which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

Both have good shelling. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). 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. What's there to do I one place vs the other? 8 Great Places to Go Kayaking in Fort Myers, 50 Things to Do in Southwest Florida: The Ultimate Bucket List, 10 Fun and Easy Day Trips from Naples Florida, 15 Fun Things To Do on Sanibel Island, Florida, 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Castaway to 7 Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Islands Reachable Only By Boat, The 7 Best Beaches in Fort Myers Florida (Plus 5 More Nearby), 9 Sanibel Restaurants for Tropical Island Dining at Its Best. 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. It was warm and pleasant. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. 7/9/2016. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com 2. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. More island businesses are re-opening every week. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. 0.25 acre lot. jesseaknight 5 mo. South Capers, Sanibel Real Estate & Homes for Sale You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. 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 . Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. 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. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? The 7 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island 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. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Enjoy your visit. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. But its far from chaotic. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. 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. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Trip Report - TripSavvy There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. 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. Very different experiences. Sanibel vs Captiva? There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. 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. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! 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!) Where to Find Shells on Sanibel Island - Port Sanibel Marina Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Captiva Island Beaches: 3 Best Access Points | PlanetWare What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). 19 THINGS TO DO IN FORT MYERS FOR FUN IN THE SUN - 365 Atlanta Traveler Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. 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. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. No issue of traffic concerns. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. . Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. 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 Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Turner Beach. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and Be sure to use the head. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. 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. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor 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. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. 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. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. ago $899,000. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. 2. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. 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. 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. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. Sanibel City leaders said their beaches fared better than Captiva's in the erosion department following Eta, although isolated erosion was spotted on some public beaches. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. 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. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Turner Beach. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island for a vacation?Sanibel and Marco islands are both tropical gems of Southwest Florida, attracting thousands of visitors each year for a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a honeymoon. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. CEPD reports on beach and water conditions | News, Sports, Jobs Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? The J.N. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. 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. Rent a bike! The depth of beach space changes too. Which is never a bad thing. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! They contain thousands of shells you can find. 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. Is this really a true statement? Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Haven't been to either. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do 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". If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. And. Purdue9394/Getty Images. At the end of the lane is one of Captivas most popular restaurants, The Mucky Duck, a laid-back place thats great for a cold drink and watching the sunset.On the opposite side of Captiva Drive is a popular favorite, the Bubble Room complete with year-round Christmas decorations and a very funky decor. But I digress. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road.