There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. That is a personal decision. At this point, the combined preserved/ protected conservation land owned by the National Refuge, private foundations and the City of Sanibel extends to about 70% of the island. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. 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. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. Bowman's Beach. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. 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. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Not really. 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! On the end of Captiva near Blind Pass Captiva is typically pretty busy but the reast of the 5 miles of beach is some of the quietest you will find. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Everyone is differentI much prefer Sanibel to Marco by a wide margin, but if you want a more elegant experience with groomed beaches than Marco might be a better fit for you. 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. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. 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. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. 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. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. . Shopping plazas along the main drag known as Periwinkle Way are small independent boutiques selling everything from souvenirs and beachwear to clothing and higher end designer apparel. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Tarpon Beach. 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. 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. The sand quality is good. But you will Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. 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. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. And share my account with your travel loving friends! . Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? 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. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. 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. Lots of visitor parking available on Sanibel but it costs $5.00 per hour. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. 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". Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. 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. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. 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). Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. The deep channel of water of what is now Blind Pass was formed, forever separating the two (though barely) by a narrow two-lane bridge thats small enough to walk across in under a minute. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. 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. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. 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. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. 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. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. 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! However, that doesnt quite hold true. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? 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. Tarpon Bay Road Beach. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. 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 $$). 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. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Thank you for your responses. The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. Sanibel vs Captiva? Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. The other three councilmen are Scott. Amelia Island. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. 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. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Is this really a true statement? The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! 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. 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. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. 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. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. Haven't been to either. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. The currents that bring abundant shells to sanibel and the 10K islands do result in some turbulence and suspended sand in the water at times even when there are no water releases. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. 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. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Captiva doesnt have the network of dedicated bike paths that Sanibel has, so if you were looking forward to extensive bike-riding on your vacation, Sanibel may be the better choice. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. 7/9/2016. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. $5 per hour for public parking. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. 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. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Or is there another better spot? There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. Turner Beach. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. more. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! 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. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. 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. 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. 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.
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