which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com For Sale. Where to Eat. 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. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. Turner Beach - Lee County Southwest Florida The other three councilmen are Scott. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. Sanibel beaches are renowned for the shells that wash up every day - it's the top shelling destination in North America and residents and visitors bending over to examine the shells is the source of the posture known as the 'Sanibel Stoop". Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. As far as "clear water" is concerned - no matter WHERE you are, the local conditions depend on the direction and strength of the winds, and the currents which vary from day to day, AND from one section of beach to the next. Eight Sanibel and Captiva beaches you have to visit include: Bowman's Beach Lighthouse Beach Blind Pass Beach Captiva Beach Turner Beach Gulfside City Park/Algiers Beach Causeway Beach Park Tarpon Bay Beach Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. Taking a boat tour off the beach? The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian All great points. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Is Marco prettier? Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. Sanibel is your choice if you are looking for nature, activities, choices in restaurants and shopping, are on somewhat ofa budget, biking or want to go off island fortouring or nightlife on the mainland. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. 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. 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. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Bowman's Beach. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. 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. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. 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. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. 13 Incredible Airbnbs in Sanibel Island, Florida (2021 Edition) Where to Find Shells on Sanibel Island - Port Sanibel Marina Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina But honestly, zero impact. . But I digress. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Thats the right question! Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Both islands are breathtaking. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? 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. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. To get to the beach, its a short five minute walk through a nature trail, boardwalk bridge, hammock, and beach scrub to get where you need to be. Haven't been to either. 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. more. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. 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. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. 7/9/2016. A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Siesta Key vs Captiva Island - Siesta Key Forum - Tripadvisor You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund 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! Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. 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. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. 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 . On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Marcos beach is beautiful. 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. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches . Sanibel Island Florida Vacation Rentals | Breakaway Vacation Properties The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . 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 . 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. . Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. If youre planning to visit the area, make sure to do plenty of research to find out whats open, whats available and whats just not even there anymore. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit 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. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Slice of Paradise is Better? The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Sanibel is a unique blend of well-protected nature destination and tourist hotspot with a bit of everything for those seeking a laid-back, go at your own pace vacation. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. 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. Preferences, preferences. 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. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Lighthouse Beach. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. 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. 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. 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 picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. Florida Winter Shorebird Survey takes place on islands The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. You can even rent golf carts. Sanibel, Captiva residents await news of Ian's destruction | Miami Herald Your email address will not be published. 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. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor 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. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. 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. 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.