Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com 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. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. Everyone is differentI much prefer Sanibel to Marco by a wide margin, but if you want a more elegant experience with groomed beaches than Marco might be a better fit for you. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? At this point, the combined preserved/ protected conservation land owned by the National Refuge, private foundations and the City of Sanibel extends to about 70% of the island. 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. 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. 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. "This light being lit . 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. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Where to Find Shells on Sanibel Island - Port Sanibel Marina You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. 2. jesseaknight 5 mo. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island for a vacation?Sanibel and Marco islands are both tropical gems of Southwest Florida, attracting thousands of visitors each year for a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a honeymoon. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. 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. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. 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. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. 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. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. 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 . The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. 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 ? You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. 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. 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 best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go Is Marco prettier? You can even rent golf carts. 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. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Sanibel vs Captiva? Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home 2. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. 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. Haven't been to either. 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". The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Purdue9394/Getty Images. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. 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. 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. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Discover the Beauty of Sanibel and Captiva Islands There is so much to find and enjoy in Southwest Florida, especially on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! 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. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Slice of Paradise is Better? Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. 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. But its far from chaotic. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. 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 also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Lighthouse Beach. CEPD reports on beach and water conditions | News, Sports, Jobs You can download an app with tons of info on it. P.S. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. 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. Located in the middle of the island, there is more than enough space to enjoy the sunshine or relax in the shade should you want to take a moment to rest. Taking a boat tour off the beach? The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. 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. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. 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. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded 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 . 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. 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. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. 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 $$). These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. Captiva Island. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. 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. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. The depth of beach space changes too. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Both islands are breathtaking. Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. 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 no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Rent a bike! Captiva has more of a village feel. In fact, as Sanibel and Captiva are connected by bridges, interested cyclists can bike from Fort Myers proper all the way across to both of the islands and back if they choose. 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. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. . While Sanibel and Captiva arent radically different, Ill do my best to break the two down: Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. 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. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is another fun place to visit on Sanibel with interesting exhibits, interactive stations for the kids, and shell collections from all over the world. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. 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. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. $5 per hour for parking. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. 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! 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. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. 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. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. 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. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. 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. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Eight Sanibel and Captiva beaches you have to visit include: Bowman's Beach Lighthouse Beach Blind Pass Beach Captiva Beach Turner Beach Gulfside City Park/Algiers Beach Causeway Beach Park Tarpon Bay Beach Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. 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. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. 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. It does. Sanibel's lighthouse shining bright again five months after Hurricane Ian We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! 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. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. 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. Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Two Sanibel incumbents face challengers in Tuesday elections Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. 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. 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. There are 23 general parking spaces. 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. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. Which is never a bad thing. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. The 7 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island Is this really a true statement? Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. The sand quality is good. The beach is very wide/deep so the buildings have zero impact, but if youre not used to seeing that, it can be a disconcerting at first. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums A lot of the island itself is privately owned. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? 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. . For Sale. Very different experiences. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Thank you 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! 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. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night Shopping plazas along the main drag known as Periwinkle Way are small independent boutiques selling everything from souvenirs and beachwear to clothing and higher end designer apparel. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. Absolutely. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island.