Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. 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. 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. Rent a bike! 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. For Sale. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Is this really a true statement? 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. 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. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. Bowman's Beach. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. 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. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Dogs are welcome at Turner Beach- they must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 ft. We please ask that you remember to clean up after your dog. $5 per hour for public parking. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Preferences, preferences. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. Thats a must! Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. The kids will love the park, and you can take a moment to explore the shoreline and find as many shells as you like (not live ones!) At stake in Sanibel's nonpartisan Tuesday city council election: the seats now filled by the island's mayor and vice-mayor, Holly Smith and Richard Johnson. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Which is never a bad thing. . There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. The geography of each island makes it unique. 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. 0.25 acre lot. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. P.S. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Blind Pass Beach is one of the more unique beaches on this list given the fact that it stretches to the northern tip of Sanibel Island, making it easily accessible from Captiva Island as well. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. . 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. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. 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. Is Marco prettier? TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. 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. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Your support really helps me keep this blog running! All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. 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. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Sanibel vs Captiva? The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. See the But I digress. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. While Captiva Island features a North-South orientation like most of Floridas Gulf barrier islands, youll find that Sanibel Island has a unique East-West orientation. Can anyone give us advice. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. The Atlantic with its steep continental dropoff has stronger surf than the Gulf coast which is relatively shallow (there is actually a shallows area many miles off-shore). Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. 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. But both islands have their own unique personality. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. The sand quality is good. Port Sanibel Marina | One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Lighthouse Beach. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. 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 great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. 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. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. The best comparison is to a mattress. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. 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. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. 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 kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. Both islands are breathtaking. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. 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! 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! On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. 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. 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. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? 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. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. McCarthy's Marina, Captiva Vessels up to 24 feet (239) 472-5200 Port Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 65 feet (239) 437-1660 portsanibelmarina.com. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. We did some . Sanibel is a wonderful overall vacation experience if you like beachcombing and non chain restaurants and nature in general, but the water clarity varies with the tides and winds and currents. Mostly boutique shopping. Captiva Island, on the other hand, is perfect for quiet family vacations, romantic getaways, privacy and exclusivity, and easy access to off-island boat adventures to out islands. But you will Silver Key Beach. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. 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. 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. 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. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. 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. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. 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. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. 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 ? If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. The island is a lot smaller than Sanibel (half of its taken up by the South Seas Island Resort), but it feels very much the same. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. 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 has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. Onceyou're is on the beach, it is public property from mean the high tide line to the water, so you can stroll to your heart's content. 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. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. 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. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). Amelia Island. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Sanibel City leaders said their beaches fared better than Captiva's in the erosion department following Eta, although isolated erosion was spotted on some public beaches. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. 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. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? 7/9/2016. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. 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.