The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. 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. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. 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. 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. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. 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. Where to Find Shells on Sanibel Island - Port Sanibel Marina Where to Eat. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. As they are a bit less shelly, the sands are a bit softer than on Sanibel and the water is usually clearer and less sandy. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. Question: Clearwater Sand Key Beach vs Captiva Island-Which has a The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. 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. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. This is all from my personal experience on the islands, nothing I have read on any blog or website trying to sell you on an expensive vacation package at one of the resorts. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. 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. There are other differences between the islands, too. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. The sand quality is good. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. 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. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. 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. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Absolutely. 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. Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Last month, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers participated in the 15th annual Florida Winter Shorebird Survey, documenting nearly 3,000 shorebirds and seabirds over two days. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. 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 On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. 10 Best Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches - Florida Vacationers Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. 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 ? With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. 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. 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. The Sanibel Spirit 45135 | Ocean's Reach 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. 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. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. If youre trying to decide which island to stay on, its really going to come down to your budget and what exactly youre looking for. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. Perwinkle Way is the main business street but you will note that large sections are still devoid of parking lots and buildings where it traverses natural areas. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. 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. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. 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. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. Mostly boutique shopping. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. 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. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. Two Sanibel incumbents face challengers in Tuesday elections Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. Which is never a bad thing. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. 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). 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. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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. 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. The other three councilmen are Scott. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. You cant access Captiva without going through Sanibel and these two islands have such a different vibe than pretty much every other place in the area so theyre often compared. 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. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? However, that doesnt quite hold true. There is no fee for Florida residents. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. 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. 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. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Sanibel won, hands down. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? 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. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. 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. That is a personal decision. 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. 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. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Purdue9394/Getty Images. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. Gulfside City Park. 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. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. 7/9/2016. My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. 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. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. . CEPD reports on beach and water conditions | News, Sports, Jobs Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the 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. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night Sanibel and Captiva remain very much in recovery mode, but some business leaders urged city management to open back up, so visitors can once again eat, shop and stay at the iconic barrier islands . If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. 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. Is this really a true statement? 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. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views.
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