2. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. 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. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Out of the 1.6 square miles of Captiva, over 300 acres essentially the entire northern tip is all owned by the South Seas Resort. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. Thats a must! 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. And we totally get it when youre planning a trip, understanding whats unique about one or the other can be so confusing, especially if youve never been here before. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. 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. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. 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. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. 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. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. The J.N. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. 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". https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! The biggest difference is the number of beaches. Sanibel is a wonderful overall vacation experience if you like beachcombing and non chain restaurants and nature in general, but the water clarity varies with the tides and winds and currents. 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. At stake in Sanibel's nonpartisan Tuesday city council election: the seats now filled by the island's mayor and vice-mayor, Holly Smith and Richard Johnson. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. 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 and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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). Local grocery stores like Jerrys and Baileys General Store are good for sandwiches, prepared foods, good picnic food for the beach, and stocking your own kitchenette or vacation rental. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. For Sale. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. The residents, wishing to conserve the natural setting and protect the wildlife refuge atmosphere actually broke away from the county and formedSanibel's own municipal government. 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. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. 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. The depth of beach space changes too. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. Privacy Policy | Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. The whole island is practically all beach on the West, and this is where the Gulf of Mexico laps at the shore just what you want to dip your toes into! But both islands have their own unique personality. 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. 2. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. Is this really a true statement? But you will 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. 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. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. 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. 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. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. Youll find restrooms here quickly, and while the beach wont allow your dog or any open fires, you can still have a great time here. Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. 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. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. . Everyone is differentI much prefer Sanibel to Marco by a wide margin, but if you want a more elegant experience with groomed beaches than Marco might be a better fit 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. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. 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. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. . This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. Can anyone give us advice. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. What's there to do I one place vs the other? We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. 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. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. 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. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? The geography of each island makes it unique. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. 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. Which is never a bad thing. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. 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. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 1. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. 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 is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Gulfside City Park. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. 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. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. 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. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. $5 per hour for parking. Drop us a line. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. ago There are so many different species of fish here, and with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you can imagine how popular its been as a destination here as you can access the beach right from the water, too. 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. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Sanibel is known for its beaches some of the best beaches in southwest Florida but even more so for the millions of shells that wash up on its shores by the hour. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. That is a personal decision. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. 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. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. 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. 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. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. The sand quality is good. The SanCap area is reminiscent of the differences between a smaller community versus the regional center; Sanibel is a smaller town that provides basic services to the broader area. No issue of traffic concerns. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. 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. Not really. jesseaknight 5 mo. . It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. 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. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. Purdue9394/Getty Images. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Preferences, preferences. 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. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Overall, the options youll find on Captiva are a little more upscale than Sanibel, but both are very laid back islands without much major development. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. 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 . Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Before we delve into whats unique about each island, let us just say that both islands have these things in common: Gorgeous beaches and a laid back, islandy atmosphere, There are NO: high-rise hotels and condos, big box stores, chain restaurants or traffic signals. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. 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. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. 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. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! There is no fee for Florida residents. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . And the standards of the condos arent the highest. They contain thousands of shells you can find. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. 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. Absolutely. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Walking and biking can get you around most of the 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. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Now that I am retired and live here full-time I really appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and natural, ungroomed beaches, and of course the shelling. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. 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. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. 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. Blind Pass Beach. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. The deep channel of water of what is now Blind Pass was formed, forever separating the two (though barely) by a narrow two-lane bridge thats small enough to walk across in under a minute. See the 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.