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. 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 Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers 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. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. But both islands have their own unique personality. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! 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. The geography of each island makes it unique. SANTIVA GENERAL STORE - 16 Reviews - 6406 Sanibel Captiva Rd - Yelp The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. Blind Pass Beach. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island: An Honest Comparison to Help You Choose Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. Perwinkle Way is the main business street but you will note that large sections are still devoid of parking lots and buildings where it traverses natural areas. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. 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. Be sure to use the head. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. 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. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. Sanibel and Captiva - Southern Boating Dogs are welcome at Turner Beach- they must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 ft. We please ask that you remember to clean up after your dog. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. The residents, wishing to conserve the natural setting and protect the wildlife refuge atmosphere actually broke away from the county and formedSanibel's own municipal government. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Captiva Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. 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. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! The intimate 10-day festival starts off in Captiva Island and Sanibel Island, then moves on to downtown Fort Myers and wraps up at Fort Myers Beach. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. For Sale. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. 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. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. 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. The J.N. The sand quality is good. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Very different experiences. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. Thank you Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian Asides the Sanibel Lighthouse, you can join a dolphin cruise or visit other amazing spots like: If you dont plan on staying in the Island, feel free to head inland for a day trip in Cape Coral. Drop us a line. Enjoy your visit. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. 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. 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. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. Captiva island and Sanibel - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor 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. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. 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. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. 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. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. 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! Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. 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. Captivas beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. For Sale: Single Family home, $1,795,000, 3 Bd, 5 Ba, 3,516 Sqft, $511/Sqft, at 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. Differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? 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. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. Sanibel is a better choice if you are beachcombing and want to enjoy biking on the bike paths, birdwatching, a d being out in nature in general. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? 1. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Captiva's Tween Waters will re-open open to off-island guests Dec. 17 This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. With amenities such as bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and playgrounds, youre going to find everything you need for the perfect day at the beach. Lighthouse Beach. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches.