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. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? 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. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Honestly I cant imagine living on the island if I had to go to work off-island everyday, or just do a quick run to Target. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Thank you for your responses. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. 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. 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. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. 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. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. 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. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 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. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. P.S. Both islands are breathtaking. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. 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. 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. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. 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. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. 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. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. There are other differences between the islands, too. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. 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. Mostly boutique shopping. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! ago The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. 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 . Sanibel Island might be better for you if youre looking for active family vacations, great shelling beaches, more shopping and dining amenities, being closer to nature preserves and off-island driving adventures to Fort Myers and beyond to the Everglades or Charlotte Harbor. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. Enjoy your visit. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. Where to Eat. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. 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. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. We are staying a week. 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. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. 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. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. Turner Beach. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. 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. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Taking a boat tour off the beach? Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. These islands are more alike than they are different. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. 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. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. On the flip side of this is that Captiva allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. 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. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. At stake in Sanibel's nonpartisan Tuesday city council election: the seats now filled by the island's mayor and vice-mayor, Holly Smith and Richard Johnson. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Sanibel is a bike island. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! You want to find a slice of paradise when you go to the beach, and Captiva Beach is the most authentic piece of heaven there is. That is a personal decision. 2. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) All great points. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. The majority of Captivas accommodations are at South Seas Island Resort, and its a lovely stay perfect also for destination weddings and other family gathering as they have a variety of accommodation types from studios to 3 and 4 bedroom homes. The J.N. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. 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". There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. 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. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Can anyone give us advice. Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. Because of the more remote location furthest from the Sanibel Causeway, what few public beaches there are on Captiva Island tend to be much less-crowded compared with the beaches on Sanibel. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. 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. "This light being lit . You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. Email agent. 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. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. . The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. 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. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. more. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. For Sale. Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. 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. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. . The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Haven't been to either. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. No issue of traffic concerns. But both islands have their own unique personality. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. The best comparison is to a mattress. 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. However, that doesnt quite hold true. Just within the past two weeks, we've seen Billy's Rentals and Tarpon Bay Explorers reopen, along with Doc Ford's, Timbers and the Great White Grill. 2. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Silver Key Beach. Rent a bike! 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. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. But I digress. 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. 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. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! It was warm and pleasant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. 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. 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 Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . We did some . There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in.