Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. 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. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Each beach offers its own unique take on shelling and is worth a visit. 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. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. 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. No issue of traffic concerns. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. 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. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. Sanibel public beaches & parking lots have started opening! As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. 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. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. Water on Marco is not constantly clear as mentioned above. Since the water off Sanibel is shallower than Captiva, this causes bigger waves and murkier water. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. There are submerged structures in the water, and these must be avoided. Turner Beach. These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels Taking a boat tour off the beach? What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Sanibel won, hands down. 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. Blind Pass Beach. The depth of beach space changes too. There isnt a full-on grocery store (The Island Store is the closest it gets), but the shops on the island can get you most, if not all, of your basic needs. For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. 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. 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. And. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Both islands are breathtaking. "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. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. 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. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. $899,000. The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. There are so many different species of fish here, and with the bay on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, you can imagine how popular its been as a destination here as you can access the beach right from the water, too. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. Both families and groups alike will love this beach, as you can swim, sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, build epic sandcastles, and play beach games. Gulfside City Beach is also known as Algiers Beach, and the park itself has beach access and a nature trail to enjoy. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. 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. Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. 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! 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. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. Email agent. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. The residents, wishing to conserve the natural setting and protect the wildlife refuge atmosphere actually broke away from the county and formedSanibel's own municipal government. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Gulfside City Park. Which is never a bad thing. and they leave from Captiva, but its an easy drive from Sanibel. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. At 33 square miles, (12 miles end-to-end), walking may not always be convenient, depending on your plans. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. $5 per hour for parking. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. 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. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. 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. I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). The gulf water was clean and calm, but not clear. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the 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. A popular destination for visitors, Turner Beach is one of the best beaches on Captiva. Silver Key Beach. Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. Or is there another better spot? Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. P.S. Sticking to the beach rules of no alcohol, no loud music, and tidying after yourself will ensure that you have the best adventure. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. But its far from chaotic. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. 2. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. If clear water is your absolute priority Tina, I don't think either Sanibel or Marco are for you. There are no stoplights (only a couple of four way stops and traffic directors who help move things along in congested areas at peak times) and a phenomenal network of bike trails. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. Best for Kids: Located right on the beach, . One of the questions we get asked a lot is, what are the differences between Sanibel and Captiva Island?. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. Thank you for your responses. 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. 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. Be sure to use the head. 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 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. . Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. But eachisland has its own distinctive personality: Sanibelis a eclectic mix of nature, wildlife conservation land, tourist destination,island home, andshopping/ restaurant districts. 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. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. Located along the channel between Sanibel and Captiva island, the Blind pass beach is famous amongst sunbathers and . You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. 1. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. There are many homes and historic cottages that rent privately as well. 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. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States.
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