It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. jesseaknight 5 mo. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. Where to Eat. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. 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. Sanibel, Captiva residents await news of Ian's destruction | Miami Herald You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. 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. Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill 2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel Island OR 5400 S Seas Plantation Rd, Captiva Island That's right - Doc Ford's has two locations within the islands! In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Two Sanibel incumbents face challengers in Tuesday elections So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. Both have good shelling. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. 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. 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. 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. 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. ;-). For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? And share my account with your travel loving friends! Visit the Islands to find great shells today! 10 Best Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches - Florida Vacationers The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" 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. 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. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. 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. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. Sep 26, 2020 Is this really a true statement? Or is there another better spot? Perwinkle Way is the main business street but you will note that large sections are still devoid of parking lots and buildings where it traverses natural areas. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. 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. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. But you will Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. 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. Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips 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. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. 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. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. 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. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. Silver Key Beach. 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. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. 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. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. 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. 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. I will say, depending on the types of places youre used to staying in Florida (or on vacation in general)I find that 95% of whats offered on Sanibel leaves a lot to be desired (especially for the $$). 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. For Sale. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. 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. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. 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". The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Slice of Paradise is Better? Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Rent a bike! 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. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor 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). The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Captiva Beach, Captiva Island: See 1,385 reviews, articles, and 733 photos of Captiva Beach, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Captiva Island. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Hopefully this post helps you make a decision that puts you on the beach that will give you the most enjoyment from your island vacation. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. 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. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. You want to find a slice of paradise when you go to the beach, and Captiva Beach is the most authentic piece of heaven there is. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. The Sanibel Spirit 45135 | Ocean's Reach On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. Thank you for your responses. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. The sand quality is good. 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. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . Purdue9394/Getty Images. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. Because of the more remote location furthest from the Sanibel Causeway, what few public beaches there are on Captiva Island tend to be much less-crowded compared with the beaches on Sanibel. P.S. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. 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 Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. You can even rent golf carts. 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. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. 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. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. 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. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. "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. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. But both islands have their own unique personality. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. 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! 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. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. Thats the right question! These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. 2. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Email agent. Turner Beach. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. 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! Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. 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. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Blind Pass Beach. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. Tarpon Beach. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Mostly boutique shopping. While Captiva Island features a North-South orientation like most of Floridas Gulf barrier islands, youll find that Sanibel Island has a unique East-West orientation. Absolutely. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. 13 Incredible Airbnbs in Sanibel Island, Florida (2021 Edition) Turner Beach. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. 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). But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip 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. Just within the past two weeks, we've seen Billy's Rentals and Tarpon Bay Explorers reopen, along with Doc Ford's, Timbers and the Great White Grill. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. There are 23 general parking spaces. But I digress. 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. 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!) It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. 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. 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. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. 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 is no fee for Florida residents. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums And the standards of the condos arent the highest. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. 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. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family.
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