Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. 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. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. There are 23 general parking spaces. The residents, wishing to conserve the natural setting and protect the wildlife refuge atmosphere actually broke away from the county and formedSanibel's own municipal government. 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. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. You can even rent golf carts. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. ;-). Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. 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. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. 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. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . More island businesses are re-opening every week. 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. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! Mostly boutique shopping. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. . Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. 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. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. 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. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . 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. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. 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. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. 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. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. 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. Discover the Beauty of Sanibel and Captiva Islands There is so much to find and enjoy in Southwest Florida, especially on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. 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 . Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. But honestly, zero impact. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. 0.25 acre lot. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. 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. 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. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Purdue9394/Getty Images. 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. Its on the Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, so all swimmers need to be as cautious as possible, as there are strong currents and a swift undertow. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. 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. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. 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. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. 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. 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. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? 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. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. Where to Eat. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Lighthouse Beach. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. Tarpon Beach. 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). In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. . Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. There are 76 general parking spaces. Onceyou're is on the beach, it is public property from mean the high tide line to the water, so you can stroll to your heart's content. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. These islands are more alike than they are different. 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. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 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 Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. 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! 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. 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. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. The paths are well marked and almost flat. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. 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". Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". 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. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. But its all about your expectations. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. 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. 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). Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Sanibel is a bike island. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. There isnt a full-on grocery store (The Island Store is the closest it gets), but the shops on the island can get you most, if not all, of your basic needs. The sand quality is good. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Captiva has more of a village feel. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. Here are the most noticeable difference between the islands to help you pick your island destination: One of the biggest distinguishing factors between Sanibel and Captiva lies beneath your toes: their sand. The water is frequently greenish and less than clear due to fine sediments stirred up by currents / wave action and significant drainage from the land, particularly after a storm. 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. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . However, that doesnt quite hold true. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. 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. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Very different experiences. 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. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . 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. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. But if you are looking for the more traditional sugar sand beach with clear blue water the Captiva Island Beaches are the way to go. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Fishers will love the opportunity to fish and catch their day, and with amazing sunrises and sunsets, youll find somewhere to sit and marvel at the colors. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. 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. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Both islands are breathtaking. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. Amelia Island. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. 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. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Absolutely. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. 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. Your email address will not be published. Preferences, preferences. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. $899,000. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. 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. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. But its far from chaotic. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. 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. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. 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. . Tarpon Bay Road Beach. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. Captiva doesnt have the network of dedicated bike paths that Sanibel has, so if you were looking forward to extensive bike-riding on your vacation, Sanibel may be the better choice. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. 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. 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. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . 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. Privacy Policy | Captiva Island, on the other hand, is perfect for quiet family vacations, romantic getaways, privacy and exclusivity, and easy access to off-island boat adventures to out islands. With amenities such as bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and playgrounds, youre going to find everything you need for the perfect day at the beach. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. 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.

Out Of Death Bruce Willis Salary, Bally Sports Detroit Red Wings Female Announcers, New Era Hats Made In China, Body Found In Dumpster Huntington Wv, Red Robin Santa Fe Chicken Pasta Recipe, Articles W