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. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. Purdue9394/Getty Images. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. 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. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. 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. 7/9/2016. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. 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. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. 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. While you're likely to find many shells at any of Sanibel's 6 public beaches, a couple that stand out include: Gulfside City Park Beach- This beautiful sandy beach is covered with countless shells to collect. And. 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. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. 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 . The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. 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. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". ;-). 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. Blind Pass Beach. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. The geography of each island makes it unique. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. Thank you for your responses. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Bowmans Beach is one of many beaches on Sanibel Island, and on the western portion of the island.Its a protected site, with no developments going on, which leaves a pure and natural landscape to enjoy for all. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. Amelia Island. 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. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. 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. 0.25 acre lot. 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. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. 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. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. 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. Not really. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Bowman's Beach. 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). Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Enjoy your visit. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Mostly boutique shopping. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . 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. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Blind Pass Beach Park. 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. 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. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. 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. 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. But you will Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. It was warm and pleasant. 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. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. This means you and your pup can frolic in the waves at Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park, Bowman's Beach, and other Sanibel waterfronts. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). There are other differences between the islands, too. 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. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Holly Monroe Beneficiary Created October 5, 2022 Emergencies Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. You can reach Blind Pass by heading to Sanibel's western tip where the gorgeous white sand flanks the channel between Sanibel and Captiva islands. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. The currents that bring abundant shells to sanibel and the 10K islands do result in some turbulence and suspended sand in the water at times even when there are no water releases. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. 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. 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. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . Preferences, preferences. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. 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. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. 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. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. 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. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Silver Key Beach. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. 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. 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. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. 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. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. The whole island is practically all beach on the West, and this is where the Gulf of Mexico laps at the shore just what you want to dip your toes into! If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. Port Sanibel Marina | 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! The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Is Marco prettier? Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? 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 FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. 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. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. And share my account with your travel loving friends! While the intention is to rebuild, the causeway has been fixed, and the island is expected to begin opening to tourism in January 2023, things are not back to normal and likely wont be for a long time. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. 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. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. 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 If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. The best comparison is to a mattress. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. 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. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. 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. 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. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. 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. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. Bringing the whole family is a must when you head to Captiva Beach, and there are plenty of beaches and places to stay along those beaches. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. 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. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. 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. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. Email agent. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. $899,000. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. Youll find restrooms here quickly, and while the beach wont allow your dog or any open fires, you can still have a great time here. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . 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. Copyright Lisa Erickson, Capturing Captiva, About|Contact|Privacy Policy|Sitemap, The Mucky Duck reopens after Hurricane Ian, How To Support Sanibel and Captiva Businesses, Captiva Island Parking App Pay Via Phone. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. 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. However, that doesnt quite hold true. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. 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. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. Be sure to use the head. 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 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. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Your support really helps me keep this blog running! It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. tim tracker real name,
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