Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. $5 per hour for public parking. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. Captiva is much smaller than Siesta. 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! Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. 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. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. . Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. 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. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! With a shell bag in hand, they scour the beaches for hours looking for unbroken treasures. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. The geography of each island makes it unique. 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. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Tarpon Tale Inn is one of the smaller Sanibel Island inns, but that just makes the place to stay on Sanibel Island more homey. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. "Barefoot Elegance": Must-See Sites and Eats on Captiva Island in Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. Purdue9394/Getty Images. We are staying a week. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts | Choose Your Island. Choose Your Beach. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! You can picnic and go kayaking and canoeing, windsurfing and kiteboarding, sunbathing, and shelling. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. Mostly boutique shopping. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. Where to Find Shells on Sanibel Island - Port Sanibel Marina Tarpon Bay Road Beach. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. 2. Copyright 2023 | WordPress Theme by MH Themes, Check VRBO Availability of Captiva Beachfront Rentals, Top 10 Tricks for Planning a Sanibel Island Vacation on a Budget, What to Look for in a Captiva or Sanibel Island Vacation Rental, The 3 Best Months to Visit Sanibel Island, The Highest Rated Captiva Island House Rentals, The 5 Highest Rated St George Island Beach House Rentals, The 5 Best Anna Maria Island Beachfront House Rentals, The 5 Biggest Florida Keys Beach House Rentals, The 6 Best Amelia Island Vacation Rentals, Top 10 Hidden Caribbean Private Island Rentals, Sanibel Island Tips & Secrets Only a Local Would Know, Complete Guide to Kayaking Sanibel Island. Privacy Policy | In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! Or is there another better spot? The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. 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. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. 8 Great Places to Go Kayaking in Fort Myers, 50 Things to Do in Southwest Florida: The Ultimate Bucket List, 10 Fun and Easy Day Trips from Naples Florida, 15 Fun Things To Do on Sanibel Island, Florida, 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Castaway to 7 Southwest Florida Gulf Coast Islands Reachable Only By Boat, The 7 Best Beaches in Fort Myers Florida (Plus 5 More Nearby), 9 Sanibel Restaurants for Tropical Island Dining at Its Best. Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. 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. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. 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. 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. 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Honestly I cant imagine living on the island if I had to go to work off-island everyday, or just do a quick run to Target. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. Not at all. You can even rent golf carts. 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. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Since then, Sanibel has followed a path of creating a balance for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the island while at the same time proactively and aggressively controlling development and sprawl. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. 2. Add in a few art galleries and jewelry shops and you can take a break from the beach by browsing them all. These islands are more alike than they are different. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Its on the Captiva side of the Blind Pass Bridge, so all swimmers need to be as cautious as possible, as there are strong currents and a swift undertow. 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. . The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. 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). 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. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. There is no fee for Florida residents. 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. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva were still closed due to Hurricane Ian w hen we visited, but we marveled at the huge, powerful, beautiful waves we saw from the road. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube It's got a great location right across from the beach and the pass between the two islands. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Sanibel and Captiva islands offer tourists at least fifteen miles of stunning beaches, and boost over 250 kinds of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regions.. You see why I said that Sanibel and Captiva have what I cherish. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. Sanibel and Captiva remain very much in recovery mode, but some business leaders urged city management to open back up, so visitors can once again eat, shop and stay at the iconic barrier islands . And share my account with your travel loving friends! This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Thats the right question! The passes at the ends and between the two islands get the attention of adventure beachgoers because of their swift-moving waters. Captiva has more of a village feel. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). Elsewhere the beautiful green canopy that was destroyed by Hurricane Charley is getting replaced by trees planted in 2006 and extensive landscaping is once again beautifying Periwinkle Way. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. . But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Many are gulf front and the rates vary greatly. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian Before we delve into whats unique about each island, let us just say that both islands have these things in common: Gorgeous beaches and a laid back, islandy atmosphere, There are NO: high-rise hotels and condos, big box stores, chain restaurants or traffic signals. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. 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. Both islands are breathtaking. 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. 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. Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. 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. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. For Sale. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. Asides the Sanibel Lighthouse, you can join a dolphin cruise or visit other amazing spots like: If you dont plan on staying in the Island, feel free to head inland for a day trip in Cape Coral. 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 ? Port Sanibel Marina | 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. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. There are no big box stores you have to go off-island to Fort Myers for that or streetlights and traffic lights. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) For a beach that is central and safe, you want Tarpon Bay Beach. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies of Sanibel Island. And. 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. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. Last month, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers participated in the 15th annual Florida Winter Shorebird Survey, documenting nearly 3,000 shorebirds and seabirds over two days. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Sanibel's beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. 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. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. 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. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Turner 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. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Its a popular destination for those who love to hop from Captiva Island to Sanibel Island and the kids will love the chance to comb for shells. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. SANTIVA GENERAL STORE - 16 Reviews - 6406 Sanibel Captiva Rd - Yelp The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Sanibel Island versus Destin - Trippy All great points. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. If youre planning to visit the area, make sure to do plenty of research to find out whats open, whats available and whats just not even there anymore. But you will 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. 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.
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