Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Im not saying any of this to put you off, because Sanibel and Captiva are GREAT islands and one of my favorite places in Florida, but if youre used to staying at more high end beach resorts in other parts of Florida, what that money gets you on Sanibel and Captiva is a lotless. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. And share my account with your travel loving friends! The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. 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. 0.25 acre lot. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. Plan to book early as they fill up quickly year round (and especially in the winter). Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. P.S. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. At this point, the combined preserved/ protected conservation land owned by the National Refuge, private foundations and the City of Sanibel extends to about 70% of the island. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. 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 is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Your email address will not be published. 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 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. You can reach Blind Pass by heading to Sanibel's western tip where the gorgeous white sand flanks the channel between Sanibel and Captiva islands. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. That is a personal decision. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Bringing the whole family is a must when you head to Captiva Beach, and there are plenty of beaches and places to stay along those beaches. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. There is access to the western sunset-facingpristine beaches of Captiva at Turner's Beach immediately after Blind Pass Bridge and also a small lot at the very end of Captiva Drive directly adjacent to South Seas Resort. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. 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. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. 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. 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. Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. The J.N. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. The sand quality is good. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. 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! Your support really helps me keep this blog running! We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. While the intention is to rebuild, the causeway has been fixed, and the island is expected to begin opening to tourism in January 2023, things are not back to normal and likely wont be for a long time. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. . Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Realizing the differences in the two islands is important, Ive heard from people who stayed on Sanibel expecting the clear water and soft sand and were disappointed. More island businesses are re-opening every week. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. The best comparison is to a mattress. 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. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. 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. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. For Sale. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has secured its spot as one of the best Sanibel hotels on the beach, thanks to its many amazing amenities and waterfront location. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! It was warm and pleasant. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. 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. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. 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. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. 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 two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. You can walk for miles on the beach here, and you can find soft white sand with plenty of intricate shells to enjoy. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). 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. Its smarter to go further down the beach here for swimming, but with the nearby bars and beachside restaurants, you may decide that sitting on the sand and watching the waves move is a safer option for you. 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. Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. It takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel and come to the small bridge over Blind Pass that brings you onto Captiva. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. And. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. 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. 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. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. $5 per hour for parking. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Blind Pass Beach is one of the more unique beaches on this list given the fact that it stretches to the northern tip of Sanibel Island, making it easily accessible from Captiva Island as well. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. 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. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway. 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-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over. But its far from chaotic. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. Captiva Island. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. There is no fee for Florida residents. These islands are more alike than they are different. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. 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. Sanibel is a bike island. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. 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 are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! 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! The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? Tarpon Beach. Preferences, preferences. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. 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.