Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There are other differences between the islands, too. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . While Sanibel is not busy by mainland standards, Captiva manages to be even more laid back. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. 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. 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. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. Some of the features of the beach that youll find here include: Whether youre by yourself, with a loved one, or bringing the whole family, Bowmans Beach is a great option. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. That is until we stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel. If I wanted to snorkel I would head to the keys. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com $5 per hour for public parking. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . 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. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. 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. 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. 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. 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. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. 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. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. Sep 26, 2020 Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Taking a boat tour off the beach? Theres nothing better than a relaxing day at the beach, and Lighthouse Beach has some of the best spaces to let your worries float away. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) 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. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. 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. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. 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. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Sanibel Island: Sanibel vs. Captiva? - Tripadvisor How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? 3 beach destination in the United States, and it is easy to see why. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. I am a birder, sheller, bike rider, and photographer and it is my favorite place on earth (which is why I moved here). Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. The depth of beach space changes too. Answer 1 of 5: Hi all! Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. jesseaknight 5 mo. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. 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. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. to bring home. 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. $899,000. "Barefoot Elegance": Must-See Sites and Eats on Captiva Island in It doesn't have lots of stuff inside, but we found a few things for a quick lunch, including . the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. "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. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. 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! A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! 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. 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 Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. 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. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. These islands are more alike than they are different. The majority of Captivas accommodations are at South Seas Island Resort, and its a lovely stay perfect also for destination weddings and other family gathering as they have a variety of accommodation types from studios to 3 and 4 bedroom homes. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. They contain thousands of shells you can find. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. Sanibel vs Captiva? The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island 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). There are 76 general parking spaces. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Jensens is well-known and reliable for a day of off-island sightseeing. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. 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. Hey, it even has a K-12 school, so whats stopping you? Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. Beaches in Fort Myers, Sanibel Island, & Captiva Island | Must Do Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Captiva Island Beaches: 3 Best Access Points | PlanetWare Your support really helps me keep this blog running! 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. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. TOLL: Unless you have a SunPass account, the Causeway toll is $6.00 per vehicle heading to Sanibel. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. As far as recommendations on where to stay on each island: On Captiva: South Seas Island Resort or Tween Waters Island Resort, On Sanibel: Casa Ybel Resort, Tortuga Beach Club Resort, the Inns of Sanibel, Sanibel Restaurant Recommendations: What I Liked & What I Didnt, Shopping on Sanibel: A Must Visit Bookstore & Cute Boutiques, A Visit to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, Cayo Costa Shelling Tours with Captiva Cruises, Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, Luminary Hotel & Co in Downtown Fort Myers Review, Matlacha Isles & Pine Island: A Great Fort Myers Day Trips. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. 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. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? 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. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. 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 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. 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Captiva Island. The 8 Best Beaches on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Without a doubt, Sanibel has better shelling than Captiva. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. What's there to do I one place vs the other? South Capers, Sanibel Real Estate & Homes for Sale So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. 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. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. 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. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube But if you are looking for the more traditional sugar sand beach with clear blue water the Captiva Island Beaches are the way to go. 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. Turner Beach is located at Blind Pass right across the bridge from Sanibel. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. Plenty of visitors love to enjoy sports here, with wading and swimming being very popular in the right places. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Holly Monroe Beneficiary Created October 5, 2022 Emergencies Report fundraiser Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help Easy Donate quickly and easily. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. Where to stay on Sanibel Island, FL - Howtobookyourtrip Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges. But both islands have their own unique personality. 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. And. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Thats a must! This is all from my personal experience on the islands, nothing I have read on any blog or website trying to sell you on an expensive vacation package at one of the resorts. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. 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. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. January 2, 2021 Ryan Bellino Florida Gulf Coast Islands, Sanibel and Captiva Islands 0. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. The currents that bring abundant shells to sanibel and the 10K islands do result in some turbulence and suspended sand in the water at times even when there are no water releases. Walking and biking can get you around most of the island. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. The paths are well marked and almost flat. Silver Key Beach. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. 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. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Captiva also allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Sanibel is known for its beaches some of the best beaches in southwest Florida but even more so for the millions of shells that wash up on its shores by the hour.