Accessing Captiva Beach by the Mucky Duck Restaurant at the end of Andy Rosse Lane is a great option if you are staying nearby. 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. But you may not find the amount youll find on Sanibel, which means more time may be needed to hunt for them. Its a pristine beautiful beach, great for privacy, sunning ,and fishing, but offers limited shelling. But its all about your expectations. Other than day trips to Sanibel, we dont usually use our rental car on Captiva. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. Youll find a few places like Schnappers Hots for hot dogs, lots of ice cream shops, and other casual eateries that are value-friendly. And the standards of the condos arent the highest. "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. 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. Marco is highly developed and channelized with high rises and wide groomed beaches. Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. Today, Sanibel is unique from other southwest Florida towns because there are no chains or franchises (except a few grandfathered ones). There are two large grocery stores and several smaller markets. BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. Located on a little barrier island just 7 miles long, Fort Myers Beach features wide beaches and beautiful views. Although you may not be able to climb to the top of the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, you are allowed to visit the surrounding areas for a lighthouse photo-op. Sanibels finest wearing white gloves still move traffic the old fashioned way during peak times. Sanibels beaches are generally firm and compact, from higher foot traffic. Two weeks ago, the water was cloudy but this last week with mild winds from the east, the water is crystal clear. Others appreciate the secluded and remote feeling that the island offers when compared to more crowded Florida beaches. 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. Sanibels beaches are actually made up more of ground up shells than sand, which can be somewhat uncomfortable for bare feet. Tarpon Beach. There are 76 general parking spaces. Several restaurants are within walking distance on Sanibel Island, including The Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Cafe and The Mad Hatter. Ladyfish - free-lined or cut into chunks is one of the best baits out there and readily available to Sanibel & Captiva Beach Fishermen. 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. Elsewhere the beautiful green canopy that was destroyed by Hurricane Charley is getting replaced by trees planted in 2006 and extensive landscaping is once again beautifying Periwinkle Way. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Here is our best explanation of the main differences between Sanibel vs Captiva islands, to help you decide which island stay is right for you. The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. 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.But Captiva is even quieter and less busy than Sanibel, though there's still plenty to do.. Once you cross over the bridge at Blind Pass, you'll immediately notice how the road narrows and . Blind Pass Beach. Sanibel Island might be better for you if youre looking for active family vacations, great shelling beaches, more shopping and dining amenities, being closer to nature preserves and off-island driving adventures to Fort Myers and beyond to the Everglades or Charlotte Harbor. There are no main roads, so it doesnt get as crowded as you think it would. Not really. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers. 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. Bring a hammock and hang it on the palm trees for the ultimate vacation photo! Its away from the strong currents so you can confidently get in the water here. Captiva Beach - Andy Rosse Lane. 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. Many visitors are amazed at the amount of shells that theyre able to find here. You wont be able to take them home, but you may get to see some awesome new creatures. Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. Condos are also available on both the Gulf and the bay. Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. 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. You can park for free here, and you can head to the park during the day for the kids to play before heading to the sand. Ive always found the best shells in the water on Captiva. 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. Which of these twin islands in southwest Florida is right for you? Drop us a line. Captiva and Sanibel Islands have also earned a reputation for some of the best shelling in the world. Marco is totally surrounded by federal, state parks and preserves, the gateway to the Everglades so IMO it has more options for active adults. Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two and is the first island off the mainland. There are also two semi-public 18 hole golf courses on the island. 2,950 feet from Sanibel Lighthouse. The kids will marvel at the sandbar and youll be able to use the restrooms and outdoor showers as you please. Turner Beach. Bowmans Beach stretches for miles, and there are excellent amenities here. The pristine beaches of Sanibel are best in the off-season (May to September) where the beaches are empty save for the locals. Captiva Islands parent island is Sanibel. The building restrictions here are whats part of the charm. Sanibels sideways stretch makes in an excellent destination for shelling and beachcombing; Captivas lengthy reach gives its beaches fine sand. 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 beaches for shelling are known across the country, while Captiva Island beaches are known for their fine sands. Finding seashells on either island is as easy as walking onto the beach. Does the lack of chain restaurants mean Sanibel has no casual restaurants for quick and cheap in-and-out service? Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. Other prohibitions are streetlights and traffic lights (Sanibel police with white gloves move traffic along at peak times). You can stay, explore, dine and swim on both with a guarantee to enjoy yourself. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. You can rent a kayak here and paddle through mangroves while watching for wading and shore birds and other wildlife. It feels like youre walking on a fluffy cloud. Are there still restaurant's and shops that are closed due to Hurricane Irma? There are several vendors for bike rentals or check with your hotel to find out if they offer bike rentals. Sometimes they are even joined when the narrow waterway of Blind Pass that separates them fills in and the two islands actually connect, though a concerted effort is underway to keep the pass open to improve the health of the bayous on the bay side. Marco has more nightlife, more shopping, and more roads. 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. Realizing the differences in the two islands is important, Ive heard from people who stayed on Sanibel expecting the clear water and soft sand and were disappointed. One of the best spots on Sanibel to go kayaking is the J N Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Captiva Road. Mostly boutique shopping. When you are looking to visit Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches, dont forget to make a boating reservation too! Shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the light began shining as bright as ever. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. 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. Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Biking is our favorite way to get around the islands . Blind Pass Beach is one of the more unique beaches on this list given the fact that it stretches to the northern tip of Sanibel Island, making it easily accessible from Captiva Island as well. Once you visit, its easy to see what we mean when we call them twins. If at South Seas add extensive resort amenitiesand an upscale atmosphere. Also Ding Darling Bird Sanctuary is best visited early in the day. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge. If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. There are great restaurants but no chain places and not much nightlife. At the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse your stay on Sanibel Island truly is picture perfect. The biggest difference is the number of beaches. There are free taxis to many restaurants/bars but paid transport is $6 anywhere on the island. You can even rent golf carts. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt. VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE. Sanibel resident Rachel Pierce and her family were not going to miss the lighting ceremony. 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. Updated 1/2/2021 Captiva Island is one of my favorite islands in the United States. Here are some helpful tips to get the most out of your Captiva or Sanibel Island shelling experience. Read about each one below to decide which ones will complete your dream beach getaway. Port Sanibel Marina offers marina reservations and fishing charters for you to enjoy after a great time visiting all the beaches we mentioned above! They'll need water and power restored and repairs, but "uninhabitable" is a massive exaggeration. Blind Pass Beach. What's there to do I one place vs the other? 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. Re: Siesta Key vs Captiva Island. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars. This is why the majority of people on the island are retired, work remotely from home, or are on vacation. In fact, Sanibel and Captiva have some of the most fun and unique bars in Southwest Florida. Super crowded, but it was spring break after all. While Sanibel is larger and offers more shops, hotels and sights, Captiva is quaint with powder soft beaches and Old Florida charm. "DING" DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE. Marco has a 7.1 mile continuous, wide crescent beach with a long "Tigertail" beach. Amelia Island. There is no fee for Florida residents. There is a sandbar at low tide which gives you room to see live seashells. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Most of the island is very narrow- you can see both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound from many spots. 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. If you aren't into shelling this is definitely something worth considering. Allison Hagerup Beach Park is a beautiful public beach with direct access to Captiva Beach and has a small parking lot. . But I have never seen brown water hitting Marco Island. 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.