People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. Enjoy your visit. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva were still closed due to Hurricane Ian w hen we visited, but we marveled at the huge, powerful, beautiful waves we saw from the road. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. However, that doesnt quite hold true. The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. Eight Sanibel and Captiva beaches you have to visit include: Bowman's Beach Lighthouse Beach Blind Pass Beach Captiva Beach Turner Beach Gulfside City Park/Algiers Beach Causeway Beach Park Tarpon Bay Beach From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. And. 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. 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. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. There are kayak launch sites here, and you can bring yours with you for a fun afternoon floating in the water. 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. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. This beach is a popular spot for fishing. Preferences, preferences. Captiva sits just north of Sanibel and its accessed via a very short bridge over Blind Pass. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! 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. Thank you for your responses. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. 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. Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. So many reviews have said that guests left sanibel's beaches when they were bad to go to captiva where they we great! Theres even a lovely campground on Sanibel! Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! 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. Locations to go shelling include: Causeway Beaches; Gulfside City Park; Bowman's Beach; Blind . This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. See the Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. It does. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. 7/9/2016. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. 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. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. There is no fee for Florida residents. The Seaside Inn is another laid-back beachfront inn. The gentle slope of the beach means more spread-out shells. Along Andy Rosse Lane is Captiva Island Pizza, casual RC Otters, and the very delicious Key Lime Bistro. Your support really helps me keep this blog running! Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. There are 76 general parking spaces. There is public access and the smaller resorts are on the West. This is an okay convenience store that carries a little bit of everything, including cigars. DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. 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. Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell. 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. Mostly boutique shopping. While we initially stayed on and fell in love with Captiva Island, both islands are perfect for rest and relaxation. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. More island businesses are re-opening every week. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Taking a boat tour off the beach? There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. Whether you choose Sanibel Island or Captiva Island, these destinations are a 30 minutes car drive from each other so you can always change your mind if you want to. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. We aren't big nightlife people, but enjoy good "non-chain" restaurants. 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. Handicapped parking is free.Further up Captiva Drive, at the end of the main road on Captiva, there is another public beach adjacent to the entrance of South Seas Resort. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. All SW FL beach towns have the same water clarity issues. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. 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. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. 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. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car. Here are the most noticeable difference between the islands to help you pick your island destination: One of the biggest distinguishing factors between Sanibel and Captiva lies beneath your toes: their sand. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. 2. Check the Refuge for hours of opening since recent budget cutbacks have reduced staff and forced occasional closings. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches. The first tip we will give you is Gulf-side beaches are the best places to find shells on vacation. Sanibel has all the bells and whistles compared to Captiva. 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. 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. Its the place you go to unplug and unwind. 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. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the island. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. You can even rent golf carts. Getting the Most Out of Your Florida Fishing Trips, 2023 Sanibel's beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Sanibel is quiet and peaceful, with a mix of wildlife and nature, shopping and dining, and island homes. Fishers will love the opportunity to fish and catch their day, and with amazing sunrises and sunsets, youll find somewhere to sit and marvel at the colors. So if you score a parking space, you can walk along the beach as far as youd like. 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. Privacy Policy | This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Rent a bike! For Sale: Single Family home, $899,000, 2 Bd, 2 Ba, 1,291 Sqft, $696/Sqft, at 6092 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 All of the area's beaches from Lighthouse Beach to North Captiva Island are great shelling locations. No, Siesta Key Village is not like Captiva. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. . We did some . During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. 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. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Within the developed sections are things common to towns anywhere- schools, neighborhoods, supermarkets, and stores. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! Sand Key is literally a 5 minute drive from Clearwater Beach. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. On the flip side of this is that Captiva allows the use of golf carts on the roads within the village limits during daylight hours only. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". That is a personal decision. Sanibel is a unique blend of well-protected nature destination and tourist hotspot with a bit of everything for those seeking a laid-back, go at your own pace vacation. Here are better explanations: You are paying or the name Naples means Naples is at least twice as expensive as Ft. Myers Beach. 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. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. All great points. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. Thats a must! 2023TravelMagma All rights reserved. The following Sanibel beaches are now OPEN! Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. Sep 26, 2020 There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? With picnic areas for all, you can take a bike ride to the park and the beach, as there are bike racks to use, too. Without a doubt, Sanibel is the larger of the two islands, and more touristed since its the first island off the Causeway.

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