which beach is better sanibel or captiva? which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Thats a must! Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. 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 beaches of Sanibel and Captiva were still closed due to Hurricane Ian w hen we visited, but we marveled at the huge, powerful, beautiful waves we saw from the road. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. TravelMagmais 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. 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. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. 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. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Sanibel Island: Sanibel vs. Captiva? - Tripadvisor Captiva Island Beaches For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. 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. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. "This light being lit . This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Blind Pass Beach Park. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. Great Licks is the perfect place to help you cool off from Florida heat and pamper your taste buds for amazing and mouthwatering homemade ice cream. Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 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. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. 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!) The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. We did some . Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Sanibel isnt a cheap vacation destination (supply and demand because of development restrictions) so youre probably going to pay a premium for anything on the beach. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Sanibel Island versus Destin - Trippy Rent a bike! But its all about your expectations. Turner Beach. 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling) Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. Blind Pass Beach. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 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. The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. 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". You wont find any high rises (buildings are only allowed to be as tall as the tallest native tree on the island), any chains (except for the cutest little Dairy Queen thats been grandfathered in), and pretty much everything is a mom and pop shop or restaurant. Its a popular destination for those who love to hop from Captiva Island to Sanibel Island and the kids will love the chance to comb for shells. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! 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 Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. The J.N. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. Your email address will not be published. No issue of traffic concerns. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Sanibel vs Captiva? In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells 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. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Email agent. Can you find a nice place to stay? 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit Which is never a bad thing. The geography of each island makes it unique. The deep channel of water of what is now Blind Pass was formed, forever separating the two (though barely) by a narrow two-lane bridge thats small enough to walk across in under a minute. Is this really a true statement? Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Tarpon Beach. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Bowman's Beach. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It was warm and pleasant. 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. . But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. 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. A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. 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. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. Question: Clearwater Sand Key Beach vs Captiva Island-Which has a Very different experiences. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! 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. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. Bowmans Beach is one of many beaches on Sanibel Island, and on the western portion of the island.Its a protected site, with no developments going on, which leaves a pure and natural landscape to enjoy for all. 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. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. 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 The intimate 10-day festival starts off in Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, then moves on to downtown Fort Myers and wraps up at Fort Myers Beach. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts boasts more than 50 years of hospitality marketing and management success all based on the delivery of our mission, by each team member, to each of you, our guests: deliver a warm, friendly and memorable island resort experience that provides value to you so exceptional, you'll want to return . 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. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. Mostly boutique shopping. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. 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. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. 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. 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. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. "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. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Taking a boat tour off the beach? Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. 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. There are 76 general parking spaces. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. 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. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. All great points. 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. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. 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. Thank you The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Not really. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. More island businesses are re-opening every week. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. 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. Thats the right question! Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. 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. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. . 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. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. 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. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. I will say, depending on the types of places youre used to staying in Florida (or on vacation in general)I find that 95% of whats offered on Sanibel leaves a lot to be desired (especially for the $$). If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. 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. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. That is a personal decision. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. 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. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. 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. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . 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. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. 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. SANTIVA GENERAL STORE - 16 Reviews - 6406 Sanibel Captiva Rd - Yelp There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. Absolutely. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. Enjoy your visit. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. 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. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. Port Sanibel Marina | Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. 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. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches Sanibel Island shelling is considered the best shelling spot in the world according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. 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. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. There are 23 general parking spaces. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. 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. 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. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. 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.