You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. The 7 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. $5 per hour for parking. 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. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. You can even rent golf carts. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. Very different experiences. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. 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. 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. Purdue9394/Getty Images. There is no fee for Florida residents. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . . Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. 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. 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. Can you find a nice place to stay? Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. Thank you From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. But its far from chaotic. They contain thousands of shells you can find. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? 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. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. 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. 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? - travels-answers.com 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's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. You can reach Blind Pass by heading to Sanibel's western tip where the gorgeous white sand flanks the channel between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! 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. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Drop us a line. 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. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. No issue of traffic concerns. 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. Rent a bike! A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. 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. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. 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. Email agent. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. 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. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches 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. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. The Sanibel Spirit 45135 | Ocean's Reach Mostly boutique shopping. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. 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's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. Absolutely. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. 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. Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Taking a boat tour off the beach? There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling) Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Port Sanibel Marina | Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. 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 kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . more. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. 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! These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. 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. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. South Capers, Sanibel Real Estate & Homes for Sale It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. 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. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Sanibel Island versus Destin - Trippy Captiva does not have a bike path, but rather, a 3 foot "safety shoulder" that runs along each side of Captiva Rd, so inexperienced bicyclists and children should use extra caution. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel 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 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. 2. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Blind Pass Beach Park. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. 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. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. That is a personal decision. Blind Pass Beach. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. But if you are looking for the more traditional sugar sand beach with clear blue water the Captiva Island Beaches are the way to go. "This light being lit . Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Gulfside City Park. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Enjoy your visit. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. 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. And. 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. 0.25 acre lot. Preferences, preferences. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. 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. 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. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Captiva Island Beaches The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. 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! The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures.
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