which beach is better sanibel or captiva?

The immensity of the sky and the sea together offer vast and breathtaking views in all directions that work together to draw you in. If you are not stayingat the resort you cannot go onto the grounds or use the facilities. Bringing the whole family is a must when you head to Captiva Beach, and there are plenty of beaches and places to stay along those beaches. For many who visit Fort Myers, Sanibel is . Some people are put off by higrises on the beach. Your email address will not be published. U.S. News & World Report ranks Sanibel Island as the No. 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. Rich with wildlife and first class amenities, Captiva and Sanibel are considered two of the most captivating barrier islands in the country. Silver Key Beach. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? The J. N "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge has a scenic drive, boating rentals and tours, hiking paths and a visitor educational center. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. . If Sanibel is rough and murky you can often drive a few miles to Captiva and find calm and clear water. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. "This light being lit . Dogs on leashes no longer than 8 feet are welcome on all Sanibel Island beaches. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. But its far from chaotic. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Thirteen miles of beaches plus luxury resorts and golf courses sprinkled across untouched acreage make Amelia Island a must-visit Florida island destination . In the East End area Tarpon Tale Inn sits just 0.7 miles (1.1 km) from Lighthouse Beach Park. The grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. Theres a reason that Sanibel is consistently named as one of the best shelling beaches on the planet. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? You can swim safely, walk and picnic here. Both islands are amazing and consistently get placed on must travel lists by top media outlets. While Sanibel and Captiva arent radically different, Ill do my best to break the two down: Sanibel is a sizable island with direct access from mainland Fort Myers via the Sanibel Causeway. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Captiva Island. Shopping plazas along the main drag known as Periwinkle Way are small independent boutiques selling everything from souvenirs and beachwear to clothing and higher end designer apparel. Thank you for your responses. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Captiva, on the other hand, isn't close to anything. 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. With amenities such as bathrooms and showers, picnic tables and playgrounds, youre going to find everything you need for the perfect day at the beach. A lot of the island itself is privately owned. Enjoy your visit. 2. 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. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. "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. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Before you reach the South Seas Island resort theres the quaint village of Captiva with a few shops and eateries. SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. The FDOH's fecal indicator bacteria testing results on Dec. 12 suggested low bacterial concentrations and no current advisories. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibels sand provides a much better surface for runners. And we totally get it when youre planning a trip, understanding whats unique about one or the other can be so confusing, especially if youve never been here before. 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. You may be looking for hidden gems in Captiva Island, and with the Gulfside City Beach, thats exactly what you will find. While you're likely to find many shells at any of Sanibel's 6 public beaches, a couple that stand out include: Gulfside City Park Beach- This beautiful sandy beach is covered with countless shells to collect. 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. Sanibel vs Captiva? Where to Eat. The only vegetation around is the natural one that grows, which opens up the scenery. 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. The same gradual sloping shoreline that collects millions of shells on the beaches of Sanibel also prevent it from having bright clear blue water most of the year. Sanibel and Captiva are sister islands. There are places that are perfectly safe for swimming here and its one of the better populated beaches in the area. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! If you are really into fantastic shelling then the obvious choice is Sanibel. In the early '70's Sanibel was slated to become the next Marco Island with the building of the bridge. Sanibel is 60% nature reserve with low rise mostly condos and natural ungroomed beaches. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Captiva Island, on the other hand, is perfect for quiet family vacations, romantic getaways, privacy and exclusivity, and easy access to off-island boat adventures to out islands. But if youre not staying here, access to the property is restricted. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. The SanCap area is reminiscent of the differences between a smaller community versus the regional center; Sanibel is a smaller town that provides basic services to the broader area. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. Be sure to carry a flashlight when walking at night. Gulfside City Park. The beach itself is clean, with shaded areas and restrooms, covered cabanas, and picnic areas to enjoy. Does anyone have recommendations if sunset views would be better from Lovers Key or Sanibel/Captiva (in July)? Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! 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. If youre visiting during season, a bike will allow you to get around traffic when it slows to a crawl. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are separated by a bridge over Blind Pass. $5 per hour for public parking. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? Is this really a true statement? Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. 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. Mostly boutique shopping. Most of the year it feels like you are the only one on the beach. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. Please check directly with businesses regarding their operating status as the islands continue to rebuild. 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. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Its especially popular among beach and nature lovers as the beaches are pristine and the water sublime. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. But they are worth the extra drive to the north end of the 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. It's a quiet beach, but it's not really the best place for swimming. Sanibel and Captiva are connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by only one roadway the Sanibel Causeway Bridge. It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! Great Licks is the perfect place to help you cool off from Florida heat and pamper your taste buds for amazing and mouthwatering homemade ice cream. The beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are known for shelling, consistently ranking at the top of the best shelling beaches in the United States. But youre going to have to dig around more than youd think and its probably not going to be a bargain. It is the first beach after you leave Sanibel Island. The irony of this is, one of the best beaches on Sanibel is located closest to the Causeway. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Turner Beach is just on the other side of Blind Pass past the small bridge from Sanibel. Sanibel-Captiva islands have been an idyllic destination for tourists from Florida and the world over.

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