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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. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. That said, however, since most visitors seem to hit the beaches closest to the Sanibel Causeway (the only road on and off the island), youll find that the closer you get to the Causeway, the more crowded the beaches are. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? 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. 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. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. 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. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! We are staying a week. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. 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. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. Marcos beach is beautiful. 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. A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? 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. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. 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. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. 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 paths are well marked and almost flat. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. 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 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. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. 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. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. Sanibel won, hands down. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. 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. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Blind Pass Beach. And. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? On the end of Captiva near Blind Pass Captiva is typically pretty busy but the reast of the 5 miles of beach is some of the quietest you will find. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel 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.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 . You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . 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 can download an app with tons of info on it. 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. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. 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. 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. 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. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. 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. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Amelia Island. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. $5 per hour for parking. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. 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. 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. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com Onceyou're is on the beach, it is public property from mean the high tide line to the water, so you can stroll to your heart's content. . Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. 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. The Atlantic with its steep continental dropoff has stronger surf than the Gulf coast which is relatively shallow (there is actually a shallows area many miles off-shore). 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. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. $5 per hour for public parking. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. As you head for the tip of Captiva, the island gets very narrow allowing you to see the Gulf on one side and Pine Island Sound on the other. 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. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. 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. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. 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. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. 1. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Im not saying any of this to put you off, because Sanibel and Captiva are GREAT islands and one of my favorite places in Florida, but if youre used to staying at more high end beach resorts in other parts of Florida, what that money gets you on Sanibel and Captiva is a lotless. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. But both islands have their own unique personality. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. 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. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. jesseaknight 5 mo. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. 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. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. 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. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. 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. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! 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!) Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. And share my account with your travel loving friends! 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. . For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . 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. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. 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. . 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. Captiva has more of a village feel. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. 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 had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. Although you may not be able to climb to the top of the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, you are allowed to visit the surrounding areas for a lighthouse photo-op. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. All great points. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. 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. 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. Privacy Policy | Sanibel isnt a cheap vacation destination (supply and demand because of development restrictions) so youre probably going to pay a premium for anything on the beach. Can you find a nice place to stay? Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. For Sale. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Drop us a line. 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. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. The best comparison is to a mattress. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. 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. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. 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. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. 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. 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. Sanibel and Captiva islands offer tourists at least fifteen miles of stunning beaches, and boost over 250 kinds of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regions.. You see why I said that Sanibel and Captiva have what I cherish. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. Haven't been to either. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. 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. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. 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. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. 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. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . 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. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Sanibel is your choice if you are looking for nature, activities, choices in restaurants and shopping, are on somewhat ofa budget, biking or want to go off island fortouring or nightlife on the mainland. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. 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. 2. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . Blind Pass Beach. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. 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. 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. Your email address will not be published. Captiva Island. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. 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. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. Sanibel Island might be better for you if youre looking for active family vacations, great shelling beaches, more shopping and dining amenities, being closer to nature preserves and off-island driving adventures to Fort Myers and beyond to the Everglades or Charlotte Harbor.