- Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida are two breathtakingly beautiful islands, located just three miles from Fort Myers in the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are two of the most popular vacation destinations in Southwest Florida.Sanibel and Captiva Island Picture Gallery Copyright © 2024 Gabriela BranisteanuEssentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands. In 1921, a hurricane severed what was once a single island into two, separating them by a narrow channel of water.
Today, the two islands remain separate but close enough to walk between on the small bridge that joins the two — about 100’ feet in length. (Just please don’t try and swim between the two — the distance may seem close, but the water current running from the Gulf to the bay is super strong and can be very dangerous.)
Sanibel Island & Captiva Island are the perfect choice for a vacation whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family trip or a nature vacation. They both offer world-famous shelling, wildlife in abundance, notable shopping and fine dining with a seafood slant. Residents and visitors alike love the shores of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. The sparkling white sands and calm Gulf waters never fail to capture the imagination. Enjoy 15 miles of unspoiled beaches, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 250 kinds of shells and 0 stop lights.
While Captiva is noted for its quaintness and quietude, Sanibel is where you can find a little more action. Nestled among the tropical landscape, there are plenty of fine dining and shopping choices, many of which are located right on the main street, Periwinkle Way. This tree-lined street is also well-known for the bike path that stretches alongside of it – the path is part of a 25-mile trail that meanders through both islands.
As you explore, check out the many beach accesses dotting the coast. Don't miss Lighthouse Park Beach, located on the southern tip of the island and marked by the historic Sanibel Lighthouse. Toward the other end of the island, take time to discover the 6,400-acre J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, famous for its diverse bird life, and the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, offering more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world.
Captiva Island is connected to Sanibel by San-Cap Road.
With so many family-friendly activities and amenities, Captiva Island is the perfect spot for a family vacation. There are few places in the U.S. that can compete with the beautiful sandy beaches and near perfect weather that you're going to find on Captiva Island.
Crossing the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva, you'll pass over Turner Beach (Blind Pass), a white-sand beauty with impressive shelling opportunities. Even more removed from civilization than Sanibel, Captiva is a little less developed, a little more quiet.
Despite Captiva's smaller size, there are still a wide range of places to stay. If the idea of your own private tennis court and heated swimming pool piques your interest, you'll enjoy the comfortable luxury of the Outer Banks Home. This six-bedroom, five-bath bayfront home is just a short stroll to the beaches.
If you prefer a beachside stay, check out the homes and condominiums at South Seas Plantation on Royal Shell's website. The resort offers a range of units, including ones fit for larger parties – consider the impressive four-bedroom, four-bath beachfront townhouse that's surrounded by 330 acres of a natural botanical paradise.
Kick back, spread out and come sunset, you can toast to a whole new view of "paradise." Relaxing must be on your list of what to do in Captiva Island.
Both islands have some of southwest Florida’s best beaches, salty tropical bars, and very good restaurants!
Copyright © 2024 Gabriela Branisteanu
Pompano Beach, Florida
E-mail us at: gabriela@mysunnyflorida.com
TERMS OF USE ACCESSIBILITY
Pompano Beach, Florida
E-mail us at: gabriela@mysunnyflorida.com
TERMS OF USE ACCESSIBILITY