What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. 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. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. Sep 26, 2020 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. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund 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. 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. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. 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. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. You wont find any high rises (buildings are only allowed to be as tall as the tallest native tree on the island), any chains (except for the cutest little Dairy Queen thats been grandfathered in), and pretty much everything is a mom and pop shop or restaurant. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. 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. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. And. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. There are no stoplights (only a couple of four way stops and traffic directors who help move things along in congested areas at peak times) and a phenomenal network of bike trails. 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. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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. Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grill 2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel Island OR 5400 S Seas Plantation Rd, Captiva Island That's right - Doc Ford's has two locations within the islands! From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. Tarpon Beach. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? 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. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Blind Pass Beach. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. The kids will love the park, and you can take a moment to explore the shoreline and find as many shells as you like (not live ones!) Also, Captiva and North Captiva had medium counts and Cayo Costa's was low, a trend that continued north to Manasota Beach and south to 32 miles offshore of Wiggins Pass in Collier County. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Thanks to the forethought and determination of local residents, there have been consistent efforts since the 1970s to conserve and protect the natural setting and limit mass development, so much so that citizens formed their own municipal government apart from Lee County. 1. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. 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. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest 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. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. 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. 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. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. . No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). 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. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? . For Sale. You will find miles of pristine beaches to enjoy, and you can island hop to the north of the beaches, and then go fishing when youre on your way! Sanibel Island: Sanibel vs. Captiva? - Tripadvisor https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. 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 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. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! 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. 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. 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. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. 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. Or is there another better spot? There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. 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. 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 . It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. Where to Eat. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. 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. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, youll immediately notice how the road narrows and homes are shrouded by lush greenery and gates. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. $5 per hour for parking. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? You can download an app with tons of info on it. 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. 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. On the end of Captiva near Blind Pass Captiva is typically pretty busy but the reast of the 5 miles of beach is some of the quietest you will find. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. Sanibel Island Florida Vacation Rentals | Breakaway Vacation Properties The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. The J.N. But its far from chaotic. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? The paths are well marked and almost flat. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. The geography of each island makes it unique. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor "This light being lit . In many ways, the two islands are sisters. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . 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. ;-). Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. More island businesses are re-opening every week. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. The Keys are AMAZING in my opinion, but you do give up the nice, wide, sandy beaches when choosing to vacation in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. South Capers, Sanibel Real Estate & Homes for Sale The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. 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 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). Haven't been to either. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. 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. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - travels-answers.com Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily.
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