Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. 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 All great points. Very different experiences. And share my account with your travel loving friends! All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. 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. 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. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. 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. Turner Beach. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . 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! There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. 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. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. 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. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. We are staying a week. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Can you find a nice place to stay? Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Youll find restrooms here quickly, and while the beach wont allow your dog or any open fires, you can still have a great time here. There are 76 general parking spaces. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. 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. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. 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. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Turner Beach. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Like neat little boutiques for shopping. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. Be sure to use the head. 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. The best comparison is to a mattress. 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. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Captiva has more of a village feel. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. Lighthouse Beach. . If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. 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. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . Amelia Island. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. 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). Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. 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. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Its smarter to go further down the beach here for swimming, but with the nearby bars and beachside restaurants, you may decide that sitting on the sand and watching the waves move is a safer option for you. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. 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. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). . Visit the Islands to find great shells today! The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. 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. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. 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. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. 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. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. 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. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. 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. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. 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. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Sanibel won, hands down. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. Haven't been to either. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. Captiva Island. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You wont find any high rises (buildings are only allowed to be as tall as the tallest native tree on the island), any chains (except for the cutest little Dairy Queen thats been grandfathered in), and pretty much everything is a mom and pop shop or restaurant. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. But I digress. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. Privacy Policy | 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. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. Is this really a true statement? 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands Turner Beach (Blind Pass Beach) Just a stone's throw from the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva lies Turner Beach, aka Blind Pass Beach. 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. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. 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. 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. See the 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. The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Sanibel isnt a cheap vacation destination (supply and demand because of development restrictions) so youre probably going to pay a premium for anything on the beach. There are other differences between the islands, too. . The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? 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. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Drop us a line. However, that doesnt quite hold true. These islands are more alike than they are different. You can download an app with tons of info on it. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. 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. 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. With Sanibel's unique orientation as a primarily East-West island, the shelling is great AND the beaches at either end (Lighthouse, East end) Blind Pass (west end) offer a variety of beach conditions to explore on the same day. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. Can anyone give us advice. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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. Not really. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. 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. ago Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. 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. 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. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Captiva has only a limited number of properties with nightly rentals and they are very popular. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! 7/9/2016. 0.25 acre lot. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . 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. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. 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. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? 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. . Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Taking a boat tour off the beach? Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Silver Key Beach. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. P.S. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. 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. Preferences, preferences. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. But you will So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. 1. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! And there are no golf carts on Siesta. And. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. 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. 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. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Although you may not be able to climb to the top of the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, you are allowed to visit the surrounding areas for a lighthouse photo-op. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. . Thats a must! The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. 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 $$). Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. 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 . 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. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. Sanibel is known for its beaches some of the best beaches in southwest Florida but even more so for the millions of shells that wash up on its shores by the hour. 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. 2. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Theres nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach, and Lighthouse Beach has some of the best spaces to let your worries float away. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. Sanibel is a bike island. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. "This light being lit . Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly.