5 Reasons Sanibel is Better than Captiva
Choosing between Sanibel and Captiva Islands on Florida's west coast is a tough call but these 5 reasons should help you decide where to vacation.
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5 Reasons Sanibel is Better than Captiva
Mac James is the managing editor for Ocean’s Reach Condominums Resort which offers Sanibel condo rentals directly on the beach. 1 and 2 bedroom condos, luxuriously appointed with all of the amenities included for a fabulous florida vacation. http://www.oceansreach.com
Also known as Florida’s Shell Islands, Sanibel and Captiva are known throughout the country for offering some to top vacation destinations that the Gulf Coast has to offer. From tourist destinations like the Sanibel lighthouse to some top-notch dining opportunities, Sanibel has much more to offer visitors than the more remote island of Captiva. Let’s take an inside look at the top five reasons that so many people seem to prefer Sanibel over Captiva.
Sanibel Island Lighthouse
The Sanibel Island Lighthouse is one of the main focal points of the island and is always a popular tourist destination to visitors to the islands. This lighthouse has stood on the island since the 1880s, some 80 years before new bridges permitted tourists to enjoy easy access to the island. The lighthouse is still operational and has been running automatically since it was refurbished in the late 1940s. Although the Sanibel Island Lighthouse is the property of the Coast Guard, the military leases the rights to the lighthouse to the local government.
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
When you are ready for a break from modern beach life at Fort Myers, visiting the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to enjoy the beach in its natural environment. The difference between the atmosphere of the wildlife refuge and even the relatively uncrowded public beaches of Sanibel can be startling at first, as the sights and sounds of a truly wild beach bear little resemblance to developed beaches that most people are accustomed to. There are some excellent paths at the refuge that allow visitors to explore this unique subtropical habitat, as well as some educational information pertaining to the history of the island.
High End Shopping
While Sanibel has a low key atmosphere and remains unspoiled by development, the island does offer much better shopping opportunities for visitors who would like to pick up something to remember their visit to Sanibel by. You won’t see any of the usual t-shirt stores and souvenir junk shops that crowd the mainland on Sanibel. Instead, Sanibel offers its guests a tasteful collection of high end shops carrying boutique apparel, hand crafted decorative products and locally produced paintings. Captiva, on the other hand, feels more remote and has little in the way gift shops.
More Restaurant to Choose From
Along a similar vein, Sanibel also offers its guests more to choose from when it comes to dining out. Once you have switched into “beach mode” during your stay on Sanibel, it is likely that you will not be in the mood for a long drive when you want to eat out. There are a couple of of good restaurants on Captiva, but Sanibel has a wider selection. From tasty American cuisine at the Jacaranda to a romantic dinner at The Timbers, many visitors to Sanibel claim that the island is home to a few of the best restaurants in Florida. No trip to the beach is complete without enjoying a laid back breakfast or brunch at a local restaurants, and Sanibel has a couple of great places for these meals as well.
Closest to Fort Myers
In addition to everything else that the island has to offer, Sanibel is also closer to the mainland than Captiva. This makes Sanibel an ideal destination for visitors who want to enjoy the natural environment of the barrier islands while still having easy access to mainstream beach culture of Fort Myer’s famous boardwalk. Sanibel’s location also makes it easier to make it back to mainland in the event of an unexpected event such as inclement weather or a medical emergency.
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