which beach is better sanibel or captiva? which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian Is Marco prettier? 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. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! 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. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. The beach is very wide/deep so the buildings have zero impact, but if youre not used to seeing that, it can be a disconcerting at first. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. 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. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. P.S. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. 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. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. 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. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). 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. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. 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. Both islands are breathtaking. You can even rent golf carts. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Drop us a line. 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. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Dont take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, its just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! Blind Pass Beach. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. 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. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva Sanibel vs Captiva? 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. Or is there another better spot? If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. 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. 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. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. 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. 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. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. Is this really a true statement? Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - travels-answers.com For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. . You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. But I digress. Privacy Policy | In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. Thank you for your responses. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. As far as recommendations on where to stay on each island: On Captiva: South Seas Island Resort or Tween Waters Island Resort, On Sanibel: Casa Ybel Resort, Tortuga Beach Club Resort, the Inns of Sanibel, Sanibel Restaurant Recommendations: What I Liked & What I Didnt, Shopping on Sanibel: A Must Visit Bookstore & Cute Boutiques, A Visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Cayo Costa Shelling Tours with Captiva Cruises, Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co in Downtown Fort Myers Review, Matlacha Isles & Pine Island: A Great Fort Myers Day Trips. Blind Pass Beach. 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. Captiva Island Beaches Your support really helps me keep this blog running! The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. At the end of the lane is one of Captivas most popular restaurants, The Mucky Duck, a laid-back place thats great for a cold drink and watching the sunset.On the opposite side of Captiva Drive is a popular favorite, the Bubble Room complete with year-round Christmas decorations and a very funky decor. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. 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. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. 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 . Amelia Island. 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. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers 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. 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. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). It was warm and pleasant. Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. 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. The 7 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. "Barefoot Elegance": Must-See Sites and Eats on Captiva Island in 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. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Be sure to use the head. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. However, that doesnt quite hold true. Hopefully this post helps you make a decision that puts you on the beach that will give you the most enjoyment from your island vacation. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! While Sanibel and Captiva arent radically different, Ill do my best to break the two down: Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We are staying a week. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Sanibel is a bike island. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Bowman's Beach. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. Sanibel won, hands down. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. 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. Captiva has more of a village feel. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. 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. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Gather some refreshments and enjoy a picnic on the beach, its one of the most beautiful places you will ever have the pleasure of visiting. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. CEPD reports on beach and water conditions | News, Sports, Jobs Sanibel's lighthouse shining bright again five months after Hurricane Ian Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. 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. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. 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! Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. 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. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 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 and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. Marcos beach is beautiful. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. For Sale. The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. We couldn't have had better customer | Island Vacations of Sanibel Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Mostly boutique shopping. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. These islands are more alike than they are different. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. to bring home. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). 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. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Taking a boat tour off the beach? Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? 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. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. There are other differences between the islands, too. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Realizing the differences in the two islands is important, Ive heard from people who stayed on Sanibel expecting the clear water and soft sand and were disappointed. 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. 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. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. 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. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. 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. There is access to the western sunset-facingpristine beaches of Captiva at Turner's Beach immediately after Blind Pass Bridge and also a small lot at the very end of Captiva Drive directly adjacent to South Seas Resort. But honestly, zero impact. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). 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. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. 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. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. It does. Florida Winter Shorebird Survey takes place on islands This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022.