Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. No issue of traffic concerns. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. Turner Beach. 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. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. Is Marco prettier? 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. 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. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. 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. 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. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. Turner Beach. 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. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. Gulfside City Park. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. There are other differences between the islands, too. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. 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. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. See the Marcos beach is beautiful. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Where to Eat. 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. Bowman's Beach. 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 Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. 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 paths are well marked and almost flat. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. 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. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. 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. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. 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. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 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. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. Haven't been to either. Captiva doesnt have the network of dedicated bike paths that Sanibel has, so if you were looking forward to extensive bike-riding on your vacation, Sanibel may be the better choice. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. 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 . 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. 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. Blind Pass Beach. 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! 2. 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. 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. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. 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. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. 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 Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. 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. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. 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. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! 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. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. 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. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. 0.25 acre lot. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. Email agent. Both islands are breathtaking. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. The way it juts out into the gulf (its situated more east/west than north/south) means its a treasure trove when winter storms stir up the billions of shells sitting out deeper in the Gulf of Mexico. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. Fishers will love the opportunity to fish and catch their day, and with amazing sunrises and sunsets, youll find somewhere to sit and marvel at the colors. to bring home. For Sale. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . The sand quality is good. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. Can anyone give us advice. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. 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". 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 . Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. 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. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. Your email address will not be published. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. For Sale. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands Turner Beach (Blind Pass Beach) Just a stone's throw from the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva lies Turner Beach, aka Blind Pass Beach. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. 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. Thats a must! One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. 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). Sanibel vs Captiva? the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Sanibel City leaders said their beaches fared better than Captiva's in the erosion department following Eta, although isolated erosion was spotted on some public beaches. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. 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. With Sanibel's unique orientation as a primarily East-West island, the shelling is great AND the beaches at either end (Lighthouse, East end) Blind Pass (west end) offer a variety of beach conditions to explore on the same day. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. 2. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. 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 Keys are AMAZING in my opinion, but you do give up the nice, wide, sandy beaches when choosing to vacation in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. At this point, the combined preserved/ protected conservation land owned by the National Refuge, private foundations and the City of Sanibel extends to about 70% of the island. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. 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. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. ;-). Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. TravelMagmais 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. 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. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. We are staying a week. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. 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. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. 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. 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. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. $5 per hour for parking. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Despite a huge push from developers, the city held their ground with strong building restrictions that were intended to protect the environment (to this day, half the island is a nature preserve) and its largely what makes Sanibel so quaint. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. Silver Key Beach. 7/9/2016. Honestly I cant imagine living on the island if I had to go to work off-island everyday, or just do a quick run to Target. 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. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. However, that doesnt quite hold true. 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. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Some of the features of the beach that youll find here include: Whether youre by yourself, with a loved one, or bringing the whole family, Bowmans Beach is a great option. 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. 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. More island businesses are re-opening every week. They contain thousands of shells you can find. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. 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. 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. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . 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. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! But I digress. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. 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. Mostly boutique shopping. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. 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. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! Thats the right question! It does. But you will Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Not really. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. 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. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. . On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Purdue9394/Getty Images. If youre planning to visit the area, make sure to do plenty of research to find out whats open, whats available and whats just not even there anymore. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge.