Check out this shortlist of my top five 'quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island. For the whole family, Causeway Beach & Park is the perfect day out. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. Youll also find a good selection of family-friendly beachfront resorts, condos, B&B's and Airbnbs. Strollers, wagons, and the like are a lot harder to maneuver on Captivas beaches than on Sanibel. Sports and Activities Insider Pagefor more information. Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. 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. 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. But thats not the only reason Sanibel is busier than Captiva theres just more things to see and do on Sanibel. What it lacks in amenities, it more than makes up for in beauty and other features. Marco has a modern infrastructure of bridges, streets, and street lights. Blind Pass Beach is where Sanibel and Captiva Islands meet. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. But if you are looking for the more traditional sugar sand beach with clear blue water the Captiva Island Beaches are the way to go. 0.25 acre lot. If youre looking for a smaller beach, Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is an excellent option. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. 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. What's there to do I one place vs the other? Dogs are welcome at Turner Beach- they must be kept on a leash no longer than 8 ft. We please ask that you remember to clean up after your dog. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Sanibel has 25 miles of safe designated bike paths making it possible to literally pedal or walk the length and breadth of the island. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has secured its spot as one of the best Sanibel hotels on the beach, thanks to its many amazing amenities and waterfront location. The beaches shown in the video are: Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Beach, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman's. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called sister islands, but there are some obvious differences between them. . Hopefully this post helps you make a decision that puts you on the beach that will give you the most enjoyment from your island vacation. 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". I agree completely with the response from Hawkowl (#3 above). When I bought my vacation house 25 years ago I compared both Marco and Sanibel. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast. Beach access is strictly limited and there are only two small paid public lots for beach parking. 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. The "Sanibel Spirit" is indeed alive, strong and resilient, and remarkable signs of recovery continue throughout our "repairadise.". Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches are well known for shelling, exotic wildlife and their beauty. . The best shelling on the two islands is around the Blind Pass Bridge and theres parking on both the Sanibel and Captiva sides. Sanibel Marina, Sanibel Vessels up to 100 feet (239) 215-2445 sanibelmarina.com It does get busy understandably so as its so popular! 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. 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 grills and picnic tables can be claimed early, but you do need to start early. A second dining room and outdoor patio are poolside, with a gulf backdrop. BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Caf. It seems like this couldnt possibly be true since they are so close, together but it absolutely is. Because of its larger size, Sanibel has more beaches to choose from than Captiva. Sanibel is most famous for its shelling. Discover the Beauty of Sanibel and Captiva Islands There is so much to find and enjoy in Southwest Florida, especially on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Parking costs $5 per hour, but is well worth it once you leave with loads of shells. The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. The causeway was built in 1963 (the island was previously only accessible via ferry) and the city of Sanibel was formed in 1974. The Gulf Beach is 3 minutes' walk away. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! In a place like Sanibel Island (or Captiva Island), you simply must get out on the water to truly experience the destination. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. The waters off the beaches of Sanibel have a gradual slope that allows shells to be washed up onto the beach extremely easily. Captiva's beaches are more of the soft sugar sand that one would typically see on an island. The best news is that if youre a Florida resident who is exploring, youre going to be able to do that for free! It had the same color/clarity as the ocean here in NC. You can take Instagram-worthy pictures and view the local wildlife from the perfect vantage point: the sand! LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW. That is a personal decision. Captiva (not South Seas) if you want sunsets, quiet island escape, "get away from it all feel", andmore upscale company. Having taken morning runs on both island beaches, Sanibel's sand provides a much better surface for runners. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. It does. 1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island. You can download an app with tons of info on it. Honestly I cant imagine living on the island if I had to go to work off-island everyday, or just do a quick run to Target. The best comparison is to a mattress. It's a beauty inside and out, fashioned after a historic, Victorian-style island mansion. 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. Privacy Policy | You'll find it on the western edge of Captiva Island. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. Powered by Mai Theme, Tips For Honeymoon Island State Park: A Florida Gem. Alternatively, you may use, Hilton Grand Vacations Hotels in Sanibel Island, Hotels near J.N. It is also where the Captiva restaurants are located. 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. But its far from chaotic. 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. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. While Sanibel may get the lions share of shells, thats not to say that Captiva also doesnt have good shelling. Canoe and kayak rentals, even guided tours of Ding Darling by tram or kayak are available at Tarpon Bay Explorers. Sitemap, 8 Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches You Have to Visit. Purdue9394/Getty Images. 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. Just cut into 3/4 wide sections. This post was written before Sanibel, Captiva, and parts of the surrounding area were absolutely blasted by Hurricane Ian in September 2022. Blind Pass Beach. You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot. Silver Key Beach. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. Here are some of our favorite places to cool down with a cocktail. 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 not a party town, but there are plenty of places to eat, drink and listen to live music. It was warm and pleasant. 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. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. This resort is probablythe most upscaleon the two islands with extensive landscaped grounds and resort facilities and a 9 hole golf course. Best Beaches in Florida for 2019 - Sanibel & Captiva Island Beaches Find your favorite paradise with the updated list of best beaches in Florida. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva? 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 . Were often asked and emailed questions from readers wanting to know what the difference is between Sanibel and Captiva islands. Jensen's Captiva Island Beach and Marina Resorts, Captiva Vessels up to 40 feet (239) 472-5800 gocaptiva.com. On Sanibel, youll want a bike, possibly even a car, for your visit. Do You Need a Boating License in Florida? 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. Its a great way to explore and enjoy the island. 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 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. Some resorts offer bikes for rent. Schedule launch times and see the status of your reservation anytime, anywhere with the BoatCloud Launch App. Captiva island or Sanibel , best places to stay for 2-3 people , what is reopened , any suggestions? 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. it's one of the best parts but cut off and discard the tail. Lighthouse Beach is one of the best places to watch sunset on Sanibel or Captiva because of the lighthouse it makes any sunset pic of Sanibel Instaworthy! You can rent wave runners and go parasailing and as well as canoe and kayak rentals. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. Some will even deliver a kayak to where you are staying. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. 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. 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. The two island are essentially one, but they really do have subtle qualities that could make a big difference in your vacation. While Sanibel is filled with people scouring the beach for beautiful shells, the beaches of Captiva are generally very quiet and laid back. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). Blind Pass Beach. Very shelly though, youll need to wear flips flops to take a walk. So map your walk along this route carefully and make sure that youre not trespassing along the way. There are bird sanctuaries, modern childrens playgrounds, and RV parking for road trippers looking to get out and do something new. Nearly 70% of the island is devoted to conservation and wildlife refuges.