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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. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. P.S. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Captiva Beach, Captiva Island: See 1,385 reviews, articles, and 733 photos of Captiva Beach, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Captiva Island. But its far from chaotic. Discover the Beauty of Sanibel and Captiva Islands There is so much to find and enjoy in Southwest Florida, especially on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. Also, Captiva and North Captiva had medium counts and Cayo Costa's was low, a trend that continued north to Manasota Beach and south to 32 miles offshore of Wiggins Pass in Collier County. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. Tarpon Beach. It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. 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. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Email agent. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. 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. 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. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. Not at all. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Look at the JW Marriott Marco website for options. You cant access Captiva without going through Sanibel and these two islands have such a different vibe than pretty much every other place in the area so theyre often compared. Captiva has more of a village feel. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. 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. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. 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. And. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. 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. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. If youre trying to decide which island to stay on, its really going to come down to your budget and what exactly youre looking for. Thank you On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. Although you may not be able to climb to the top of the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, you are allowed to visit the surrounding areas for a lighthouse photo-op. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. That is a personal decision. We are staying a week. Turner Beach. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). 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. Both have good shelling. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! The water is frequently greenish and less than clear due to fine sediments stirred up by currents / wave action and significant drainage from the land, particularly after a storm. The kids will love the park, and you can take a moment to explore the shoreline and find as many shells as you like (not live ones!) The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . 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! 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. We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. More island businesses are re-opening every week. 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. Sanibel Island beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. All great points. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. 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. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. 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. 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. You can park for free here, and you can head to the park during the day for the kids to play before heading to the sand. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. The strong currents that make Blind Pass a . Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. Blind Pass Beach Park. 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". Some people simply love admiring the unrivaled views of the sunset that the unique islands provide. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. 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. 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. ago Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. Where to Eat. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. 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. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. Located in the middle of the island, there is more than enough space to enjoy the sunshine or relax in the shade should you want to take a moment to rest. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. 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. more. 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. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. The parking lot isnt huge, but there is space if you get there early enough. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. The Atlantic with its steep continental dropoff has stronger surf than the Gulf coast which is relatively shallow (there is actually a shallows area many miles off-shore). Blind Pass Beach. Fishers will love the opportunity to fish and catch their day, and with amazing sunrises and sunsets, youll find somewhere to sit and marvel at the colors. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. 7/9/2016. 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 $$). Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. 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 two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. It was warm and pleasant. This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Here is our best explanation of the main differences between Sanibel vs Captiva islands, to help you decide which island stay is right for you. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. 2. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. 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. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Captiva doesnt have the network of dedicated bike paths that Sanibel has, so if you were looking forward to extensive bike-riding on your vacation, Sanibel may be the better choice. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. Theres a parking lot on the side of the saltwater bayous. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Captiva Island. Both have soft white sand and clear blue-green water. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. The SanCap area is reminiscent of the differences between a smaller community versus the regional center; Sanibel is a smaller town that provides basic services to the broader area. Mostly boutique shopping. But its all about your expectations. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Were happy to answer trip-planning questions! 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. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! 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. "This light being lit . The islands of Captiva and Sanibel are located just off the coast of Fort Myers Beach. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. 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. We did some . 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. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. Gulfside City Park. Now that I am retired and live here full-time I really appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and natural, ungroomed beaches, and of course the shelling. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Sanibel is crisscrossed by an extensive multi-use path system that gives bicyclists and walkers access to most of the destinations on the island including the wildlife refuge and most of the beaches. But both islands have their own unique personality. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. 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. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. 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. Overall, the options youll find on Captiva are a little more upscale than Sanibel, but both are very laid back islands without much major development. 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. Shopping plazas along the main drag known as Periwinkle Way are small independent boutiques selling everything from souvenirs and beachwear to clothing and higher end designer apparel. You can download an app with tons of info on it. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. Which is never a bad thing. 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. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. 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 J.N. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? 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! These islands are more alike than they are different. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. 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. Onceyou're is on the beach, it is public property from mean the high tide line to the water, so you can stroll to your heart's content. 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. 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. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. Absolutely. Marcos beach is beautiful. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Tarpon Bay Road Beach. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Home News 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Taking a boat tour off the beach? Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches Sanibel Island shelling is considered the best shelling spot in the world according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Amelia Island. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. 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. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them.