which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. 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. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Thank you 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. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. 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. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? You can even rent golf carts. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. 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 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 causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. 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 . Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. 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. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. While the intention is to rebuild, the causeway has been fixed, and the island is expected to begin opening to tourism in January 2023, things are not back to normal and likely wont be for a long time. 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. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. Last month, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers participated in the 15th annual Florida Winter Shorebird Survey, documenting nearly 3,000 shorebirds and seabirds over two days. 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. 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. 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. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. 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. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches Sanibel Island shelling is considered the best shelling spot in the world according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. No issue of traffic concerns. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Your email address will not be published. There is no fee for Florida residents. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. What's there to do I one place vs the other? They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. 2. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. 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. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. 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. 0.25 acre lot. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. Silver Key Beach. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! 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. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. That is a personal decision. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Mostly boutique shopping. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, youll immediately notice how the road narrows and homes are shrouded by lush greenery and gates. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. 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. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. 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. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. But you will Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Driving Directions Take I-75 South to Fort Myers. Thats the right question! Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides.

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