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. While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. The paths are well marked and almost flat. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Thank you Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. 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 beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Blind Pass Beach. 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. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. 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. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. 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. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. P.S. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. The sand quality is good. We did some . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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 means you and your pup can frolic in the waves at Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park, Bowman's Beach, and other Sanibel waterfronts. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. 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. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. 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. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). ago What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . The biggest difference is the number of beaches. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. 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. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. Turner Beach. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. The residents, wishing to conserve the natural setting and protect the wildlife refuge atmosphere actually broke away from the county and formedSanibel's own municipal government. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. 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. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Which is never a bad thing. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. 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. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. 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. Marcos beach is beautiful. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). And share my account with your travel loving friends! Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. Enjoy your visit. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel 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. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. 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 offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Gather some refreshments and enjoy a picnic on the beach, its one of the most beautiful places you will ever have the pleasure of visiting. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. Can anyone give us advice. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida lie the twin barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, coastal jewels of the Lee County coast. There are so many different species of fish here, and with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you can imagine how popular its been as a destination here as you can access the beach right from the water, too. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. 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. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. But both islands have their own unique personality. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. 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. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Haven't been to either. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. . The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. 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. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. 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. 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. 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. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. 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. For Sale. But honestly, zero impact. Preferences, preferences. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. 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. 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. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. To give you an accurate perspective, Sanibel is downright sleepy compared with other southwest Florida towns like Fort Myers, Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs even Punta Gorda. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. There are 23 general parking spaces. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. To give you an accurate perspective, Sanibel is downright sleepy compared with other southwest Florida towns like Fort Myers, Naples, Marco Island, Bonita Springs even Punta Gorda.But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though there's still plenty to do.. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, you'll immediately notice how the road narrows and . Blind Pass Beach. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? There is no fee for Florida residents. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. 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. 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 two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. "This light being lit . 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. 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. 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 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. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. Where to Eat. 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 . The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. 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. . You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. . Rent a bike! That is a personal decision. Is Marco prettier? In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. 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. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) 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 There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Captiva Beach, Captiva Island: See 1,385 reviews, articles, and 733 photos of Captiva Beach, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Captiva Island. Not really. Sanibel is a wonderful overall vacation experience if you like beachcombing and non chain restaurants and nature in general, but the water clarity varies with the tides and winds and currents. 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. Purdue9394/Getty Images. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults.

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