Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva?

Which Beach is Better Sanibel or Captiva?

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Sanibel and Captiva Island are amazing islands that welcome people searching for a great spot to have family time. It was here my friends found love and built up their romance.

If you want to get on a personal level with nature, you can visit any of these beaches. These islands are perfect, providing visitors with dining, shopping, entertainment, and local hotels.

Many outdoor activities are also prepared to ensure you are never bored during your stay here. Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva?

At these islands, you get 15 miles of coastline, 25 miles of biking, and fifty different species of fish! These islands will certainly be your favorites as soon as you get here.

Where to Stay

Before traveling to any vacation destination, one of the most important things to consider is where you are to stay on your arrival. Sanibel Island offers very quaint inns, like the Sanibel inn.

You get a very comfortable and relaxed oceanfront resort, which includes:

  • An outdoor pool
  • Dining
  • Simple accommodations

Another amazing inn on this island is the Seaside inn. This laid-back beachfront inn allows you to get comfortable in a suite or cottage while relaxing by the poolside. Once you check into this inn, you get a complimentary breakfast.

Both the Sanibel inn and Seaside inn offer 15% off deals for residents in Florida currently.

If you plan to stay in Captiva Island, the South seas island resort is an ideal place to stay. The South Seas island resort is a large oceanfront resort which has

  • Six restaurants
  • A marina
  • 5 miles of beach
  • Three pools

For a romantic getaway with your partner, you can choose to stay in the Love shack.

The Captiva Island Inn is also another wonderful place you can stay especially if you’re searching for something more unique and quaint. This inn provides very colorful and extremely comfortable cottages for you.

Things to Do

People who visit the island mostly have plans of hanging out on the beach, as it is the main attraction. Ok Sanibel and Captiva Island, there’s enough beach for you to have a great time.

One of the biggest attractions on Sanibel Island is the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge allows you to watch birds, go on tours, hike, bike and engage in other fun activities. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is very large, about 6,300 acres and occupies ⅓ of Sanibel Island.

As you ride your bike to cruise the 4-mile Wildlife Drive, get ready to discover different trails. For walkers and bikers, the admission rate is set at $1 per person. On the other hand, if you intend to drive, the admission rate is $5 per car.

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.

During your stay, you should indulge in shell hunting. Dating back to August 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse is over hundred years old and of historic importance. Note: there is a parking fee for those coming in with their cars.

Asides the Sanibel Lighthouse, you can join a dolphin cruise or visit other amazing spots like:

  • Bowman’s beach
  • the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum,

If you don’t plan on staying in the Island, feel free to head inland for a day trip in Cape Coral. You can visit:

Matlacha:

Matlacha is a small home village, which is best known for their quirky shops, and several eateries offering some of the best delicacies

Great Licks

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 Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery:

The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery gives free tours and tastings for all visitors. From Sanibel, this distillery is only about 40 minutes away.

My Opinion: Sanibel vs. Captiva

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are called “sister islands,” but there are some obvious differences between them. Sanibel Island is much larger than Captiva and is the first island off the mainland of Ft. Myers.

Generally, these two islands have amazing beaches and a calm, laid-back atmosphere that everyone enjoys.

Before choosing the island you’d like to visit, it is important to know the differences as this can influence your choice.

Sanibel Island is a combination of a natural and touristy atmosphere with island vibes. This Island has several restaurants and stores for shopping. In addition, if you enjoy hunting for shells, you should definitely pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America.

On Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches on Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have a few shells to hunt.

You should, however note that the beach access is limited, and you can only shop at one spot.

Whether you choose Sanibel Island or Captiva Island, these destinations are a 30 minutes car drive from each other so you can always change your mind if you want to.

FAQs

Which beach is better Sanibel or Captiva?

Sanibel is known to be the top shelling destination in North America. For people who are enthusiastic about shell hunting, there are better shells on Sanibel beaches.

On the other hand, the dining on Captiva Island is more eclectic than that on Sanibel Island.

The Souvenir shopping experience in both islands is quite similar, and you can get beautiful handmade items to take home with you. You can just spend your days on Sanibel Island and occasionally go to Captiva island to experience their unique dining experience.

Which beach is nicer Sanibel or Captiva?

If you enjoy hunting for shells, you should pick Sanibel Island, as it is the top shelling destination in North America.

In Captiva Island, you can access the several beaches on the island and enjoy the Gulf and Pine Island sound. Compared to Sanibel Island, beaches in Captiva Island do not have a lot of crowds and have fewer shells to hunt.

What’s the difference between Sanibel and Captiva?

Aside from being larger than Captiva Island, Sanibel Island has more shops, hotels, and sights that keep visitors engaged and excited. With its soft beaches and Florida charm, Captiva Island is a great relaxation spot with superb dining.

Captiva Island and Sanibel Island were formerly single islands located along North Captiva Island. However, these two islands were separated by a storm at Blind Pass.

 


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ABOUT ME

I’m Jeff – I’m like a human GPS, but instead of giving you directions, I give you the inside scoop on how to have the time of your life on your next holiday.

As a born & raised Floridian, I know my home state like the back of my hand.

From the excitement of Orlando’s theme parks to the natural beauty of the Everglades, I’ve explored it all.

About Us Jeff from TravelMagma

But Florida is just the beginning of my adventures.

I’ve traveled across the US, from the red rocks of Sedona to the lively streets of New York City.

Overseas, I’ve marveled at the Eiffel Tower in Paris and tasted gelato in the piazzas of Rome.

My most unforgettable trip was a safari in Kenya.

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I even wrote a Book!

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