 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. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Haven't been to either. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! Sanibel won, hands down. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. More island businesses are re-opening every week. 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. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. They contain thousands of shells you can find. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Can you find a nice place to stay? 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. Overall, the options youll find on Captiva are a little more upscale than Sanibel, but both are very laid back islands without much major development. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. ;-). 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. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. 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. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. The residents, wishing to conserve the natural setting and protect the wildlife refuge atmosphere actually broke away from the county and formedSanibel's own municipal government. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. You can even rent golf carts. Not at all. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. 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. 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. 0.25 acre lot. There is no fee for Florida residents. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, youll immediately notice how the road narrows and homes are shrouded by lush greenery and gates. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. 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. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island.

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