The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. There are other differences between the islands, too. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. 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. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Your email address will not be published. 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. 7/9/2016. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. We are staying a week. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. 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. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. . Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. You can even rent golf carts. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Holly Monroe Beneficiary Created October 5, 2022 Emergencies Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. Thank you 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. 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. 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. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Silver Key Beach. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. The two were once a single island, along with North Captiva Island, until separated by a storm at Blind Pass. 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. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. 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. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience. 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. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. The geography of each island makes it unique. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . And the standards of the condos arent the highest. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. 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! While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. 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. 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. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. 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 . not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Both islands are breathtaking. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. . The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Despite a huge push from developers, the city held their ground with strong building restrictions that were intended to protect the environment (to this day, half the island is a nature preserve) and its largely what makes Sanibel so quaint. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. The best comparison is to a mattress. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Which is never a bad thing. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. 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. 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. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Both have good shelling. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. 2. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. 0.25 acre lot. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. Can you find a nice place to stay? This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Captiva does not have a bike path, but rather, a 3 foot "safety shoulder" that runs along each side of Captiva Rd, so inexperienced bicyclists and children should use extra caution. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. 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. Where to Eat. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. Here is our best explanation of the main differences between Sanibel vs Captiva islands, to help you decide which island stay is right for you. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. 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. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. 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. $5 per hour for parking. For Sale. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! And there are no golf carts on Siesta. 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. 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. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. Sanibel is a bike island. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Relative to Sanibel, only 583 residents live on over 1.6 square miles of island, and not nearly as many visitors venture over to Captiva, other than those staying at South Seas Island Resort. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. 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. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Honestly I cant imagine living on the island if I had to go to work off-island everyday, or just do a quick run to Target. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. Tarpon Bay Road Beach. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! more. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 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. 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. 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. 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.
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