which beach is better sanibel or captiva?
The 7 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. 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. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. 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. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. "Barefoot Elegance": Must-See Sites and Eats on Captiva Island in Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - travels-answers.com We couldn't have had better customer | Island Vacations of Sanibel In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. 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. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. 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. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Frequent Islander is 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. 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. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. There are 76 general parking spaces. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. The best comparison is to a mattress. They contain thousands of shells you can find. 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. 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. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. 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. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Located in the middle of the island, there is more than enough space to enjoy the sunshine or relax in the shade should you want to take a moment to rest. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. 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. The J.N. 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. Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. I will say, depending on the types of places youre used to staying in Florida (or on vacation in general)I find that 95% of whats offered on Sanibel leaves a lot to be desired (especially for the $$). With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. 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. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . Tarpon Bay Road Beach. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Two Sanibel incumbents face challengers in Tuesday elections On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. 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. 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. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! All great points. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. Preferences, preferences. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. 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. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Sanibel, Captiva residents await news of Ian's destruction | Miami Herald Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Can you find a nice place to stay? . The Sanibel Spirit 45135 | Ocean's Reach Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Its the top shelling destination in the country and shell collectors from around the world come to spend the day hunched over doing the Sanibel Stoop. 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. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? . We did some . Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. 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. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island 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. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. 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. 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. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Blind Pass Beach. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Trip Report - TripSavvy Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts boasts more than 50 years of hospitality marketing and management success all based on the delivery of our mission, by each team member, to each of you, our guests: deliver a warm, friendly and memorable island resort experience that provides value to you so exceptional, you'll want to return . The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva were still closed due to Hurricane Ian w hen we visited, but we marveled at the huge, powerful, beautiful waves we saw from the road. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. 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! Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). 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. ;-). If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Purdue9394/Getty Images. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. 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! Can anyone give us advice. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. The kids will love the park, and you can take a moment to explore the shoreline and find as many shells as you like (not live ones!) Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. 13 Incredible Airbnbs in Sanibel Island, Florida (2021 Edition) You can download an app with tons of info on it. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Onceyou're is on the beach, it is public property from mean the high tide line to the water, so you can stroll to your heart's content. 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. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. But honestly, zero impact. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. 19 THINGS TO DO IN FORT MYERS FOR FUN IN THE SUN - 365 Atlanta Traveler Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Turner Beach. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. 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. Local grocery stores like Jerrys and Baileys General Store are good for sandwiches, prepared foods, good picnic food for the beach, and stocking your own kitchenette or vacation rental. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. For Sale. 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. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Both have good shelling. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. 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. What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. For Sale: Single Family home, $1,795,000, 3 Bd, 5 Ba, 3,516 Sqft, $511/Sqft, at 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund Blind Pass Beach. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. 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. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. That is a personal decision. 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. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. There are several reasons for this, partly because Captiva lacks the number of activities and attractions that Sanibel has, and partly because it is almost entirely private property with very high-end homes. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Your email address will not be published. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit Blind Pass Beach Park. . 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! . Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . The SanCap area is reminiscent of the differences between a smaller community versus the regional center; Sanibel is a smaller town that provides basic services to the broader area. 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. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? 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. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. 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. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. 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. That said, however, since most visitors seem to hit the beaches closest to the Sanibel Causeway (the only road on and off the island), youll find that the closer you get to the Causeway, the more crowded the beaches are. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. 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. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. As you approach the northern part of Captiva, you come to the small and very quaintvillage areawhere you will find an assortment of restaurants and shops, as well as the post office, a bank and a small library. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News
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