No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. 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. Sanibel's lighthouse shining bright again five months after Hurricane Ian Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Lighthouse Beach is one of the best places to watch sunset on Sanibel or Captiva because of the lighthouse it makes any sunset pic of Sanibel Instaworthy! 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. There are so many different species of fish here, and with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you can imagine how popular its been as a destination here as you can access the beach right from the water, too. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. The 7 Best Beaches for Shelling on Sanibel Island Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands Turner Beach (Blind Pass Beach) Just a stone's throw from the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva lies Turner Beach, aka Blind Pass Beach. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Both islands have the same great beaches, but if youre coming for the day or youre not staying right on the beach, parking at the beaches on Captiva is much more limited and more expensive than on Sanibel. 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. They contain thousands of shells you can find. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. In fact, as Sanibel and Captiva are connected by bridges, interested cyclists can bike from Fort Myers proper all the way across to both of the islands and back if they choose. Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor 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. Rent a bike! The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. 2. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. The other three councilmen are Scott. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . I will say, depending on the types of places youre used to staying in Florida (or on vacation in general)I find that 95% of whats offered on Sanibel leaves a lot to be desired (especially for the $$). Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. 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. Just off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida lie the twin barrier islands of Sanibel and Captiva, coastal jewels of the Lee County coast. Blind Pass Beach Park. At stake in Sanibel's nonpartisan Tuesday city council election: the seats now filled by the island's mayor and vice-mayor, Holly Smith and Richard Johnson. 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. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. 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. Just within the past two weeks, we've seen Billy's Rentals and Tarpon Bay Explorers reopen, along with Doc Ford's, Timbers and the Great White Grill. Not really. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Frequent Islander is 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. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is. 7/9/2016. Silver Key Beach. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. . 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! 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. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Sanibel vs Captiva? SANTIVA GENERAL STORE - 16 Reviews - 6406 Sanibel Captiva Rd - Yelp Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. Almost every building still standing, only a few roofs damaged and some flooding around Andy Rosse Lane and the entrance to south seas (but not nearly as bad as on Sanibel). The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team With surging currents depositing an exotic array of shells, Blind Pass Beach is one of the best beaches on Sanibel Island for shelling. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Sanibel Island vs Marco Island for a vacation?Sanibel and Marco islands are both tropical gems of Southwest Florida, attracting thousands of visitors each year for a family vacation, a weekend getaway, or a honeymoon. 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. 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! These two barrier islands are nestled just of the Southwest Florida coast, within a short drive from Fort Myers. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . $899,000. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. 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. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. My 9 Favorite Restaurants On Sanibel And Captiva Islands - TravelAwaits The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. As far as "clear water" is concerned - no matter WHERE you are, the local conditions depend on the direction and strength of the winds, and the currents which vary from day to day, AND from one section of beach to the next. Turner Beach. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels As you head for the tip of Captiva, the island gets very narrow allowing you to see the Gulf on one side and Pine Island Sound on the other. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. . The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. 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. The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. 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. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. Whether you choose Sanibel Island or Captiva Island, these destinations are a 30 minutes car drive from each other so you can always change your mind if you want to. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Both have good shelling. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit 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. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. $5 per hour for public parking. 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. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. 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. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Siesta Key vs Captiva Island - Siesta Key Forum - Tripadvisor Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. Bowman's Beach. No issue of traffic concerns. Privacy Policy | it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. 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. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. more. 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. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Is Sanibel Or Captiva Better For Shells? - Home At the end of the lane is one of Captivas most popular restaurants, The Mucky Duck, a laid-back place thats great for a cold drink and watching the sunset.On the opposite side of Captiva Drive is a popular favorite, the Bubble Room complete with year-round Christmas decorations and a very funky decor. All great points. As far as recommendations on where to stay on each island: On Captiva: South Seas Island Resort or Tween Waters Island Resort, On Sanibel: Casa Ybel Resort, Tortuga Beach Club Resort, the Inns of Sanibel, Sanibel Restaurant Recommendations: What I Liked & What I Didnt, Shopping on Sanibel: A Must Visit Bookstore & Cute Boutiques, A Visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Cayo Costa Shelling Tours with Captiva Cruises, Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co in Downtown Fort Myers Review, Matlacha Isles & Pine Island: A Great Fort Myers Day Trips. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. The 5 Best Islands Near Fort Myers Florida - Live and Let's Fly Thats the right question! Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. 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. Haven't been to either. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet.