On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Can anyone give us advice. 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. Email agent. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. The depth of beach space changes too. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. 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. Be sure to use the head. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. 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. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. Where to Eat. 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. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . 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. You can even rent golf carts. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. $5 per hour for parking. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Tarpon Bay Road Beach. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! 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. If youre trying to decide which island to stay on, its really going to come down to your budget and what exactly youre looking for. 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. Both have good shelling. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida lie the twin barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, coastal jewels of the Lee County coast. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Sanibel won, hands down. Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island 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. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Bowman's Beach. Elsewhere the beautiful green canopy that was destroyed by Hurricane Charley is getting replaced by trees planted in 2006 and extensive landscaping is once again beautifying Periwinkle Way. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. Not at all. It was warm and pleasant. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if 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. 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home Sanibel's lighthouse shining bright again five months after Hurricane Ian We are staying a week. 10 Best Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches - Florida Vacationers At the end of the lane is one of Captivas most popular restaurants, The Mucky Duck, a laid-back place thats great for a cold drink and watching the sunset.On the opposite side of Captiva Drive is a popular favorite, the Bubble Room complete with year-round Christmas decorations and a very funky decor. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. But its far from chaotic. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. 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. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. Thats a must! Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Is Marco prettier? Siesta Key vs Captiva Island - Siesta Key Forum - Tripadvisor TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. 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. You cant access Captiva without going through Sanibel and these two islands have such a different vibe than pretty much every other place in the area so theyre often compared. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. 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. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. 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. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . $5 per hour for public parking. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023
A lot of the island itself is privately owned. 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! While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Preferences, preferences. . 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. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. 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. There are so many different species of fish here, and with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you can imagine how popular its been as a destination here as you can access the beach right from the water, too. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. All great points. Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. 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. 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. You can park for free here, and you can head to the park during the day for the kids to play before heading to the sand. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. 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. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. There are 76 general parking spaces. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Captiva Island Beaches The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. 7/9/2016. Or is there another better spot? Tarpon Beach. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. 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. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund 2. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! On the flip side of this is that Captiva allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. If youre not a paddler you can still see a lot of the refuge by taking the guided tram tour or hiking on established trails. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. 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. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . ;-). Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. 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 $$). more. . If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Here is our best explanation of the main differences between Sanibel vs Captiva islands, to help you decide which island stay is right for you. 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. Sep 26, 2020 Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. 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. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. Fishers will love the opportunity to fish and catch their day, and with amazing sunrises and sunsets, youll find somewhere to sit and marvel at the colors. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. It will take you roughly one hour to get to Sanibel and Captiva from the Fort Myers airport Southwest Florida International (RSW) to the Sanibel Causeway. Blind Pass Beach Park. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. 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. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. Before we delve into whats unique about each island, let us just say that both islands have these things in common: Gorgeous beaches and a laid back, islandy atmosphere, There are NO: high-rise hotels and condos, big box stores, chain restaurants or traffic signals. The geography of each island makes it unique. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. 0.25 acre lot. $899,000. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including .