which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Tarpon Beach. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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. 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). Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). 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. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Turner Beach. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. It reported that the agencies responsible for declaring public safety for the beaches and waters in Lee County are Lee County Parks & Recreation and the Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches program. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Purdue9394/Getty Images. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. to bring home. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. 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. The island is a lot smaller than Sanibel (half of its taken up by the South Seas Island Resort), but it feels very much the same. In fact, as Sanibel and Captiva are connected by bridges, interested cyclists can bike from Fort Myers proper all the way across to both of the islands and back if they choose. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Sanibel is a bike island. Marcos beach is beautiful. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. Turner Beach is a beautiful day out for the whole family, and with enough amenities to do it all, youll enjoy your time there immensely! Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Not really. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. 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. 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. 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. 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! and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Haven't been to either. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. 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. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 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 The depth of beach space changes too. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. Turner Beach. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. Asides the Sanibel Lighthouse, you can join a dolphin cruise or visit other amazing spots like: If you dont plan on staying in the Island, feel free to head inland for a day trip in Cape Coral. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Can you find a nice place to stay? . Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. It was warm and pleasant. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com 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. The J.N. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Be sure to use the head. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Port Sanibel Marina | 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. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! You can download an app with tons of info on it. $899,000. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. Dogs are welcome at Turner Beach- they must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 ft. We please ask that you remember to clean up after your dog. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! jesseaknight 5 mo. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. 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. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. Sep 26, 2020 Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. 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. 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. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. 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. 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. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! 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. 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. Enjoy your visit. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. 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. 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. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. 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". No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). 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 city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 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. 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. 2. That is a personal decision. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Hotels near The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Hotels near Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Hotels near Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Hotels near Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Hotels near Sanibel Moorings Botanical Garden Tours. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! But both islands have their own unique personality. But honestly, zero impact. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. 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. Here are the most noticeable difference between the islands to help you pick your island destination: One of the biggest distinguishing factors between Sanibel and Captiva lies beneath your toes: their sand. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). 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. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Here and on adjacent roads you will find a wide selection of restaurants, galleries, shops, food markets, a live theater company, a movie theaterand severalsmall shopping centers. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. The sand quality is good. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Blind Pass Beach Park. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. . One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Eight Sanibel and Captiva beaches you have to visit include: For many people, the massive amount and variety of shells that can be found is what brings them Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches. ;-). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. Gulfside City Park. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. 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 . DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Email agent. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Drop us a line. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. Rent a bike! LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. 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. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. day trips, Fort Myers, attractions, family fun with kids, Captiva, Captiva Island, restaurants, best restaurants, Southwest Florida, Gulf coast islands, Weird Florida: 8 Unusual Things to See and Do in Southwest Florida. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. 2. 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. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. $5 per hour for parking. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. The best comparison is to a mattress. 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. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. With amenities such as bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and playgrounds, youre going to find everything you need for the perfect day at the beach. 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. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. 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. As you head for the tip of Captiva, the island gets very narrow allowing you to see the Gulf on one side and Pine Island Sound on the other. 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. The geography of each island makes it unique. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. . The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. 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. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). There are so many different species of fish here, and with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you can imagine how popular its been as a destination here as you can access the beach right from the water, too. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded 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. 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