Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva 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. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Blind Pass Beach Park. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. . Or is there another better spot? Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips While Sanibel and Captiva arent radically different, Ill do my best to break the two down: Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. Sanibel is a unique blend of well-protected nature destination and tourist hotspot with a bit of everything for those seeking a laid-back, go at your own pace vacation. Thank you for your responses. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. Sep 26, 2020 At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. 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. 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. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. 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. 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 route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. 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. 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. You can even rent golf carts. These islands are more alike than they are different. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. 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. 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 . But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. Despite a huge push from developers, the city held their ground with strong building restrictions that were intended to protect the environment (to this day, half the island is a nature preserve) and its largely what makes Sanibel so quaint. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Silver Key Beach. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Holly Monroe Beneficiary Created October 5, 2022 Emergencies Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. 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. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. But honestly, zero impact. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. 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. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. 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 combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. The beach is very wide/deep so the buildings have zero impact, but if youre not used to seeing that, it can be a disconcerting at first. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. South Capers, Sanibel Real Estate & Homes for Sale 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. This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! We couldn't have had better customer | Island Vacations of Sanibel 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. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? 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. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. 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. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. Haven't been to either. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. 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. "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. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. 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. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Check VRBO Availability of Captiva Beachfront Rentals, Top 10 Tricks for Planning a Sanibel Island Vacation on a Budget, What to Look for in a Captiva or Sanibel Island Vacation Rental, The 3 Best Months to Visit Sanibel Island, The Highest Rated Captiva Island House Rentals, The 5 Highest Rated St George Island Beach House Rentals, The 5 Best Anna Maria Island Beachfront House Rentals, The 5 Biggest Florida Keys Beach House Rentals, The 6 Best Amelia Island Vacation Rentals, Top 10 Hidden Caribbean Private Island Rentals, Sanibel Island Tips & Secrets Only a Local Would Know, Complete Guide to Kayaking Sanibel Island. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. 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. If youre not a paddler you can still see a lot of the refuge by taking the guided tram tour or hiking on established trails. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. 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. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. Thank you Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. 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. Handicapped parking is free.Further up Captiva Drive, at the end of the main road on Captiva, there is another public beach adjacent to the entrance of South Seas Resort. 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. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. Absolutely. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. 2. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. Gulfside City Park. See the However, that doesnt quite hold true. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. The geography of each island makes it unique. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Some of the features of the beach that youll find here include: Whether youre by yourself, with a loved one, or bringing the whole family, Bowmans Beach is a great option. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. 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. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. Florida Winter Shorebird Survey takes place on islands The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . For Sale. Taking a boat tour off the 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. Which is never a bad thing. Your email address will not be published. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . Can anyone give us advice. There is no fee for Florida residents. 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. 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. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. 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. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! 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. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor 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. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. Be sure to use the head. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. 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. 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. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum But I digress. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. 0.25 acre lot. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Mostly boutique shopping. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? They contain thousands of shells you can find. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Its smarter to go further down the beach here for swimming, but with the nearby bars and beachside restaurants, you may decide that sitting on the sand and watching the waves move is a safer option for you. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. 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). No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). P.S. Not really. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Captiva has more of a village feel. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. This means you and your pup can frolic in the waves at Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park, Bowman's Beach, and other Sanibel waterfronts. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. 7/9/2016. Where to Eat. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. 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. 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. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Drop us a line. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island.
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