which beach is better sanibel or captiva?
Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. $5 per hour for parking. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. 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 dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. 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. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. 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. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . 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. 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. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. 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. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Siesta Key vs Captiva Island - Siesta Key Forum - Tripadvisor The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels Visit the Islands to find great shells today! The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. 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. 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. . As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. P.S. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. Rent a bike! 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. 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. Can anyone give us advice. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. 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 was here my friends found love and built up their romance. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. Port Sanibel Marina | I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). 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. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Shelling and fishing is very popular at this beach. 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 Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Everyone is differentI much prefer Sanibel to Marco by a wide margin, but if you want a more elegant experience with groomed beaches than Marco might be a better fit for you. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) That said, however, since most visitors seem to hit the beaches closest to the Sanibel Causeway (the only road on and off the island), youll find that the closer you get to the Causeway, the more crowded the beaches are. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. The future of Sanibel and Captiva : r/florida Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. Thank you for your responses. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News 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. 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). 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. 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. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . 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. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. Sanibel vs Captiva: Which Island Stay is Right for You? The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. Sanibel isnt a cheap vacation destination (supply and demand because of development restrictions) so youre probably going to pay a premium for anything on the beach. "Barefoot Elegance": Must-See Sites and Eats on Captiva Island in Florida Winter Shorebird Survey takes place on islands Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Captiva Island Beaches: 3 Best Access Points | PlanetWare Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. . Captiva's Tween Waters will re-open open to off-island guests Dec. 17 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. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! 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. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts boasts more than 50 years of hospitality marketing and management success all based on the delivery of our mission, by each team member, to each of you, our guests: deliver a warm, friendly and memorable island resort experience that provides value to you so exceptional, you'll want to return . Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. 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. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Captiva Island, on the other hand, is perfect for quiet family vacations, romantic getaways, privacy and exclusivity, and easy access to off-island boat adventures to out islands. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! More island businesses are re-opening every week. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. On the end of Captiva near Blind Pass Captiva is typically pretty busy but the reast of the 5 miles of beach is some of the quietest you will find. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? 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. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. 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. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. There are 23 general parking spaces. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Your email address will not be published. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! Sanibel's lighthouse shining bright again five months after Hurricane Ian Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? The best comparison is to a mattress. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. Very different experiences. 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.