The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma 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. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. Sanibel's lighthouse shining bright again five months after Hurricane Ian The J.N. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Its on the Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, so all swimmers need to be as cautious as possible, as there are strong currents and a swift undertow. There isnt a full-on grocery store (The Island Store is the closest it gets), but the shops on the island can get you most, if not all, of your basic needs. 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. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Where to Eat. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. 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. 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. 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. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. to bring home. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. 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. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. For Sale. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. Relative to Sanibel, only 583 residents live on over 1.6 square miles of island, and not nearly as many visitors venture over to Captiva, other than those staying at South Seas Island Resort. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? Blind Pass Beach Park. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. 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. 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. The intimate 10-day festival starts off in Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, then moves on to downtown Fort Myers and wraps up at Fort Myers Beach. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Preferences, preferences. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. 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. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. 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. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. You can download an app with tons of info on it. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Copyright Lisa Erickson, Capturing Captiva, About|Contact|Privacy Policy|Sitemap, The Mucky Duck reopens after Hurricane Ian, How To Support Sanibel and Captiva Businesses, Captiva Island Parking App Pay Via Phone. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. 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. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. 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 . Captiva's Tween Waters will re-open open to off-island guests Dec. 17 Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. Can you find a nice place to stay? We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! 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 Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. 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. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Question: Clearwater Sand Key Beach vs Captiva Island-Which has a More questions about Sanibel vs 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. Enjoy your visit. Sanibel City leaders said their beaches fared better than Captiva's in the erosion department following Eta, although isolated erosion was spotted on some public beaches. The other three councilmen are Scott. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. 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. The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida 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. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? 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. 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. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Slice of Paradise is Better? 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. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. 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!) No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. "Barefoot Elegance": Must-See Sites and Eats on Captiva Island in 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 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. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. At stake in Sanibel's nonpartisan Tuesday city council election: the seats now filled by the island's mayor and vice-mayor, Holly Smith and Richard Johnson. 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. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. 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! more. . 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. 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. 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. Both islands have these things in common: Beautiful beaches, lack of high-rise hotels and condos, mostly low density development, and a laid back atmosphere. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Whether you choose Sanibel Island or Captiva Island, these destinations are a 30 minutes car drive from each other so you can always change your mind if you want to. Absolutely. 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. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? 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 youre not a paddler you can still see a lot of the refuge by taking the guided tram tour or hiking on established trails. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. The depth of beach space changes too. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. 1. 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. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Tarpon Beach. 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. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. 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). 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. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. 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. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! But if you are looking for the more traditional sugar sand beach with clear blue water the Captiva Island Beaches are the way to go. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. $5 per hour for public parking. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. ;-). Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor 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. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina 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! In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. But its all about your expectations. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. 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. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. 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. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Sanibel won, hands down. No issue of traffic concerns. 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 and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. 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. 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. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. Amelia Island. 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. . This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. 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. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. On the flip side of this is that Captiva allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. Thank you Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. 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. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. 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. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. 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. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. 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. 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. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you.