There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. 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. 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. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. 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. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. 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. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. 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. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. 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. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Captiva Beach, Captiva Island: See 1,385 reviews, articles, and 733 photos of Captiva Beach, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Captiva Island. 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! It will take you roughly one hour to get to Sanibel and Captiva from the Fort Myers airport Southwest Florida International (RSW) to the Sanibel Causeway. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Can anyone give us advice. 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. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . 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. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Is Marco prettier? We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. For Sale. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 . There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. 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. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. McCarthy's Marina, Captiva Vessels up to 24 feet (239) 472-5200 Port Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 65 feet (239) 437-1660 portsanibelmarina.com. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. 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. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Its a popular destination for those who love to hop from Captiva Island to Sanibel Island and the kids will love the chance to comb for shells. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. 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. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? to bring home. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Both islands are breathtaking. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. 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. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. more. 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. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. More island businesses are re-opening every week. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. 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. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Almost every building still standing, only a few roofs damaged and some flooding around Andy Rosse Lane and the entrance to south seas (but not nearly as bad as on Sanibel). 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. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. Lighthouse Beach is one of the best places to watch sunset on Sanibel or Captiva because of the lighthouse it makes any sunset pic of Sanibel Instaworthy! All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Thats a must! Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. 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. Sanibel and Captiva islands offer tourists at least fifteen miles of stunning beaches, and boost over 250 kinds of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regions.. You see why I said that Sanibel and Captiva have what I cherish. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. 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. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. It takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel and come to the small bridge over Blind Pass that brings you onto Captiva. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. P.S. 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. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. The paths are well marked and almost flat. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! 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. That is a personal decision. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. 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. 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. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. But honestly, zero impact. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Is this really a true statement? The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. 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. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. 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. Marcos beach is beautiful. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. 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. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. 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. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. 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. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto 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. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Where to Eat. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. 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. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. 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. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . No issue of traffic concerns. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. Captiva Island. 0.25 acre lot. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. 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. Bowman's Beach. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. Thank you for your responses. . Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. 1. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. . Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. 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. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. 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. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Sep 26, 2020 Captiva has more of a village feel. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. 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. 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. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. 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. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. With Sanibel's unique orientation as a primarily East-West island, the shelling is great AND the beaches at either end (Lighthouse, East end) Blind Pass (west end) offer a variety of beach conditions to explore on the same day. Or is there another better spot? From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. They contain thousands of shells you can find. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Rent a bike! There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. 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. 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. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . 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 . You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! Not at all. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! 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. 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 Keys are AMAZING in my opinion, but you do give up the nice, wide, sandy beaches when choosing to vacation in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 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. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . The access you get to the state park beach is at the West side of Panama Shell Drive at the end of Captiva Drive, and there are just miles of empty sands and fallen trees to explore and climb. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Last month, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers participated in the 15th annual Florida Winter Shorebird Survey, documenting nearly 3,000 shorebirds and seabirds over two days. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. And. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. 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. 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. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. 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 travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. Very different experiences. The sand quality is good. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. 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 Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. 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. Lighthouse Beach. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Port Sanibel Marina | Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. 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. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.