I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). Tarpon Beach. 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. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Lets see what sets the islands apart and explore some of the best beaches on both islands. 7/9/2016. "This light being lit . Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Port Sanibel Marina | However, that doesnt quite hold true. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. While you're likely to find many shells at any of Sanibel's 6 public beaches, a couple that stand out include: Gulfside City Park Beach- This beautiful sandy beach is covered with countless shells to collect. If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. But I digress. These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! to bring home. 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. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Bowman's Beach. Ever since our first trip to Captiva in 2016, Ive been impressed with the ability to find shells on Captiva. 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. Go on a dolphin tour on a waverunner, or enjoy a chartered fishing trip. There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. This means you and your pup can frolic in the waves at Algiers Beach in Gulfside City Park, Bowman's Beach, and other Sanibel waterfronts. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. It does. If youre not a strong swimmer or you have young kids, swimming should be avoided. 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. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Brokered by US Schwarz Immobilien Real Est. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. The paths are well marked and almost flat. LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. No Wal-Mart, McDonalds, or Ben & Jerry's (sigh). In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. 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. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. The Southwest Florida water currents play into a sheller's hands . Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Copyright Lisa Erickson, Capturing Captiva, About|Contact|Privacy Policy|Sitemap, The Mucky Duck reopens after Hurricane Ian, How To Support Sanibel and Captiva Businesses, Captiva Island Parking App Pay Via Phone. 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. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. Privacy Policy | There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. Has the red drift algae been a problem AT ALL on Captiva?? Welcome to Capturing Captiva, your online vacation guide to Captiva Island, Florida, and the surrounding area. Sanibel City leaders said their beaches fared better than Captiva's in the erosion department following Eta, although isolated erosion was spotted on some public beaches. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. 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. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. You want to find a slice of paradise when you go to the beach, and Captiva Beach is the most authentic piece of heaven there is. 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. For Sale. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts boasts more than 50 years of hospitality marketing and management success all based on the delivery of our mission, by each team member, to each of you, our guests: deliver a warm, friendly and memorable island resort experience that provides value to you so exceptional, you'll want to return . The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. There are 76 general parking spaces. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys. 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. This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. 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. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. 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. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? There are 23 general parking spaces. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. It has no high-rises, just lots of greenery surrounding . But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. Whats the difference between Sanibel and Captiva? Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). P.S. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Fishers in particular love it here, as there is a lighted pier for them to enjoy and fish from. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. 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. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Where to Eat. 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. Early morning is the best time to find unusual shells and especially after a rain or storm. Both islands are breathtaking. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". 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. Be sure to use the head. The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. The depth of beach space changes too. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. And we totally get it when youre planning a trip, understanding whats unique about one or the other can be so confusing, especially if youve never been here before. 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. 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. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Thats a must! Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Taking a boat tour off the beach? 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. Gulfside City Park. Youll find restrooms here quickly, and while the beach wont allow your dog or any open fires, you can still have a great time here. Sometimes they are even joined when the narrow waterway of Blind Pass that separates them fills in and the two islands actually connect, though a concerted effort is underway to keep the pass open to improve the health of the bayous on the bay side. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. On Sanibel after high tide, it looks as if someone dumped buckets upon buckets of shells on Sanibel. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. I only took in the Captiva Island portion of the trip but made sure to experience as much of the area as possible and not just sit on patios listening to acoustic music while drinking rum punch. 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. Enjoy your visit. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. Make your Florida boat rental reservation today and call us today at (239) 437-1660 to make some boating memories today. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. Bird watching where you can spot pelicans, ibis. 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. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . 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. . If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. Like Blind Pass Beach, Turner Beach is best for shelling and fishing, but not swimming as the currents can get very strong! Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. If you stay at South Seas Island Resort, you have the added benefit of the resorts shuttle service. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Its not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. Sanibel won, hands down. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. 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. 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. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. The geography of each island makes it unique. 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. It reported that the agencies responsible for declaring public safety for the beaches and waters in Lee County are Lee County Parks & Recreation and the Florida Department of Health's Healthy Beaches program. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Sanibel vs Captiva? You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . 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. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Theres also Billys Rentals or Finnimores Beach and Bike Rentals. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. breaking news oakland, ramsgate property for sale at auction, bardolino wine sainsbury's,
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