About Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island is located in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico coast, just over the Causeway from Fort Myers. Southwest Florida Regional Airport is just 30 minutes away. The island is dedicated to the preservation of the environment, wildlife, and a "natural" quality of life (40% of the island is wildlife preserve). The pace is slow and you will find neither high-rises nor stoplights.

The island is 12 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest point. More than 30 miles of bike paths lead to shops, restaurants, beaches and wild life habitats. The island's beaches are unspoiled and natural. Casual is the order of the day. Winters are mild (70/80) and summers (80/90) are tempered by cooling sea breezes and brief afternoon showers.

Relax to the sights and sounds of the surf, or take in the area's attractions. Among the attractions::

Tour the J. N. "Ding" National Wildlife Refuge, with its five mile nature drive and trail, visit the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Center or the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

Cruise to the upper islands of Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key, Useppa Island or Boca Grande. Enjoy morning nature cruises, sunset cruises, shelling cruises and/or dolphin & wildlife adventure cruises.

Join a fishing charter and fish for tarpon, grouper, mackerel, redfish, snook, or flounder. Or do a little surf casting right off the beach.

Take the Sanibel Island Trolley for a narrated tour, or for transportation to nearby shops, restaurants or attractions.

Canoe or kayak through the unspoiled waterways of Tarpon Bay, where you can watch for Manatee and hundreds of varieties of birds.

Enjoy art galleries, live professional theater and shopping. The island's restaurants, shops, and boutiques are framed by pines, palms and flowers.

Do the "Sanibel Stoop" as you search for seashells along miles of unspoiled beaches. Known for the "best shelling in the Western Hemisphere", over 275 different kinds of shells wash up on island beaches.

"Sanibel and Captiva define a world all their own, free of snow shovels, smog indexes and fast lanes. Here, life moves at a comfortable pace, reflecting the warm, easy-going attitude of the islanders and the flourish of nature around them."

"Inevitably, a visit to the islands results in a long-term relationship. It may begin with a week-long fling. Sooner or later, visitors find themselves charmed by the innocent scampering of lizards at play among the hibiscus blossoms, and the comical way pelicans balance on tree tops, then belly-flop into the sea for dinner. Beach days and marquee nights, year-round: It's too good a life to forsake. They may come for the shopping, the beach, the wildlife watching, the sports and the frivolity. They fall in love with the way of life and long to call the island home, whether for a month, a season, or always."

"The sea-driven way of life unfolds here daily for you to appreciate and enjoy. Welcome to this wondrous land, our precious islands. It won't take long until you, too, become enamored with Sanibel and Captiva. The islands have way of sifting into your soul, like sand in your shoes".

(Above quotes are from the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce Guide, 1997).

Being great "Sanibel fans" ourselves, feel free to contact us for general information about the island or just to "chat" (even if you've found other accommodations).  Sanibel Island is our favorite subject and we'd love to share our experiences with you!

For more information, please e-mail Sue Webster at:   sanibelweb@aol.com
Phone#s:
  1-888-434-1125 (toll free in US)
630-963-9604 (outside US)
630-730-4872 (cellular)