The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. They contain thousands of shells you can find. Is Marco prettier? Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibels beaches are far more narrow than Captivas. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. See the Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View - Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo. 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. 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. We are staying a week. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. It depends on the direction of the wind and tides. This is simply due to the offshore geography and Sanibels unique curvature of land it really does get the lions share of great shells! This southern half of the island has mostly very upscale homes and notmuch in the way of public facilities. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Absolutely. Water clarity varies day to day mostly depending on storm activity in the Gulf. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. 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! 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. 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. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. You can even rent golf carts. The water at Sand Key is exactly the same as the water on Clearwater Beach. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. 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!) 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. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) Since it is more or less north and south you have perfect beach sunsets from all 7.1 miles. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. For Sale: Single Family home, $1,795,000, 3 Bd, 5 Ba, 3,516 Sqft, $511/Sqft, at 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. 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. Brokered by MVP Realty Associates LLC. 2. 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. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has. All great points. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. The geography of each island makes it unique. 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. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though theres still plenty to do. Thank you Not really. 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. 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. 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. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Drop us a line. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Nearby is the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and two private conservation centers. On my sheller's bucket list, I have found more rare shells that I proudly show off to friends after every visit. There are only 2 lane roads with no stoplights. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. 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. . Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. 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. But you will Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. jesseaknight 5 mo. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. to bring home. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hNosNWLPbQ, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? Sanibel is a wonderful overall vacation experience if you like beachcombing and non chain restaurants and nature in general, but the water clarity varies with the tides and winds and currents. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Enjoy your visit. Your email address will not be published. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, theres enough beach for you to have a great time. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-91718899', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');the Florida Keys. 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. Powerful Send help right to the people and causes you care about. 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. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. 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. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. https://www.marriott.com/hotels/local-things-to-do/mrkfl-jw-marriott-marco-island-beach-resort/. We did some . 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. What's there to do I one place vs the other? 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.