Laura Moody Attorney, San Jose Mercury News Obituaries Archives, Articles W

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 . Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island Trip Report - TripSavvy But its far from chaotic. 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. Right at the southern tip of Captiva Island is Turner Beach. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. There is so much you can do and see with your time, so why not go exploring now? Turner Beach, between Sanibel and Captiva islands, is the hottest of hot spots for both fishing and surfing. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island. ;-). Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. Thank you for your responses. Lets start with the first island youll arrive at from the mainland Sanibel Island. Captiva does not have a bike path, but rather, a 3 foot "safety shoulder" that runs along each side of Captiva Rd, so inexperienced bicyclists and children should use extra caution. Captiva & Sanibel Island Beaches. You can download an app with tons of info on it. It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. 10 Best Islands in Florida for Beautiful Beaches, Laid-back Vibes, and The beach connecting Sanibel to Captive is probably the best known public beach and it is very well known for its shelling. While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. 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. Captiva Island Beaches Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. Haven't been to either. 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. In fact, some folks think of the islands as being interchangeable. There are no restrooms on the Sanibel side, but there are restrooms on the Captiva side of the beach. Marco Island vs Sanibel/Captiva - Marco Island Forum - Tripadvisor This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Copyright 2023 Lincoln Travel Co ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. There is access to the western sunset-facingpristine beaches of Captiva at Turner's Beach immediately after Blind Pass Bridge and also a small lot at the very end of Captiva Drive directly adjacent to South Seas Resort. 2. jesseaknight 5 mo. The Bubble Room is family friendly and a very fun place for kids - and adults. If youre looking for the best tropical getaway on Floridas Gulf Coast, Sanibel and Captiva are always going to be in the conversation. Sanibel Island is home to relaxing beaches, great dining, fishing . Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. Captiva Island Beaches: 3 Best Access Points | PlanetWare While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. 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. 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. The pristine beaches, with plentiful seashells for collectors, proved popular with. 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. 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. not find chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). Differences Between Sanibel and Captiva 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). But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. Compared to some of the other beaches on this list, Blind Pass Beach doesnt have an endless list of amenities. Get answers to your questions about Marco Island, Recommendations for condo complex with central booking site. Perwinkle Way is the main business street but you will note that large sections are still devoid of parking lots and buildings where it traverses natural areas. Fishermen also enjoy the beach. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. With hundreds of beaches throughout Florida, you may be asking yourself why you should visit these beaches instead of all the others. Exit 21 is the best exit off of I-75 for the beaches. How to Rent a Beachfront House on Isla Mujeres, Ultimate Guide to Florida Keys Vacation Rentals. Sep 26, 2020 For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack. You could easily sell your home, move here and never miss a thing. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. Theyre smaller here, so beautiful to collect! VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille. 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. Sanibel Island Shelling - World's Best Shelling Beaches Sanibel Island shelling is considered the best shelling spot in the world according to Travel and Leisure Magazine. If there is one beach you really need to try, its the Sanibel Island Causeway beaches. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. Golf cart renters must be 21 years old and have a vaild driver's license. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. In all shapes, sizes, and colors, vacationers often leave Blind Pass Beach with buckets full of incredible shells. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Marco is further from the Caloosatchee river so generally it will have cleaner water. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. And there are no golf carts on Siesta. You will actually find this beach both on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. The route is well marked with signs to Ft. Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva. 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 As for Captiva Island, the shelling is still spectacular. 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. Most places are a little worn and just not very updated. When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. Visit the Islands to find great shells today! Sanibel and Captiva remain very much in recovery mode, but some business leaders urged city management to open back up, so visitors can once again eat, shop and stay at the iconic barrier islands . The beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Island are an absolute marvel that millions of people come to see each year. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. Can you find a nice place to stay? Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT. Some of the fish that can be caught here include: As noted above, the currents here can sometimes be intense and unpredictable. Touring the Beaches on Sanibel Island - YouTube Then it takes about 20 minutes (without traffic) to travel the length of Sanibel to the small bridge at Blind Pass that brings you to Captiva. On Captiva, you have much more space to spread out. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. There are 76 general parking spaces. Some of the major differences between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island can be found on the beaches. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. . Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. However, that doesnt quite hold true. Youll love watching the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico from either island and both destinations truly boast something for everyone. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). 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. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. On the left side of Captiva Drive there are three short side streets. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. . Some popular activities on Turner Beach include: If you have a Saltwater Fishing License, you can saltwater fish from the shore. More questions about Sanibel vs Captiva? Which Beach Is Better Sanibel Or Captiva? - TravelMagma The Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches are actually very different, and most articles you read on San-Cap fail to even acknowledge this. 5721 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 | 50 Photos | MLS #223012023 You can visit: Matlacha is a small home village, which is best known for their quirky shops, and several eateries offering some of the best delicacies. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. 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. The J.N. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. Not at all. What Does Deeded Beach Access Mean in Florida? 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. Captivas beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. 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. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. If you travel down Sanibel Captiva Road and make the trek over the Blind Pass bridge, youll find yourself on Captiva Island. Sanibel Beaches are among the most dog-friendly beaches in Florida, if not the entire country. 13 Incredible Airbnbs in Sanibel Island, Florida (2021 Edition) 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. Sign in to get trip updates and message other travelers.. Sanibel Island ; Hotels 7 Best Beaches on Sanibel And Captiva Islands Turner Beach (Blind Pass Beach) Just a stone's throw from the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva lies Turner Beach, aka Blind Pass Beach. 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! Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. Red tide, devastated reefs follow in the wake of Hurricane Ian Drop us a line. Like neat little boutiques for shopping. The Keys would probably be your best bet for clear water, without traveling out of the country. As you approach the northern part of Captiva, you come to the small and very quaintvillage areawhere you will find an assortment of restaurants and shops, as well as the post office, a bank and a small library. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. Please note, the majority of our content was posted and shared prior to Hurricane Ian. Below its elegant main dining room windows spreads a green lawn begging for a wedding party and ends at the beach. . LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. 5 tips to help you catch more fish around Sanibel & Captiva Captiva has more super high end vacation homes that sit on the beach whereas Sanibel is where youll find more of the condo units. 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. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. There are other differences between the islands, too. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. The vibe is even more relaxed than the slow-paced vacation lifestyle of Sanibel. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. Even some private homes that are rented to guests on the resort have limitations on the useof facilities. The bottom structure of the beaches have more influence on waves and water clarity than most realize. When you cross the Sanibel Causeway and visit the island from the mainland, youll likely immediately notice the beauty of nature around you. In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. On the end of Captiva near Blind Pass Captiva is typically pretty busy but the reast of the 5 miles of beach is some of the quietest you will find. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. This video shows what I consider to be the best public beaches on 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 Island Beaches have a more laid back, island-y vibe. 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. And anything called a resort is actually a condo with more resort-like amenities. You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. 11 Gorgeous Sanibel And Captiva Island Beaches To Visit 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. Captiva Beach, Captiva Island: See 1,385 reviews, articles, and 733 photos of Captiva Beach, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 10 attractions in Captiva Island. Honestly, I think of Captiva as an extension of Sanibel. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. What Makes Sanibel and Captiva Island Special? - Jensen's Marina Captiva Island beaches on the other hand have a steeper slope in the water directly off the beach, which tends to cut down on the amount of shells that wash up on the beach. My post captions are full of travel tips and I have a ton of story highlights and videos with great info. Is there much of a difference between beaches on Sanibel and those on Captiva? 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. The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if youre searching for something more unique and quaint. Bowman's Beach is very quiet and pristine. There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. 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. 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. 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. Florida Winter Shorebird Survey takes place on islands Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. Bowmans Beach and Blind Pass Beach re where you will find softer sand on Sanibel Island.