Captiva or Key West?
 

Hi Folks! Wanted to get some opinions on a two family vacation next spring. We will be 4 adults and 4 kids (ages 2-9) traveling together. Our family has been to both Key West and Captiva. Love the beaches at Captiva and love the fun of Key West. Just wanted to hear some feedback on the two destinations. How crowded with Captiva be during Easter break? Key West? Hubby loves to fish from shore or by charter. Girls love the beach. Thanks for your opinions.

As you know, Key West does not have fabulous beaches for swimming. Haven't ever been to Captiva. Have fun, whichever one you decide on.

Captiva is a family resort. Spring break is the peak time but things are quiet there compared to Key West.
For Key West: somewhat better restaurants, lots of night life, adult oriented, great "sense of place" (different from other places), deep water fishing

For Captiva: beach, beach, nature boat rides, NasCrab at Tween Waters pretty well defines night life, not too many college, students on spring break, fish from beach or pole the shallow and beautiful Pine Island Sound.

Captiva will be mobbed during Easter Break, so if that is where you've decided on, hurry and make your reservations. Many people reserve for the next year the day they check out.

Sandsea; I live in the Ft. Myers area and if I were you I'd go to Captiva but be forewarned that the causeway over to Sanibel/Captiva is under repairs and there is much negotiation going on about replacing it; ferry service, etc. There was a ban on driving over the causeway at certain times due to the cracks in it's foundation. They are trying to repair it while all this is going on. It will definitely be crowded next spring; Sanibel/Captiva is always crowded then. But Captiva would be my vote; more appropriate for your 4 kids; something for everyone. The fishing is the best especially off of the pier or near the lighthouse. Good luck.