The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. 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. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. 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! Purdue9394/Getty Images. 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. 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. Sanibel won, hands down. 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 . There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. Where to Eat. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. 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. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. Silver Key Beach. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. There is no fee for Florida residents. 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. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. 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 ? Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches Sanibel Island shelling is considered the best shelling spot in the world according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. 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. 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. Great Licks is the perfect place to help you cool off from Florida heat and pamper your taste buds for amazing and mouthwatering homemade ice cream. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. We are staying a week. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Thats a must! The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. $5 per hour for parking. 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. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. The intimate 10-day festival starts off in Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, then moves on to downtown Fort Myers and wraps up at Fort Myers Beach. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. You can even rent golf carts. 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. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. 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. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). . January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. 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. 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. There are 23 general parking spaces. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. 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. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Both islands have the same great beaches, but if youre coming for the day or youre not staying right on the beach, parking at the beaches on Captiva is much more limited and more expensive than on Sanibel. There isnt a full-on grocery store (The Island Store is the closest it gets), but the shops on the island can get you most, if not all, of your basic needs. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. 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. TIP: Toll is $6 into 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. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. These islands are more alike than they are different. 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. For Sale. 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. There are several reasons for this, partly because Captiva lacks the number of activities and attractions that Sanibel has, and partly because it is almost entirely private property with very high-end homes. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Bowman's Beach. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. 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 Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. Dont take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, its just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Privacy Policy | In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. 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. 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. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Gulfside City Park. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. 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. 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. 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. 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. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. jesseaknight 5 mo. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. Rent a bike! However, that doesnt quite hold true. The other three councilmen are Scott. Turner Beach. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) 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. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 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. 1. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. 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. Sanibel vs Captiva? What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? P.S. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! 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. 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. Blind Pass Beach Park. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. 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. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. 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. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. 2. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. 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. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Tarpon Beach. 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. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. Its the top shelling destination in the country and shell collectors from around the world come to spend the day hunched over doing the Sanibel Stoop. And share my account with your travel loving friends! Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. 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). One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Amelia Island. 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. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. 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. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. 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. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. 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! Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. 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. Turner Beach. 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. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! But I digress. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. 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. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. $5 per hour for public parking. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. The geography of each island makes it unique. "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. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. It will take you roughly one hour to get to Sanibel and Captiva from the Fort Myers airport Southwest Florida International (RSW) to the Sanibel Causeway. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? That said, however, since most visitors seem to hit the beaches closest to the Sanibel Causeway (the only road on and off the island), youll find that the closer you get to the Causeway, the more crowded the beaches are. As far as "clear water" is concerned - no matter WHERE you are, the local conditions depend on the direction and strength of the winds, and the currents which vary from day to day, AND from one section of beach to the next. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Is this really a true statement? Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Preferences, preferences. 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. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Mostly boutique shopping. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. 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. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. 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. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). The best comparison is to a mattress. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. 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 It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! 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. But honestly, zero impact. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. 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. See the The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. 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. More island businesses are re-opening every week. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Tarpon Bay Road Beach. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe.
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