Can you swim at Captiva Island?

Can you swim at Captiva Island? Sanibel Captiva Island is filled with gorgeous beaches on the Gulf of Mexico that are perfect for families or couples, such as Bowman's Beach and Tarpon Bay Beach. You can find just about any beach experience you want, from swimming and sunbathing to picnics, nature walks, and water sports.

Is the water clear in Captiva Island?

The barrier islands around Captiva Island and Sanibel Island have beautiful clear water that is great for kayaking, boating and fishing.

How badly was Sanibel Island damaged?

Thousands of structures in the community were reduced to rubble, trees and vegetation were wiped out, and power lines were downed. Much of the furniture and appliances in homes became destroyed and unusable, creating piles of trash on the roads to be taken to the landfill.

Can you go to Captiva Island now?

Following the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, Sanibel & Captiva Islands are bouncing back and several hotels are open and ready to welcome visitors with open arms. Keep in mind Lee County has reinstated the Sanibel Causeway tolls as of January 1, 2023.

Did Captiva get hit by Hurricane Ian?

Captiva, a small island just north of Sanibel Island on Florida's Gulf Coast near Ft. Myers, was hit hard by Hurricane Ian in late September 2022.

What is special about Captiva Island?

Sanibel and Captiva have some of the best beaches in Florida and both Islands make for the perfect vacation destination. Enjoy 15 miles of beach with endless stretches of sand, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 250 kinds of shells – and the best part? 0 stoplights!

Are Captiva beaches open after Ian?

At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.

Is Sanibel Island open for tourists 2023?

Note that Sanibel Island sustained significant damage in September 2022 as a result of Hurricane Ian. Though the island is open to the public as of January 2023, local officials are warning visitors that much of the island's attractions and businesses remain closed.

Is Captiva nicer than Sanibel?

Captiva's beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. The depth of beach space changes too. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibel's beaches are far more narrow than Captiva's. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches.

Are Sanibel beaches open after Ian?

The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.

Is Captiva Island expensive?

Captiva is ranked 56 out of 273 cities across the US in terms of cost of living. The cost of living in Captiva is 106.8% of the national average.

Is there still bacteria in Florida beaches?

According to Florida Health, Vibrio vulnificus is a bacterium that naturally occurs in warm, brackish seawater and requires salt. This year, there have been 25 reported cases and five deaths since January 2023. “Living in Florida, being around the marine environment, we need to be aware of what it is,” said Dr.

Is it safe to swim in the ocean at Sanibel Island?

There are NO lifeguards anywhere on Sanibel, so it's swim at your own risk. Avoid the area where water runs from bay to Gulf. The undertow can be very strong at these points. Enjoy the calm Gulf, but pay attention.

Did anyone stay on Sanibel Island during hurricane?

On Thursday evening, Sanibel officials said that 200 households reported staying on the island during the storm. Two people were confirmed dead, 14 medically evacuated and another 40 rescued without injury on Thursday.

What bacteria is on the beach in Florida 2023?

Another potential threat beachgoers should be aware of in Florida is Vibrio vulnificus — rare species of so-called flesh-eating bacteria found in raw shellfish or seawater. The dangerous strain of vibrio bacteria has been linked to five deaths in Florida this year, state health officials said.