We couldn't have had better customer | Island Vacations of Sanibel In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. What's there to do I one place vs the other? It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com 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. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. 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. Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. 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 . When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! The depth of beach space changes too. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. Not at all. 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. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Trip Report - TripSavvy If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. 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. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. 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. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. There are other differences between the islands, too. But its all about your expectations. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling) It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. 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 best comparison is to a mattress. 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. 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. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums There is no fee for Florida residents. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. Its on the Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, so all swimmers need to be as cautious as possible, as there are strong currents and a swift undertow. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. $5 per hour for public parking. If youre not a paddler you can still see a lot of the refuge by taking the guided tram tour or hiking on established trails. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. Sanibel won, hands down. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva were still closed due to Hurricane Ian w hen we visited, but we marveled at the huge, powerful, beautiful waves we saw from the road. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. Theres nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach, and Lighthouse Beach has some of the best spaces to let your worries float away. 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. Preferences, preferences. The same gradual sloping shoreline that collects millions of shells on the beaches of Sanibel also prevent it from having bright clear blue water most of the year. 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. The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team $5 per hour for parking. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. 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. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. 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 $$). But both islands have their own unique personality. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do That is a personal decision. Tarpon Beach. 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". Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. 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. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. 19 THINGS TO DO IN FORT MYERS FOR FUN IN THE SUN - 365 Atlanta Traveler A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Slice of Paradise is Better? If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. 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. Turner Beach. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. 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. more. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Captiva Island Beaches: 3 Best Access Points | PlanetWare Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. You can visit: Matlacha is a small home village, which is best known for their quirky shops, and several eateries offering some of the best delicacies. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? 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. CEPD reports on beach and water conditions | News, Sports, Jobs Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Captiva Island. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Is this really a true statement? $899,000. But its far from chaotic. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. 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. 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. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Both islands are breathtaking. Can anyone give us advice. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. 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 has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. 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. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. Purdue9394/Getty Images. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Mostly boutique shopping. 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. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. 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. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. 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. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. 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. "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. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. We did some . 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! Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. 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 Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. 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 ? 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! Taking a boat tour off the 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. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. 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. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. 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 no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Turner Beach is a beautiful day out for the whole family, and with enough amenities to do it all, youll enjoy your time there immensely! January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. The other three councilmen are Scott. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. 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. Its a beautiful resort and one we highly recommend staying at for its resort facilities including a 9-hole golf course, and the variety of accommodations that will suit everyone. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. 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. 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. Rent a bike! But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. 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 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Question: Clearwater Sand Key Beach vs Captiva Island-Which has a There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? The water is frequently greenish and less than clear due to fine sediments stirred up by currents / wave action and significant drainage from the land, particularly after a storm. Silver Key Beach. Sanibel is known for its beaches some of the best beaches in southwest Florida but even more so for the millions of shells that wash up on its shores by the hour. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. You can download an app with tons of info on it. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. 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. 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. Out of the 1.6 square miles of Captiva, over 300 acres essentially the entire northern tip is all owned by the South Seas Resort. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation 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. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. 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. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). 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. For Sale. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. It was warm and pleasant. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. 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. 2. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you?
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