The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. The city-island has several banks and shopping centers, even a single-screen movie theatre. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are a must-see for a variety of reasons. Refer to our Privacy Policy for full affiliate terms. From the bay to the Gulf of Mexico, the islands are surrounded by water and beauty. Sanibel Island is about 40 minutes west from there. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. But I digress. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches 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. Most of accommodations on Captiva are at South Seas, but there are a few resorts, inns, and B&B's. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. As they are a bit less shelly, the sands are a bit softer than on Sanibel and the water is usually clearer and less sandy. Before choosing the island youd like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice. . There is no toll for leaving the island back to Fort Myers, or for crossing the small bridge from Sanibel to Captiva. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Very different experiences. 24-Hour Guide To Sanibel Island Things To Do | A Taste of Koko Tarpon Beach. The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Despite a huge push from developers, the city held their ground with strong building restrictions that were intended to protect the environment (to this day, half the island is a nature preserve) and its largely what makes Sanibel so quaint. 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 Island versus Destin - Trippy All great points. 13 Incredible Airbnbs in Sanibel Island, Florida (2021 Edition) P.S. Some travelers find that Captiva is a little more upscale, with fancier resorts and more eclectic dining opportunities. Likewise, Ive heard from people who stayed on Captiva and were disappointed in the lack of shells. They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. 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. You wont get much shelling done here, but that doesnt mean that you cant find any at all! Or is there another better spot? Is this really a true statement? 7/9/2016. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Lighthouse Beach. Since then, Sanibel has followed a path of creating a balance for residents and visitors to enjoy the beauty of the island while at the same time proactively and aggressively controlling development and sprawl. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on Sanibel Island. There are a number of places to rent bikes at reasonable daily or weekly rates. 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. But one thing that's very important is CLEAR water and pretty beaches. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. There are more options for 'street legal' carts, but they are not readily available for rent at this time. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . There are also great sunsets at Turner Beach if you find yourself there later in the day! The deep channel of water of what is now Blind Pass was formed, forever separating the two (though barely) by a narrow two-lane bridge thats small enough to walk across in under a minute. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. There's a $6 toll to get onto the island. Can you find a nice place to stay? Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. 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. Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Last month, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation staff and volunteers participated in the 15th annual Florida Winter Shorebird Survey, documenting nearly 3,000 shorebirds and seabirds over two days. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. 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. Paddling the islands back waters is a great way to spend a day. Tarpon Beach - Sanibel Island Forum - Tripadvisor For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are unique for many reasons. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands - Florida Trippers 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. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Sanibel and Captiva islands offer tourists at least fifteen miles of stunning beaches, and boost over 250 kinds of seashells from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean regions.. You see why I said that Sanibel and Captiva have what I cherish. Youll find shady areas with picnic tables and grills to enjoy your own BBQ! Fishermen also enjoy the beach. Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. Captiva and Sanibel Island Shelling Tips - Capturing Captiva Thank you for your responses. There are no high-rise accommodations on Sanibel, only two story hotels, one-story retro motels, and lovely quaint cottages. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt. This relaxed oceanfront resort features an outdoor pool and dining with simple accommodations. Almost every building still standing, only a few roofs damaged and some flooding around Andy Rosse Lane and the entrance to south seas (but not nearly as bad as on Sanibel). Drop us a line. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 What's there to do I one place vs the other? The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. Everyone is differentI much prefer Sanibel to Marco by a wide margin, but if you want a more elegant experience with groomed beaches than Marco might be a better fit for you. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. 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. Sanibel Island vs. Marco Island: Where to Vacation - Royal Shell When visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island, there are 8 beaches that stand out above the rest as must visit. Fort Myers is blue collar means that Ft Myers is more lower . 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. 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. Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva Island There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Thats the right question! Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Both islands are breathtaking. Theres a $6 toll to get onto the island. Both islands have a good selection of mom and pop restaurants and shops, although Sanibel definitely has more (its a much larger island though). The two Gulf Coast islands would be one were it not for the hurricane in 1921 which cut the island in two. 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. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Even though it sits a stones throw (literally) across from Sanibel Island, it has a totally different vibe. The water is frequently greenish and less than clear due to fine sediments stirred up by currents / wave action and significant drainage from the land, particularly after a storm. The sand on Clearwater Beach is slightly nicer than the sand on Sand Key, but it is pretty close. Does Marco Island have prettier & clearer water and beaches than Sanibel/Captiva? Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell . Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Bowman's Beach.
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