CAPTIVA BEACH (Captiva Island) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go All great points. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. . Holiday Inn Club Vacations Sunset Cove Resort, an IHG Hotel. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. 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. If you want to follow along on my travel adventures in real time, you can follow me on Instagram (@caitylincoln). Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. 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. Trusted Your donation is protected by the GoFundMe Giving Guarantee. 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. Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. As you head for the tip of Captiva, the island gets very narrow allowing you to see the Gulf on one side and Pine Island Sound on the other. Hurricane Ian in Naples and Southwest Florida: How Can You Help? The currents flush fish out into the gulf and help build waves. When we were at Marco last month, the beaches were pretty. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. (read about the brown water discharges from Lake O). 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. Is this really a true statement?
Sanibel, Captiva experiencing erosion after Eta - NBC2 News Even though there are not many places for beach access, when you step onto the beach youre on public property. Our guide below gives you an in-depth look at what you can expect at each of Sanibel Island's popular shelling beaches. See the Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic.
The Best Bars on Sanibel Island | The Gee Family Team . Fishermen also enjoy the beach. 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 FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Amelia Island. Sanibel beaches are renowned for the shells that wash up every day - it's the top shelling destination in North America and residents and visitors bending over to examine the shells is the source of the posture known as the 'Sanibel Stoop". Spotting aquatic wildlife including dolphins and manatees.
CEPD reports on beach and water conditions | News, Sports, Jobs The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! . 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Enjoy your visit. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. TIP: Toll is $6 into Sanibel Island. With endless skies and treasured beach walks, Captiva Beach will surely captivate you and the whole family. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. 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. I will say, depending on the types of places youre used to staying in Florida (or on vacation in general)I find that 95% of whats offered on Sanibel leaves a lot to be desired (especially for the $$). Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. 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.
45+ LEISURELY THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND (beyond shelling) But I digress.
Sanibel Island vs. Captiva Island [2023] - Jam Travel Tips Can anyone give us advice. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island.
Captiva beaches vs Sanibel beaches - Sanibel Island Forum That said, however, since most visitors seem to hit the beaches closest to the Sanibel Causeway (the only road on and off the island), youll find that the closer you get to the Causeway, the more crowded the beaches are. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. For more on what to do, check out the Marco Review website. 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. 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.
Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor There are also a few resorts, inns, and B&B's offering nightly rentals. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? 0.25 acre lot. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva? If youre staying on Sanibel, running up to Captiva to eat dinner or shop isnt a big deal and vice versa. While you can walk to bars and restaurants from some vacation rentals it is not that easy from most. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining. Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . 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. If the beaches ofSanibelare uncrowded by moststandards, Captiva's are even more so.
Captiva Island Beaches It also has a small parking lot and portable toilets. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. Taking a boat tour off the beach? Sanibel has a wide variety of accommodations from resorts, condos, inns, cottages and B&B's. Captiva, on the other hand, is much, much smaller: five miles long and 1.64 square miles in size. Turner Beach is a beautiful day out for the whole family, and with enough amenities to do it all, youll enjoy your time there immensely! While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. 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. The combination of strong currents and fish travelling between the two islands mean that fish will often be biting. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ!
Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels 2. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. There are other differences between the islands, too. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva.
I love Fort Myers Beach, Florida | Does anyone have recommendations if Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. The whole island is practically all beach on the West, and this is where the Gulf of Mexico laps at the shore just what you want to dip your toes into! It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. 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. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. jesseaknight 5 mo. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails.
What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. A collaborative effort of the Florida Shorebird Alliance, the survey of shorebirds and seabirds in Florida aims to gain a better understanding of their winter distributions, the SCCF reported. 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. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park.
Florida Winter Shorebird Survey takes place on islands The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you.
$5 per hour for public parking. Almost 7,400 residents live there in just over 16 square miles. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. It dwells today within the seaside Casa Ybel Resort. Hi , we are trying to book vacation end of March . Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. Be sure to use the head. Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island - Captiva Breeze - 4 bedrooms each with own bath. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. 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. Where to Eat. Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach.
Sanibel Captiva Beach Resorts Team Relief Fund If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Sanibel is a bike island. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. 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!) Both are a far cry from the bitter cold winter months further north. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. Captiva Island, the South seas island resort, Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva, Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches. 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. The depth of beach space changes too.
Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? - Rattleinnaustin.com We hope this clears things up a bit to help you plan your trip to either island! more. Lighthouse Beach. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. There is a parking lot available and its a few minutes to walk to the beach from there. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. 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. Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand. There are 23 general parking spaces. 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. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. 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. There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! Your email address will not be published. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Captiva Cruises is the best way to get out and explore the surrounding area (Cayo Costa State Park, Useppa Island, Cabbage Key, etc.) On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. Its the top shelling destination in the country and shell collectors from around the world come to spend the day hunched over doing the Sanibel Stoop. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you. No matter what brings people to the beaches, its undeniable that theyre simply magnificent. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. . Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? There's a $6 toll to get onto the 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. The northern tip of the island, well over 300 acres,is all owned by the South Seas Resort. The water moves fast, and the resorts and rentals are well-placed for a day of fun at the beach. ago The causeway bridge to Sanibel is $6 roundtrip; there is no fee to gofrom Sanibelto Captiva. Cruise to Key West from Marco or Naples?? Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. . The geography of each island makes it unique. Email agent. Blind Pass Beach.
Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells.
Captiva's Tween Waters will re-open open to off-island guests Dec. 17 On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. 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. 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. There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Because its the only way on and off the island, as you can imagine, traffic can be insane given the popularity of the islands as a tourist destination especially at the height of season from December through March. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. No matter which island you choose, be prepared to pay for parking. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has.
Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Trip Report - TripSavvy Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. 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 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. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. If you arent into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. 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. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. The sand quality is good. Blind Pass Beach Park. 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. Rent a bike! 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. Both islands are home to fantastic beaches with all kinds of amenities. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Thank you 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. Preferences, preferences. Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva, Inc. 1101 Periwinkle Way #108 Sanibel, FL 33957 888-451-7277 Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. 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. Sanibel Island is known for being a natural wonderland. 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. It does. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries.
Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma In fact, theres an eclectic variety of Sanibel retaurants serving great breakfasts, casual lunch, and upscale restaurants for dinner. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! Bowmans Beach is one of many beaches on Sanibel Island, and on the western portion of the island.Its a protected site, with no developments going on, which leaves a pure and natural landscape to enjoy for all.
Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches 6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island 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. The lack of multi-unit condos on Captiva makes the beaches far less crowded. 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. The beach is very wide/deep so the buildings have zero impact, but if youre not used to seeing that, it can be a disconcerting at first. At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. No issue of traffic concerns. As for Captiva Islands beaches, the sand is much more like a pillow-top mattress. 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. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance. 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. Its a beautiful resort and one we highly recommend staying at for its resort facilities including a 9-hole golf course, and the variety of accommodations that will suit everyone. Also, beach access is much more limited on Captiva with just two public parking lots. 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. You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes: Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva.
6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 39 Photos | MLS #223016359 Youll find many public beaches on Sanibel Island, some with fishing piers, and a few private beaches, too. 2. Dolphins make their appearance daily and often a manatee or two are spotted. 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.
Sanibel Island versus Destin - Trippy Three Perfect Days on Sanibel and Captiva Island - Tampa Bay Date Night These barrier islands off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida are inextricably linked because, welltheyre linked.
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