Both islands have these things in common: Beautiful beaches, lack of high-rise hotels and condos, mostly low density development, and a laid back atmosphere. Be sure to use the head. 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. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are but two small vacation spots on the Gulf Coast. The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. 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. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Because its the only way on and off the island, as you can imagine, traffic can be insane given the popularity of the islands as a tourist destination especially at the height of season from December through March. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. Out of the 1.6 square miles of Captiva, over 300 acres essentially the entire northern tip is all owned by the South Seas Resort. Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. Not at all. Sanibel won, hands down. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night 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! 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. See the 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 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 and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Fort Myers Beach vs Naples Beach - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. But honestly, zero impact. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. But you will The Keys are AMAZING in my opinion, but you do give up the nice, wide, sandy beaches when choosing to vacation in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 7/9/2016. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. 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. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. 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. It was warm and pleasant. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. Purdue9394/Getty Images. But I digress. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. Amelia Island, Vero Beach or Sanibel? - Fodor's Travel Talk Forums 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. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Florida Winter Shorebird Survey takes place on islands It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. 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. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. 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. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina A lot of the island itself is privately owned. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. to bring home. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. And. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. It does. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Sanibel, Captiva residents await news of Ian's destruction | Miami Herald Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. 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. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. 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. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. 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. . not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). But its far from chaotic. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. 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 $$). They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. . 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. Despite a huge push from developers, the city held their ground with strong building restrictions that were intended to protect the environment (to this day, half the island is a nature preserve) and its largely what makes Sanibel so quaint. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. They contain thousands of shells you can find. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Sanibel is a bike island. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. 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. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. If youre not a paddler you can still see a lot of the refuge by taking the guided tram tour or hiking on established trails. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. More island businesses are re-opening every week. Blind Pass Beach. Enjoy your visit. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. 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! You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! 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. There is no fee for Florida residents. Absolutely. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. Thank you Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . 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. It will take you roughly one hour to get to Sanibel and Captiva from the Fort Myers airport Southwest Florida International (RSW) to the Sanibel Causeway.