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Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Tarpon Beach. And. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Drop us a line. Just within the past two weeks, we've seen Billy's Rentals and Tarpon Bay Explorers reopen, along with Doc Ford's, Timbers and the Great White Grill. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. As you approach the northern part of Captiva, you come to the small and very quaintvillage areawhere you will find an assortment of restaurants and shops, as well as the post office, a bank and a small library. 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. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. It was warm and pleasant. 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. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. The island is a lot smaller than Sanibel (half of its taken up by the South Seas Island Resort), but it feels very much the same. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. Gulfside City Park. 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. Lighthouse Beach. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. 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. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Mostly boutique shopping. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Because its the only way on and off the island, as you can imagine, traffic can be insane given the popularity of the islands as a tourist destination especially at the height of season from December through March. The geography of each island makes it unique. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 2. Mostly boutique shopping. Siesta Key vs Captiva Island - Siesta Key Forum - Tripadvisor On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? 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. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. Enjoy your visit. 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. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and The depth of beach space changes too. They contain thousands of shells you can find. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Great Licks is the perfect place to help you cool off from Florida heat and pamper your taste buds for amazing and mouthwatering homemade ice cream. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. 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". However, that doesnt quite hold true. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. All great points. 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. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. The 7 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Both islands are breathtaking. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Sanibel is crisscrossed by an extensive multi-use path system that gives bicyclists and walkers access to most of the destinations on the island including the wildlife refuge and most of the beaches. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. 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. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. Since then, Sanibel has followed a path of creating a balance for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the island while at the same time proactively and aggressively controlling development and sprawl. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. 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. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Which beach is better Sanibel or 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. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. 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. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. $5 per hour for parking. Its a beautiful resort and one we highly recommend staying at for its resort facilities including a 9-hole golf course, and the variety of accommodations that will suit everyone. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! The other three councilmen are Scott. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. Thank you Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! ago They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Turner Beach. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Amelia Island. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has secured its spot as one of the best Sanibel hotels on the beach, thanks to its many amazing amenities and waterfront location. Privacy Policy | In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Im not saying any of this to put you off, because Sanibel and Captiva are GREAT islands and one of my favorite places in Florida, but if youre used to staying at more high end beach resorts in other parts of Florida, what that money gets you on Sanibel and Captiva is a lotless. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. 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. 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! Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . 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. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. We did some . In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. But honestly, zero impact. We couldn't have had better customer | Island Vacations of Sanibel Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Sanibel Island versus Destin - Trippy Its smarter to go further down the beach here for swimming, but with the nearby bars and beachside restaurants, you may decide that sitting on the sand and watching the waves move is a safer option for you. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go 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. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. 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. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. 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. Taking a boat tour off the beach? Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva 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. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. 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. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Some of the features of the beach that youll find here include: Whether youre by yourself, with a loved one, or bringing the whole family, Bowmans Beach is a great option. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. We are staying a week. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. The SanCap area is reminiscent of the differences between a smaller community versus the regional center; Sanibel is a smaller town that provides basic services to the broader area. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . jesseaknight 5 mo. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island 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. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. 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. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. 13 Incredible Airbnbs in Sanibel Island, Florida (2021 Edition) Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. Question: Clearwater Sand Key Beach vs Captiva Island-Which has a Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. 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. 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. Because of the more remote location furthest from the Sanibel Causeway, what few public beaches there are on Captiva Island tend to be much less-crowded compared with the beaches on Sanibel. The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team 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! This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Not really. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 1. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. 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. Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Trip Report - TripSavvy