Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit Drop us a line. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. 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. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. day trips, Fort Myers, attractions, family fun with kids, Captiva, Captiva Island, restaurants, best restaurants, Southwest Florida, Gulf coast islands, Weird Florida: 8 Unusual Things to See and Do in Southwest Florida. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. They contain thousands of shells you can find. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. The other three councilmen are Scott. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. The SanCap area is reminiscent of the differences between a smaller community versus the regional center; Sanibel is a smaller town that provides basic services to the broader area. Sanibel vs Captiva? They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. 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. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. 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. The way it juts out into the gulf (its situated more east/west than north/south) means its a treasure trove when winter storms stir up the billions of shells sitting out deeper in the Gulf of Mexico. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Handicapped parking is free.Further up Captiva Drive, at the end of the main road on Captiva, there is another public beach adjacent to the entrance of South Seas Resort. 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. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. It was warm and pleasant. Silver Key Beach. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! 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. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. 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. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits No issue of traffic concerns. 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. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Gather some refreshments and enjoy a picnic on the beach, its one of the most beautiful places you will ever have the pleasure of visiting. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. Captiva's Tween Waters will re-open open to off-island guests Dec. 17 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. Both islands have the same great beaches, but if youre coming for the day or youre not staying right on the beach, parking at the beaches on Captiva is much more limited and more expensive than on Sanibel. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. 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. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Or is there another better spot? Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. The currents that bring abundant shells to sanibel and the 10K islands do result in some turbulence and suspended sand in the water at times even when there are no water releases. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Turner Beach. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. 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!) Differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. 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. The sand quality is good. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. Thanks to the forethought and determination of local residents, there have been consistent efforts since the 1970s to conserve and protect the natural setting and limit mass development, so much so that citizens formed their own municipal government apart from Lee County. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. 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.But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though there's still plenty to do.. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, you'll immediately notice how the road narrows and . Some resorts offer bikes for rent. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. We did some . The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. The depth of beach space changes too. Sep 26, 2020 Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. Not at all. 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. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . 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. . It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. The majority of Captivas accommodations are at South Seas Island Resort, and its a lovely stay perfect also for destination weddings and other family gathering as they have a variety of accommodation types from studios to 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. 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. Here are the most noticeable difference between the islands to help you pick your island destination: One of the biggest distinguishing factors between Sanibel and Captiva lies beneath your toes: their sand. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Holly Monroe Beneficiary Created October 5, 2022 Emergencies Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. For Sale. Then it takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel to the small bridge at Blind Pass that brings you to Captiva. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. 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. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. You can download an app with tons of info on it. Not really. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! Sanibel won, hands down. The island is a lot smaller than Sanibel (half of its taken up by the South Seas Island Resort), but it feels very much the same. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Rent a bike! In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Absolutely. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Tarpon Beach. These islands are more alike than they are different. Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. 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 . Taking a boat tour off the beach? 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. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. 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. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. There is a small parking lot adjacent to the beach with a limited number of spaces, and is $5.00 per hour paid at the lot kiosk. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. 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. 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. Can anyone give us advice. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. 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! Both have good shelling. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. While the intention is to rebuild, the causeway has been fixed, and the island is expected to begin opening to tourism in January 2023, things are not back to normal and likely wont be for a long time. But its all about your expectations. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn.

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