which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Sanibel is known for its beaches some of the best beaches in southwest Florida but even more so for the millions of shells that wash up on its shores by the hour. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. 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. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva 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. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Which is never a bad thing. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. $5 per hour for public parking. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. Youll find restrooms here quickly, and while the beach wont allow your dog or any open fires, you can still have a great time here. 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. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. And share my account with your travel loving friends! Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. 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. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? 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. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. 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. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? 7/9/2016. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Captiva has more of a village feel. 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. Is this really a true statement? Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. But both islands have their own unique personality. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Both have good shelling. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. 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. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? 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 could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. I only took in the Captiva Island portion of the trip but made sure to experience as much of the area as possible and not just sit on patios listening to acoustic music while drinking rum punch. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. 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. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. Preferences, preferences. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. to bring home. Drop us a line. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. 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. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. 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. A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. 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. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. The Atlantic with its steep continental dropoff has stronger surf than the Gulf coast which is relatively shallow (there is actually a shallows area many miles off-shore). For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Is Marco prettier? Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. 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. 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. "This light being lit . In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. 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. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. The other three councilmen are Scott. . Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. 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. 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. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Its a popular destination for those who love to hop from Captiva Island to Sanibel Island and the kids will love the chance to comb for shells. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. 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. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . Can you find a nice place to stay? And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. . Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. Thank you for your responses. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. 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. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. Discover the Beauty of Sanibel and Captiva Islands There is so much to find and enjoy in Southwest Florida, especially on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Also, Captiva and North Captiva had medium counts and Cayo Costa's was low, a trend that continued north to Manasota Beach and south to 32 miles offshore of Wiggins Pass in Collier County. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. 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. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Turner Beach. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva were still closed due to Hurricane Ian w hen we visited, but we marveled at the huge, powerful, beautiful waves we saw from the road. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Silver Key Beach. 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. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! 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. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". 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. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. There are 23 general parking spaces. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Blind Pass Beach. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. 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. Enjoy your visit. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. jesseaknight 5 mo. The kids will love the park, and you can take a moment to explore the shoreline and find as many shells as you like (not live ones!) In many ways, the two islands are sisters. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Taking a boat tour off the beach? In fact, as Sanibel and Captiva are connected by bridges, interested cyclists can bike from Fort Myers proper all the way across to both of the islands and back if they choose. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. But you will Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. 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 .

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