Island Life: Sanibel and Captiva
The sister islands of Sanibel and Captiva are located across the mainland from busy Fort Myers. Though you usually visit one if you’re visiting the other, each of these two islands have their own distinct atmosphere. Sanibel is a dreamy beachside community with shell-strewn beaches, a historic lighthouse, as well as shops and cafes that are all easy to visit by bicycle. Captiva offers the ideal beach vacation, especially for those who like to get away from the crowds. These islands offer adventures to be had, treasure to be discovered, and accommodations of your dreams. Live the island life!
Island Adventures and Treasures
A great part of island life is the adventures that you can have while also relaxing! Imagine biking around Sanibel in the beautiful sunshine, or collecting colorful shells on the beach. See dolphins and manatee on a trip to a barrier island, or walk hand in hand with your loved one on Lovers Key.
Sanibel is known for its shell-strewn beaches, created by a very specific geographical phenomenon that allows the many beautiful shells to wash up its shores, most intact and all colorful and unique. Sanibel is also intent on preserving its lush tropical foliage, with little shops, cottages, and inns tucked between. It slow pace and many bike paths make it ideal for biking around. Billy’s Bike Rentals, located on the popular Periwinkle Way, offers bike and Segway rentals and bike repairs so you can wheel around with ease.
sanibelbike.com
On your ride you will see beautiful little shops, galleries, and cafes at where you can pause and enjoy. Periwinkle Place is a charming, tranquil place to stop, rest, and then shop! Its 26 shops include the Original Chico's, the award-winning Blue Giraffe Restaurant and the Sanibel Day Spa - where you can spend the afternoon relax and revitalizing with a massage. Shop Sand Castle Gifts & Gourmet for local specialty treats, and tasting the finest quality olive oils and more at Sanibel Olive Oil are a must for Sanibel visitors.
periwinkleplace.com
Wheel your way over to the Baileys-Matthews Shell Museum, which houses all kinds of seashells and also features exhibits about conchology, malacology, and even the archaeological aspect of shelling! They also offer beach walks to search for shells, and be sure to visit their gift shop for shell-inspired jewelry, books, and gifts. Find your own treasure on the beaches, which are perfectly situated to catch incoming shells of beautiful shape and color, like horse conchs, calico scallops, starfish, and more! The best shelling can be done with a guide from a shelling cruise, like those offered by Island Time, where you can head out on an amazing adventure on the Gulf and back bay to look for grazing manatees, leaping dolphins, and of course the greatest shells!
shellmuseum.org
islandtimecruise.com
Become an explorer as you paddle through the mangrove tunnels and sheltered bays on a canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding expedition. Launch from a local park or go on a guided tour, and get your rentals from one of the many great outfitters in the area. Kayak Excursions offers all kinds of fun paddle sports and even lessons, from kayak fishing trips to guided eco tours and more, with no-hassle customer service that includes free deliveries to your location. YOLO Board Adventures has many paddle rentals, but specializes in stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with lessons from certified instructors for newcomers to the sport, and eco-tours that give you an up-close view of the area’s beautiful wildlife.
kayak-excursions.com
yoloboardadventuressanibel.com
Sanibel and Captiva are surrounded by even more little islands that hold their own mystique. Accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa is one of the largest barrier islands in Florida. It contains unique vegetation that has gone unspoiled for the past 500 years, along with wind-shaped trees, dunes, beaches and freedom to explore. There are several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior. Shorebirds are numerous and one might spot manatees, porpoises and sea turtles offshore. Sanibel Island Cruise Line offers cruises from Sanibel to the barrier island of Cayo Costa. During your cruise you may see some playful bottlenose dolphins. These outfitters also offer watersports rentals. Previously destined to become the site of luxury condominiums, the land that is now Lovers Key State Park was donated to the people of Florida so that its beaches and mangrove forests can be preserved for all to enjoy. Hop in a kayak or lounge under an umbrella on the shore. Explore serene canals and lagoons that are favorite grazing spots for manatee and shorebirds. You may see the calm, turquoise waters broken by a dolphin’s dorsal fin or by the strike of an osprey’s talons. Lovers Key isn’t just a name, either - the park is a popular romantic destination and frequently hosts picturesque gulf-side weddings.
floridastateparks.org
sanibelislandcruiseline.com
Island Hotels and Resorts
These islands may not be big in size, but they are bounteous in accommodations offerings: beachfront resorts to bring the family, campgrounds with a touch of tropical flair, and luxurious hotels to pamper and please you.
You truly can’t go wrong when choosing accommodations on these islands; but if you’re traveling with the whole family, we must recommend South Seas Island Resort on Captiva. Between the gentle Gulf waters, nature preserve, numerous pools, and family activities available, this resort is like one big playground for you all to enjoy together. Whether you stay in an inn suite, condo, or vacation home, all of this resort’s accommodations are meant to suit a family vacation with spacious layouts, equipped kitchens, and amenities. Have a meal at one of their onsite restaurants, visit the activity center, or even play a round of golf together on their unique family-friendly course.
southseas.com
Another great option for families is a stay at Periwinkle Park and Campground, a gorgeous campground resort that includes a fantastic bird park! They feature many species of exotic and native birds including toucans and macaws, plus brown & ringtail lemurs add a mix to the aviary. All of the beautiful birds were obtained through rescue efforts. Children especially will love this resort attractions!
sanibelcamping.com
Live the barrier island life at Sundial Beach Resort & Spa. Located on Sanibel island, this resort has everything you could need right on site, so you have no need to leave the luxury! This resort boasts spacious, fully-equipped condominiums so that you can have all the comforts of home while enjoying a tropical paradise. The living spaces come in various sizes for your secluded getaway or family vacation, and all are complete with kitchens, living rooms, and dining areas. Shop and dine directly onsite at any of the resort’s locations and enjoy high-end amenities such as tennis facilities, multiple swimming pools, children’s activities, and the Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa and Boutique. It also has vast indoor and outdoor facilities for your luxurious dream wedding. Indulge in chef-prepared meals as you overlook the beautiful Gulf of Mexico from any of the resort’s five fantastic restaurant options, ranging from the Shima Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar to the Slice of Paradise pizza and ice cream parlor.
sundialresort.com
Escape to an idyllic island getaway at Casa Ybel Resort, where casual elegance meets the Gulf of Mexico. Comfortably appointed one and two bedroom beachfront suites overlook 23 lush, gulf front acres, aquamarine waters and spectacular sunsets. As one of the top Sanibel Island resorts, Casa Ybel provides guests with the most intimate experience in a full service resort atmosphere. Award-winning culinary service at the Thistle Lodge beachfront restaurant, poolside libations at Coconut’s Pool Bar & Grill, in-suite spa services, tennis courts, personal recreation concierge and more await. Casa Ybel Resort was named one of the "Best Places to Stay in The World" by Condé Nast Traveler, and included among Travel + Leisure Magazine's "500 Greatest Hotels in the World.”
casaybelresort.com
