Sanibel Island

See

You will see that the gorgeous natural beaches are sometimes ankle-deep in beautiful shells, sponges, driftwood, sand dollars, and so on. Shells can sometimes cover a lot of the sand. Beach oats and other "wild looking" plants grow between the homes and the water's edge. Washed up you will find seaweed and other interesting marine life. Those plants are not "weeds," and this is not a "dirty" beach. These are all signs of a wild unspoiled beach, and Sanibel and Captiva Islands are making every attempt to keep these beautiful islands in their natural state.

The island is lush with bougainvillea and other brilliantly colored flowers and shrubs nearly all year long. This is definitely a sub-tropical climate. Tiny lizards scurry about (even in and out of restaurants) and you might see lots of cute, tiny tree frogs stuck to your condo door when you come home at night!

Have insect repellent with DEET on hand; you will probably need it for a couple of hours around dawn and dusk because of the sand flies (also called midges or "no-see-ums") that come out then, if there is no wind blowing. You literally cannot see the "no-see-ums" and they are so small that they go right through the fly screens on balconies and lanais. Some folks feel the biting, but their skin does not react badly, whereas a few people will show little red marks after a couple of hours and these sometimes can itch and remain for a week. Some fortunate people not only do not react to the no-see-um bites but don't even feel the biting.

• Historic lighthouse at the eastern tip of the island.

Do

Sanibel is mostly known as an ecological destination. Bird watchers and shell collectors make up the majority of the island's visitors each year.

• Rent full-size and mini bikes and/or motorized scooters to see the island more slowly and take everything in at a more leisurely pace.
• Rent your own sightseeing boats. There is a large public beach which features the Sanibel Lighthouse at one end of the island and large, quiet covered fishing pier as well. You'll be entertained by and enjoy the company of lots of pelicans patiently waiting for someone to toss some fish scraps their way on the pier. A very peaceful, delightful place.
• Fish (license required) from shore, or hire a charter. You can catch delicious whiting right in the surf on the beach in front of your condo, cook them just minutes or hours later and savor the best, freshest fish you have eaten in a long time.
• Collect shells at any of the public beaches (any shell that has a live inhabitant and any other kinds of live sea life, such as live sand dollars etc, may not be taken)
• Rent a kayak and explore the calm waters of Tarpon Bay
• Play golf or tennis

Buy

Shells, sharp fashions, beautiful jewelry, decorative "beachy items" and all kinds of quality merchandise. A full size grocery store ("Jerry's") holds court in one of the malls. Lavish decor outside includes macaws, parrots, Mynahs, cockatoos. This shopping "complex" consists of a combination large grocery and quality yet affordable souvenir store, as well as a specialty liquor store and a few other shops and boutiques.

The oldest and largest grocery store and hardware outlet is in Bailey's Plaza. The Baileys are one of the original island families and the store is still managed by family members. You also can pre-order groceries for pick up or delivery to your rental unit through Bailey's General Store. There are other stores in the plaza worth investigating. Bailey's also features a great Coffee Bar and a Movie Kiosk, where you can rent a movie for the night. Also located in Bailey's Plaza is The Grog Shop Liquor Store, they offer a huge selection of fine wines, beer, liqueurs, and cigars. The only walk in humidor on Sanibel is located in The Grog Shop.

Eat

There are no fast-food chain restaurants on Sanibel, other than a single Dairy Queen which has been there so long that it received an exemption to the strict laws passed to preserve the island's special charm.

Drink

See The Grog Shop Sanibel Island Liquor Store in Buy section.

Sleep

There are a large number of different places to stay on Sanibel including a lot of small hotels and inns. There is one "chain" of hotels on the island. There are also a lot of small-to-medium townhome or condo complexes, each one prettier than the next. Many have outdoor, (or indoor/outdoor covered) pools, patios and grills, and some of the largest have tennis courts, clubhouses, putting greens, etc. If you want a constant ocean view, be clear about it when making reservations. Lots of townhome and condo complexes are across from the beach. Still just a hop, skip and jump from the water, but unless you spend a lot of time on the beach itself all day, you'll miss the view! Most private rental homes are across the street from the beach or on the inner parts of the island.

Dogs and cats are allowed in some (but not many) of the condo/townhome complexes. Dogs may be on the beach if on leash. All condos and townhomes are family-friendly.

A few of the many available options are: