which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

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. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. 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. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. 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. 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. All great points. 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. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Bringing the whole family is a must when you head to Captiva Beach, and there are plenty of beaches and places to stay along those beaches. 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. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. more. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. 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. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. The J.N. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Lighthouse Beach is one of the best places to watch sunset on Sanibel or Captiva because of the lighthouse it makes any sunset pic of Sanibel Instaworthy! On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. 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. Silver Key Beach. 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. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts boasts more than 50 years of hospitality marketing and management success all based on the delivery of our mission, by each team member, to each of you, our guests: deliver a warm, friendly and memorable island resort experience that provides value to you so exceptional, you'll want to return . Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. 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. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Sanibel Island might be better for you if youre looking for active family vacations, great shelling beaches, more shopping and dining amenities, being closer to nature preserves and off-island driving adventures to Fort Myers and beyond to the Everglades or Charlotte Harbor. 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. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Captiva does not have a bike path, but rather, a 3 foot "safety shoulder" that runs along each side of Captiva Rd, so inexperienced bicyclists and children should use extra caution. 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 Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Privacy Policy | Thank you The depth of beach space changes too. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. 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 same gradual sloping shoreline that collects millions of shells on the beaches of Sanibel also prevent it from having bright clear blue water most of the year. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. 7/9/2016. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. However, that doesnt quite hold true. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Turner Beach. 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 J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. 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. Email agent. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. 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. It does. 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. You cant access Captiva without going through Sanibel and these two islands have such a different vibe than pretty much every other place in the area so theyre often compared. . 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. Marcos beach is beautiful. 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. It takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel and come to the small bridge over Blind Pass that brings you onto Captiva. Lighthouse Beach. Absolutely. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. 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. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 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. Tarpon Bay Road Beach. 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. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Taking a boat tour off the beach? There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. 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. Not really. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. 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. You can park for free here, and you can head to the park during the day for the kids to play before heading to the sand. 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. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. 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. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. 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. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. Theres nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach, and Lighthouse Beach has some of the best spaces to let your worries float away. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? 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. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. 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. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. A collaborative effort of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, the survey of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida aims to gain a better understanding of their winter distributions, the SCCF reported. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). 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. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. Sanibel vs Captiva? Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. These islands are more alike than they are different. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. $5 per hour for parking. 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. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. No issue of traffic concerns. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. 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. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. 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. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. 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. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. Is this really a true statement? 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. 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! Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. 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. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! 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. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. 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. Preferences, preferences. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. We are staying a week. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. 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. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . "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. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! 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. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. 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. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. As far as recommendations on where to stay on each island: On Captiva: South Seas Island Resort or Tween Waters Island Resort, On Sanibel: Casa Ybel Resort, Tortuga Beach Club Resort, the Inns of Sanibel, Sanibel Restaurant Recommendations: What I Liked & What I Didnt, Shopping on Sanibel: A Must Visit Bookstore & Cute Boutiques, A Visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Cayo Costa Shelling Tours with Captiva Cruises, Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co in Downtown Fort Myers Review, Matlacha Isles & Pine Island: A Great Fort Myers Day Trips. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. 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! Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. 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 They contain thousands of shells you can find. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! 1. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) Sep 26, 2020 For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is 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. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. 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.

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