From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. 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. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! 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. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Check VRBO Availability of Captiva Beachfront Rentals, Top 10 Tricks for Planning a Sanibel Island Vacation on a Budget, What to Look for in a Captiva or Sanibel Island Vacation Rental, The 3 Best Months to Visit Sanibel Island, The Highest Rated Captiva Island House Rentals, The 5 Highest Rated St George Island Beach House Rentals, The 5 Best Anna Maria Island Beachfront House Rentals, The 5 Biggest Florida Keys Beach House Rentals, The 6 Best Amelia Island Vacation Rentals, Top 10 Hidden Caribbean Private Island Rentals, Sanibel Island Tips & Secrets Only a Local Would Know, Complete Guide to Kayaking Sanibel Island. 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. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. 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. 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. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. 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. The way it juts out into the gulf (its situated more east/west than north/south) means its a treasure trove when winter storms stir up the billions of shells sitting out deeper in the Gulf of Mexico. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Mostly boutique shopping. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. Haven't been to either. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Thats the right question! Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. 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. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Marcos beach is beautiful. It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 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. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. The same gradual sloping shoreline that collects millions of shells on the beaches of Sanibel also prevent it from having bright clear blue water most of the year. . 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. The other three councilmen are Scott. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. 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. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? 0.25 acre lot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. 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. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. The best part about Sanibel Island is the quaintness of the inns, such as the Sanibel Inn. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. 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. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. $899,000. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Blind Pass Beach. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . 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. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! 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. ago Tarpon Beach. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Both have good shelling. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. Hopefully this post helps you make a decision that puts you on the beach that will give you the most enjoyment from your island vacation. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. . to bring home. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. Preferences, preferences. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. 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". One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. 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. 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. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. We found it while cycling around Sanible and Captiva. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. 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. 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. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. Taking a boat tour off the beach? Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Or is there another better spot? Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. 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. 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. Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. A collaborative effort of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, the survey of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida aims to gain a better understanding of their winter distributions, the SCCF reported. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. Is this really a true statement? Captiva Island. 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. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. 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. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. 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. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. 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.