which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. $899,000. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. Mostly boutique shopping. 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. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. 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! In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. 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. 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. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". But you will There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! 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. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. 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. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. 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. 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. Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Enjoy your visit. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Be sure to use the head. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. Florida Winter Shorebird Survey takes place on islands Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! Very different experiences. Sanibel vs Captiva? If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. 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. 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. 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. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Thank you for your responses. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). 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 . Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. SANTIVA GENERAL STORE - 16 Reviews - 6406 Sanibel Captiva Rd - Yelp Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. 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 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! Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. 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. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. 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. If youre trying to decide which island to stay on, its really going to come down to your budget and what exactly youre looking for. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 Captiva Island Beaches: 3 Best Access Points | PlanetWare My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. 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. 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. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. 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. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. CEPD reports on beach and water conditions | News, Sports, Jobs 1. 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. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. 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. The best comparison is to a mattress. A collaborative effort of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, the survey of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida aims to gain a better understanding of their winter distributions, the SCCF reported. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. 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. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. 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. 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. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. You can even rent golf carts. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. Both islands have the same great beaches, but if youre coming for the day or youre not staying right on the beach, parking at the beaches on Captiva is much more limited and more expensive than on Sanibel. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Turner Beach. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. 7/9/2016. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Silver Key Beach. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. $5 per hour for public parking. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. It takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel and come to the small bridge over Blind Pass that brings you onto Captiva. . My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. For Sale. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. 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. 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. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. 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. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. 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. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. Turner Beach. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. Absolutely. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. more. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. Marcos beach is beautiful. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva 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. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. 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. Port Sanibel Marina | Are Sanibel Island Beaches Open? - Coastal Conservatory This is all from my personal experience on the islands, nothing I have read on any blog or website trying to sell you on an expensive vacation package at one of the resorts. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Blind Pass Beach Park. 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. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? Then it takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel to the small bridge at Blind Pass that brings you to Captiva. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.