There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Here and on adjacent roads you will find a wide selection of restaurants, galleries, shops, food markets, a live theater company, a movie theaterand severalsmall shopping centers. The beach here is backed by swaying palm trees, and a few benches, ideal for soaking up the scene, are nearby. Captiva has more of a village feel. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . 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. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. "This light being lit . 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. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. You can even rent golf carts. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Silver Key Beach. There are several vendors on Sanibel for you to rent a kayak or a canoe if you prefer. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. 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. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. 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! Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. The access you get to the state park beach is at the West side of Panama Shell Drive at the end of Captiva Drive, and there are just miles of empty sands and fallen trees to explore and climb. Sanibel won, hands down. Sanibel Island Florida Vacation Rentals | Breakaway Vacation Properties 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. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . 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! Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com 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. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater 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. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Lighthouse Beach. There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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 depth of beach space changes too. 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! Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. 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. 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. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. Captiva Island. 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. 2. What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. 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. As waves travel across shallow water they pick up speed and tend to stir up sand and sediment from the ocean floor. 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. 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. Mostly boutique shopping. 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. 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. Very different experiences. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. Relax on the miles of beaches surrounding the island or enjoy some fun in the water. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. There's a year-round outdoor pool, and free use of their bicycles included. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. P.S. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Hotels near The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Hotels near Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Hotels near Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW), Hotels near Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, Hotels near Sanibel Moorings Botanical Garden Tours. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. However, that doesnt quite hold true. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. 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. 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. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Not really. 2. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). 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. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. 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. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . 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 $$). Like neat little boutiques for shopping. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. 13 Incredible Airbnbs in Sanibel Island, Florida (2021 Edition) The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. 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. 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. Blind Pass Beach. more. Both have good shelling. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Driving Directions Take I-75 South to 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.) But I digress. Taking a boat tour off the beach? Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. ago With Sanibel's unique orientation as a primarily East-West island, the shelling is great AND the beaches at either end (Lighthouse, East end) Blind Pass (west end) offer a variety of beach conditions to explore on the same day. Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Purdue9394/Getty Images. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - travels-answers.com A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. But its all about your expectations. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. 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. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is another fun place to visit on Sanibel with interesting exhibits, interactive stations for the kids, and shell collections from all over the world. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. In many ways, the two islands are sisters. Which is never a bad thing. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! Relative to Sanibel, only 583 residents live on over 1.6 square miles of island, and not nearly as many visitors venture over to Captiva, other than those staying at South Seas Island Resort.
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