Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. Port Sanibel Marina | 2. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva 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. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Sanibel won, hands down. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. 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. Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. And share my account with your travel loving friends! 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. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. 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. Both have good shelling. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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! 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. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 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. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Sanibel and Captiva - Southern Boating Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor The biggest difference is the number of beaches. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . 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. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Turner Beach. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. 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. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. 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. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Almost every building still standing, only a few roofs damaged and some flooding around Andy Rosse Lane and the entrance to south seas (but not nearly as bad as on Sanibel). 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Tarpon Bay Road Beach. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? 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. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. But you will Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if Dont take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, its just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. 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. $5 per hour for public parking. No issue of traffic concerns. Captiva has more of a village feel. 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! 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. Blind Pass Beach. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. 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. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Sanibel Island versus Destin - Trippy 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. It reported that the agencies responsible for declaring public safety for the beaches and waters in Lee County are Lee County Parks & Recreation and the Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches program. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. 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. With Sanibel's unique orientation as a primarily East-West island, the shelling is great AND the beaches at either end (Lighthouse, East end) Blind Pass (west end) offer a variety of beach conditions to explore on the same day. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. South Capers, Sanibel Real Estate & Homes for Sale Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. ago Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. 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. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. 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 ? Haven't been to either. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. 19 THINGS TO DO IN FORT MYERS FOR FUN IN THE SUN - 365 Atlanta Traveler Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. Sep 26, 2020 Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. 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. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. You can even rent golf carts. Can you find a nice place to stay? Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. But its far from chaotic. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. And. With amenities such as bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and playgrounds, youre going to find everything you need for the perfect day at the beach. 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. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. 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 Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. "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. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. 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. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . Hopefully this post helps you make a decision that puts you on the beach that will give you the most enjoyment from your island vacation. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. Is Marco prettier? SANTIVA GENERAL STORE - 16 Reviews - 6406 Sanibel Captiva Rd - Yelp Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. 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. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. 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. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. 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. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 8 Great Places to Go Kayaking in Fort Myers, 50 Things to Do in Southwest Florida: The Ultimate Bucket List, 10 Fun and Easy Day Trips from Naples Florida, 15 Fun Things To Do on Sanibel Island, Florida, 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Castaway to 7 Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Islands Reachable Only By Boat, The 7 Best Beaches in Fort Myers Florida (Plus 5 More Nearby), 9 Sanibel Restaurants for Tropical Island Dining at Its Best. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. 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. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). 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. Tarpon Beach. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. 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. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. 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. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. "This light being lit . Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. Siesta Key vs Captiva Island - Siesta Key Forum - Tripadvisor Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. It does. There is no fee for Florida residents. 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. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Slice of Paradise is Better? Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass.