which beach is better sanibel or captiva? which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

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. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. 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. Sanibel vs Captiva? 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 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. 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 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. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. 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. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. And share my account with your travel loving friends! The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Not really. McCarthy's Marina, Captiva Vessels up to 24 feet (239) 472-5200 Port Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 65 feet (239) 437-1660 portsanibelmarina.com. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. 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. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. 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!) Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. 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. The other three councilmen are Scott. For Sale. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. 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. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. 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. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . Turner Beach. Both have good shelling. The best comparison is to a mattress. Blind Pass Beach is one of the more unique beaches on this list given the fact that it stretches to the northern tip of Sanibel Island, making it easily accessible from Captiva Island as well. Which is never a bad thing. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if Amelia Island. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube However, that doesnt quite hold true. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. 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. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. 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. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. 1. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. . You will find miles of pristine beaches to enjoy, and you can island hop to the north of the beaches, and then go fishing when youre on your way! Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. 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. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. 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. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. 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. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Lighthouse Beach. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Sanibel won, hands down. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. 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. 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. And. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels 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 ? Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 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. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. 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. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. Thats a must! 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 Be sure to use the head. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Bowman's Beach. Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! 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. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. In fact, as Sanibel and Captiva are connected by bridges, interested cyclists can bike from Fort Myers proper all the way across to both of the islands and back if they choose. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. 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. Or is there another better spot? In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. 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. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. 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. "This light being lit . You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. 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. $899,000. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . 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. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. You can download an app with tons of info on it. 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. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. Thank you Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. But both islands have their own unique personality. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the 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. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - travels-answers.com The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Holly Monroe Beneficiary Created October 5, 2022 Emergencies Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. 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. Captiva Island Beaches Just off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida lie the twin barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, coastal jewels of the Lee County coast. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. 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. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund That is a personal decision. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Privacy Policy | Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. There is no fee for Florida residents. Turner Beach. The J.N. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Sanibel is a bike island. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. day trips, Fort Myers, attractions, family fun with kids, Captiva, Captiva Island, restaurants, best restaurants, Southwest Florida, Gulf coast islands, Weird Florida: 8 Unusual Things to See and Do in Southwest Florida. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma Tarpon Beach. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. 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. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. 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. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! 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. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Absolutely. 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 several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. 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. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. Blind Pass Beach Park. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! 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. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva 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. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? 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 . The access you get to the state park beach is at the West side of Panama Shell Drive at the end of Captiva Drive, and there are just miles of empty sands and fallen trees to explore and climb. The geography of each island makes it unique. The depth of beach space changes too. 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 best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. ;-).