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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. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. 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. 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 ? Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home 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. 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. See the 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. to bring home. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? And there are no golf carts on Siesta. Be sure to use the head. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. 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. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. 2. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. "Barefoot Elegance": Must-See Sites and Eats on Captiva Island in Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? For Sale. 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. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. Sanibel isnt a cheap vacation destination (supply and demand because of development restrictions) so youre probably going to pay a premium for anything on the beach. If youre trying to decide which island to stay on, its really going to come down to your budget and what exactly youre looking for. 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. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. A collaborative effort of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, the survey of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida aims to gain a better understanding of their winter distributions, the SCCF reported. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. 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. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. 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. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. 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. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. Captiva's Tween Waters will re-open open to off-island guests Dec. 17 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. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. . At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. 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. Here is our best explanation of the main differences between Sanibel vs Captiva islands, to help you decide which island stay is right for you. P.S. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. 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. Sanibel and Captiva - Southern Boating 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. Blind Pass 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. 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. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Captiva has more of a village feel. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. 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! 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. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida I only took in the Captiva Island portion of the trip but made sure to experience as much of the area as possible and not just sit on patios listening to acoustic music while drinking rum punch. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. 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. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? 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. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. 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. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. 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. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. 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. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . 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. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. South Capers, Sanibel Real Estate & Homes for Sale Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. 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. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? 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. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Preferences, preferences. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. 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. 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. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. Thank you But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. Two Sanibel incumbents face challengers in Tuesday elections 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 . A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. 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. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. No issue of traffic concerns. Blind Pass Beach Park. CEPD reports on beach and water conditions | News, Sports, Jobs Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. You can visit: Matlacha is a small home village, which is best known for their quirky shops, and several eateries offering some of the best delicacies. Captiva Island Beaches: 3 Best Access Points | PlanetWare 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. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. We couldn't have had better customer | Island Vacations of Sanibel 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. Sanibel is a bike island. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands Turner Beach (Blind Pass Beach) Just a stone's throw from the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva lies Turner Beach, aka Blind Pass Beach. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. And share my account with your travel loving friends! Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable.