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. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. 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. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. 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. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. Blind Pass Beach. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Absolutely. . Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? With Sanibel's unique orientation as a primarily East-West island, the shelling is great AND the beaches at either end (Lighthouse, East end) Blind Pass (west end) offer a variety of beach conditions to explore on the same day. Thats a must! BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. Sanibel and Captiva remain very much in recovery mode, but some business leaders urged city management to open back up, so visitors can once again eat, shop and stay at the iconic barrier islands . You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. Local grocery stores like Jerrys and Baileys General Store are good for sandwiches, prepared foods, good picnic food for the beach, and stocking your own kitchenette or vacation rental. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 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! One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. . From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Sanibel Island might be better for you if youre looking for active family vacations, great shelling beaches, more shopping and dining amenities, being closer to nature preserves and off-island driving adventures to Fort Myers and beyond to the Everglades or Charlotte Harbor. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. But both islands have their own unique personality. Blind Pass Beach. 2. 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. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. 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. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? 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. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. We did some . Gulfside City Park. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. And share my account with your travel loving friends! 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. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Turner Beach. 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. 1725 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL 33904. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. 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. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Drop us a line. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. There are 23 general parking spaces. 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! 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. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. You cant access Captiva without going through Sanibel and these two islands have such a different vibe than pretty much every other place in the area so theyre often compared. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Taking a boat tour off the beach? If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Be sure to use the head. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. You can download an app with tons of info on it. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. 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. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. . The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. 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. 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. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. 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. 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. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. 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. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. More island businesses are re-opening every week. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. 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. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! Theres nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach, and Lighthouse Beach has some of the best spaces to let your worries float away. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. There are other differences between the islands, too. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. . You want to find a slice of paradise when you go to the beach, and Captiva Beach is the most authentic piece of heaven there is. Turner Beach. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. 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. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. ;-). Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . 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. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Turner Beach is a beautiful day out for the whole family, and with enough amenities to do it all, youll enjoy your time there immensely! Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. But its far from chaotic. 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. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Captiva has more of a village feel. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. Thats the right question! Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. Both have good shelling. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. Blind Pass Beach is one of the more unique beaches on this list given the fact that it stretches to the northern tip of Sanibel Island, making it easily accessible from Captiva Island as well. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. 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. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. 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. P.S. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Not at all.