which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 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. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. 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. 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. 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. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. 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. 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 . You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. 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). There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. . Mostly boutique shopping. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. $5 per hour for parking. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. Lighthouse Beach. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. But its all about your expectations. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Which is never a bad thing. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Mostly boutique shopping. Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. 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. 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. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. As you approach the northern part of Captiva, you come to the small and very quaintvillage areawhere you will find an assortment of restaurants and shops, as well as the post office, a bank and a small library. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor P.S. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do Fishermen also enjoy the beach. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. Sanibel is your choice if you are looking for nature, activities, choices in restaurants and shopping, are on somewhat ofa budget, biking or want to go off island fortouring or nightlife on the mainland. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. At this point, the combined preserved/ protected conservation land owned by the National Refuge, private foundations and the City of Sanibel extends to about 70% of the island. 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. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. TravelMagmais 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. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . 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. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 But you will . It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Two Sanibel incumbents face challengers in Tuesday elections Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Im not saying any of this to put you off, because Sanibel and Captiva are GREAT islands and one of my favorite places in Florida, but if youre used to staying at more high end beach resorts in other parts of Florida, what that money gets you on Sanibel and Captiva is a lotless. 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. The island is a lot smaller than Sanibel (half of its taken up by the South Seas Island Resort), but it feels very much the same. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Captiva Island. 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. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. Be sure to use the head. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. For Sale: Single Family home, $1,795,000, 3 Bd, 5 Ba, 3,516 Sqft, $511/Sqft, at 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 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. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. 2. Turner Beach. 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. This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Because its the only way on and off the island, as you can imagine, traffic can be insane given the popularity of the islands as a tourist destination especially at the height of season from December through March. ;-). While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. But its far from chaotic. Or is there another better spot? Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Then it takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel to the small bridge at Blind Pass that brings you to Captiva. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. 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. 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. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. The J.N. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. 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. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home 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. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. 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. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. 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. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. 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.But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though there's still plenty to do.. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, you'll immediately notice how the road narrows and . 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. Relative to Sanibel, only 583 residents live on over 1.6 square miles of island, and not nearly as many visitors venture over to Captiva, other than those staying at South Seas Island Resort. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - travels-answers.com The depth of beach space changes too. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. 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 looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The other three councilmen are Scott. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. Sanibel Island Florida Vacation Rentals | Breakaway Vacation Properties Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. There are other differences between the islands, too. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit 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. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. 45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling) You can even rent golf carts. 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. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. 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. 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. Tarpon Bay Road Beach. The way it juts out into the gulf (its situated more east/west than north/south) means its a treasure trove when winter storms stir up the billions of shells sitting out deeper in the Gulf of Mexico. Question: Clearwater Sand Key Beach vs Captiva Island-Which has a The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. 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. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Haven't been to either. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has secured its spot as one of the best Sanibel hotels on the beach, thanks to its many amazing amenities and waterfront location. 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. We did some . One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. 1. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. 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. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Where to Eat. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. 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. 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. Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. As they are a bit less shelly, the sands are a bit softer than on Sanibel and the water is usually clearer and less sandy. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. . On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit 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. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. 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). 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. We couldn't have had better customer | Island Vacations of Sanibel The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. The access you get to the state park beach is at the West side of Panama Shell Drive at the end of Captiva Drive, and there are just miles of empty sands and fallen trees to explore and climb. "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.