Sanibel-Captiva - are barrier islands on the lower Gulf Coast of Florida, 125 miles south of Tampa. Sanibel Island and it's sister, Captiva, are known widely for their pristine beauty and unspoiled landscapes. Encouraging commercial interests to design and build relative to the island's charm, residents have created a modern tropical splendor for themselves and visitors alike.
On Sanibel, one feels the call of the tropics and the inclination is to stay forever in this island paradise. Lost inthe swaying palm trees and gentle gulf breezes is the fact that the mainland and city bustle is about 10 minutes back across the causeway bridge.
Approximately one-half of the island is in conservation and the six-thousand or so permanent residents work hard at keeping the other half in tune. It is a place wherebike and foot trails abound (over 20 miles), none of which includes the 15 miles ofbeach. If you intend to tour the island by car, parking can be a problem.
Walking and Bicycling is one of the very best ways to explore Sanibel-Captiva. Bike rentals are plentiful. The island is virtually flat,and the 20 miles of paved recreational trails are very inviting. Most of the paths follow the major roads, making it very easy to access the main points of interest. It's even possible to bike the entire length of the island using the paths (along Periwinkle Way andthe Sanibel-Captiva Road) from the east point's Sanibel Lighthouse(where you'll also find a nice beach and an intriguing collection ofdriftwood and, nearby, a popular fishing pier) to the west end. However, the public beach areas have adequate parking facilities,even if it does cost (or maybe because...).
Several loop routes are available, using the bike paths, including an east endloop(noted the above) , central Loop and the Gulf Drives Tour.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands Voted Top 10 by Travel Channel
Both Sanibel Island and Captiva Island have been voted in the Top 10 Florida Beaches by the Travel Channel!
Sanibel Island is a unique barrier island with east-west orientation that differs from the typical north-south layout. This east-west designation has helped Sanibel earn its reputation as one of the Shell Islands - prime spots along Florida’s coastline for gathering perfectly intact shells in every shape and size. Hit the beach with a bucket, shovel and small net and stroll the beach at low tide to peruse the ocean’s bounty of conch, cockles and scallop shells. Bowman’s Beach is the quietest and most remote stretch of sand in Sanibel, while a historic lighthouse beckons visitors to take a stroll on the rustic boardwalk at Lighthouse Beach.
Captiva Island Along with Sanibel, Captiva Island shares the distinction of being 1 of Florida’s Shell Islands. Captiva is generally the spot to find the larger of the intact shells. Turner Beach, though not good for swimming because of fast currents, is the perfect spot for a shell-hunting adventure. Just be sure to leave any live shells on the beach or risk breaking the strict shelling laws. At sunset, head to Captiva Beach at the end of Captiva Drive to take in a spectacular sunset.
For one of the best island tours, hop on a bicycle. Our well-maintained bike paths cover 22 miles of shopping districts and backroads, and they meander through friendly neighborhoods, beneath shady tree canopies, across wooden bridges and along quiet waterways. Biking onSanibel is fun for the entire family.
Paradise Pathways on Sanibel Island By bike is the most intimateway to get to know Sanibel Island.(Captiva's narrow, twisty roads make biking risky.) 22 miles of paved bike paths take you almost anywhere you want to go. They leadto shops,restaurants, points of interest, wildlife centers and beaches.
Many island resorts, hotels and motels have bicycles for guest use,plus there are public bike rental facilities on both islands. (In additionto solo bikes, they rent helmets and kiddy trailers.)
Some Suggested Bike Trips on Sanibel Island
Rabbit Road Trail.The Rabbit Road bike path runs behind homes and along a canal. If yougo biking early in the morning, you're likely to see plenty of thesmall gray marsh rabbits that give the road its name. Wading herons andalligator snouts are other common sightings along the quiet one-milestretch between West Gulf Drive and Sanibel-Captiva Road. Near itsintersection with the Sanibel-Captiva Road path, you'll find a drinkingfountain.
Wildlife Drive.Paved with shell and hard-packed sand, this biking route is a bitrough, especially for skinny tired bikes. It's a 4-mile loop around J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, ending 3 miles north of the starting point on Sanibel-Captiva Road. Along the way, you can stop and hike into the refuge on short trails or climb the bird observation tower. Avoid the road at sunset, when abundant car traffic will kick up dust. Bicyclists must pay $1.00 per person over the age of 16, (free for children15 years and under), to enter the refuge Wildlife Drive.
Dixie Beach Road This long, straight, easy stretch of 1.5 miles takes you from Periwinkle Way, near Heart of the Islands shopping center, to San Carlos Bay. Where the road meets the bay, you can turn right and gazeat beautiful bayfront homes, or turn left and follow a contorted shellroad to an undiscovered place where old island collides with new.
Middle Gulf Cemetery Route.East of Casa Ybel Road, the Middle Gulf Drive bike path leaves theroadside and takes you into backwoods. Here you'll find Sanibel'spioneer cemetery, which is not accessible by car. The path continuesover the river and off-road to the beach at Gulfside Park.
Bailey Road-Dunes Circle.Bailey Road leaves Periwinkle Way just west of the causeway and leadsto the bay. If you turn left on Sandcastle Road, you can circle aroundthe neighborhood of the Dunes and its lushly landscaped, lovely homes.Continue along the 2.5 mile bike loop and you'll eventually pass theDunes Golf & Tennis Club and return to where you began. Acrossfromthe Dunes exit, an evacuation trail takes a short cut toSanibel-Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce and Causeway Road. For anadd-on to this biking route, look for a bike path across from the golfclub entrance that will take you to Bay Road and an exclusivewaterfront neighborhood.
Rules of the Road
Use designated bike paths where available.
If you ride on a roadway, stay in single file on the far right side of the road and ride with the traffic.
Observe traffic laws and signs (i.e., stop and yield as youwould in a car); use hand signals.
Bikes are not allowed on the beach.
Florida law requires that bike riders under age 16 wearhelmets.
THERE ARE MANY ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE TO YOU on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, as well as neighboring Fort Myers.
During inclement weather, feel free to take the opportunity to see more of Florida’s natural beauty at nearby wildlife preserves, learn something new at historic destinations, shop for souvenirs, take in a movie, or enjoy a sporting event. All activities listed here are a short drive from South Seas Island Resort.
Visitors to Sanibel-Captiva can easily tour the southwest Florida cities in the area. Crossing the causeway bridge, you'll have close access to Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach. Pine island including Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City are closer by water than roadway. North Captiva, Useppa, Don Pedro and Little Gasparilla islands are alljust north of Sanibel-Captiva but must be reached by boat. A 30 minutedrive south will find Estero Island (Fort Myers Beach) and BonitaBeach. Naples is about an hour's drive south on US Highway 41 or Interstate 75. The Punta Gorda / Port Charlottearea is 45 minutes north. The Southwest Florida International Airportis 20minutes east of the city.
History
Sanibel and Captiva formed as one island about 6000 years ago. The first humans in the area were the Calusa, who arrived about 2500 years ago.The Calusa were a powerful Indian nation who came to dominate most of southwest Florida through trade and their elaborate system of canals and waterways. Sanibel remained an important Calusasettlement untilthe collapse of their empire, soon after the arrival of the Europeans.
In1765 the first known appearance of a harbor on Sanibel is labeled on amap,listed as Puerto de S. Nivel. An official Spanish map from1768 identifies the island as Puerto de S. Nibel (the "v" and "b"being inter changeable); thus, the name may have evolved from "San Nibel".Alternately, the name may derive, as many believe, from "(Santa) Ybel",which survives in the old place name "Point Ybel", where the Sanibel Island Light is located. How it would have gottenthis name, however is a matter of conjecture. One story says it was named by Juan Ponce deLeón for Queen Isabella I of Castile; the island may indeed be named for this queen or the saint whose name she shares, eitherby Ponce deLeón or someone later. Another tale says it was named by Roderigo Lopez, the first mate of José Gaspar (Gasparilla), after his beautiful lover Sanibel whom he had left behind in Spain. Like most ofthe lore surrounding Gasparilla, however, this story is apocryphal, asthe above references to recognizable variants of the name predate the buccaneer's supposed reign.
Sanibel is not the only island in the area to figure prominently in the legends of Gaspar-(Click here for more info);Captiva,Useppa, and Gasparillaarealso connected. Sanibel also appears in another tale, thisone involving Gaspar's ally-turned-rival Black Caesar, said to have beena former Haitian slave who escaped during the Haitian Revolutionto become a pirate. According to folklore, Black Caesar came to the Gulfof Mexico during the War of 1812 to avoid interference fromthe British. In the Gulf he became friends withGasparilla (Click here forFestival in Tampa in Feb),who allowed himto set up on Sanibel Island. Eventually the old Spaniard discovered Caesar had been stealing from him and chased him off, but notbeforehis loot had been buried.
Legendary pirate's dens aside, thefirst modern settlement on Sanibel (then spelled "Sanybel") wasestablished by the Florida Peninsular Land Company in 1832.The colony never took off, and was abandoned by 1849. It was this firstgroup that first petitioned for a lighthouse on the island. The islandwas re-populated after the implementation of the Homestead Act in 1862,and again a lighthouse was petitioned. Construction on the Sanibel Island Lighthouse was completed in 1884,[9] but the communityremainedsmall. In May 1963 a causeway linking Sanibel and Captiva to the mainland was opened, resulting in an explosion ofgrowth. The City ofSanibel passed new restrictions on development after it was incorporated; these were challenged by developers, to noavail. Currently the only buildings on the island taller than two stories datebefore 1974, and there are no fast food or chain restaurants allowed onthe island except a Dairy Queen, which was on the island before thelaws were enacted. A new causeway was completed in 2007; it replacedthe worn out 1963 spans, which were not designed to carry heavy loadsor large numbers of vehicles. The new bridge features a "flyover" spantall enough for sailboats to pass under, replacing the old bridge's bascule drawbridge span. The original bridge wasdemolished and itsremains were sunk into the water to create artificial reefs in the Gulfof Mexico.
THERE ARE MANY ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE TO YOUon Sanibel and Captiva Islands, as well as neighboring Fort Myers. During inclement weather, feel free to take the opportunityto see moreof Florida’s natural beauty at nearby wildlife preserves, learn something new at historic destinations, shop for souvenirs,take in amovie, or enjoy a sporting event. All activities listed here are ashort drive from South Seas Island Resort.
Nature & Family Fun
J.N.DING DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE (SANIBEL)Hemmed by mangrove trees, shallow bays and white sandy beaches, this preserve is 2,825 acres of the 6,300-acre refuge that has been designated as Wilderness Area. The refuge is open every day except Friday. The entrance fee is $5 per automobile, or $1 perpedestrian/cyclist, and is payable via the honor system: You are asked to put your money in a box near the entrance to the loop road. Hours of Operation: Opens daily beginning 30 minutes after sunrise andcloses 30 minutes before sunset Sunday-Thursday. From Resort: 5.54 miles and approximately 12 minutes. Address: 1 Wildlife Drive Phone: (239) 472-0101
THE BAILEY - MATTHEWS SHELL MUSEUM (SANIBEL)—This non-profit museum features more than 30 exhibits ofmollusks from around the world. Exhibits are devoted to shells in artand history,shell habitat, rare specimens, fossil shells, common Southwest Florida shells, and more. The learning lab features a hands-on play areafor children, displays,
games,and a tank with indigenous mollusks. Hours of Operation: Daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm. From Resort: 9.93 miles and approximately 19 minutes. Address: 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road Phone: (239) 395-2233
IMAGINARIUM HANDS-ON MUSEUM & AQUARIUM (FORT MYERS)—The Imaginarium is a hands-on science and nature-based museumproviding visitors with over 60 interactive exhibits including a theater,a traveling exhibit, live animals and ongoing special programs. Admissionfor Adults is $8; Seniors (55+) $7; Children (ages 3-12) $5; Childrenunder 3 are free. Hours of Operation: Monday – Saturday: 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday: Noon to 5:00pm From Resort: 34.58 miles and approximately 1 hour Address: 2000 Cranford Avenue Phone: (239) 337-3332
Southwest Florida Beach Access
<--Pine Island
Sanibel Island Beach Access
Sanibel Island is known around the world for its premier shelling beaches. The island's geography and Gulf tidal currents result in great quantities of shells washing up on the fine white sand.
Riding a bike or walking/running gives you access to Sanibel beaches that are difficult or impossible to reach by car. Parking around some access points is limited to cars with special permit tags-- indicated by "restricted car parking" in the list below -- but cyclists can find bike racks at all of these access points. Even at the general public beach parking lots, cars will pay a $2hourly rate while cyclists park their bikes for free.
The general public beach access points (those without restricted parking) all have restrooms and water.
Click any listing below for more details. Page down for interactive map.
Sanibel Island & Captiva Island Resorts, Hotels, Small Inns and Cottages, Condominiums, Homes, R V and Camping Sites
Sanibel Island & Captiva Island, Florida has a large variety ofaccommodations for you to choose from for your vacation. Choose fromluxury resorts, hotels, motels, small inns and cottages or enjoy yourstay on Sanibel or Captiva in a private home, vacation rental condo orget back to nature while camping locally. Stay nightly, weekly,bi-weekly or monthly while enjoying the beautiful beaches SouthwestFlorida offers.
Our islands, located off the coast ofSouth West Florida, are the perfect vacation destination offering aromantic setting for a special getaway or a fun filled holiday for theentire family.
To help you get started on planningyour next vacation, browse our database of accommodations on Sanibel Island,Captiva Island and the surrounding Fort Myers area.
HOTELS / SMALL INNS
The Sanibel & Captiva area has awide variety of accommodations on and off the islands.
Restaurateurs and chefs from all overthe globe have come to Sanibel and Captiva Islands to add theircreative influences to our island melting pot of restaurants. The result? Some of the most delightfully inventive cuisineyou’ll discover anywhere.
No matter your taste, you’ll findculinary delights to match every appetite, each reflecting the savoryspirit of our tropical paradise.
CLICK HERE to see a list of PetFriendly Restaurants
Shopping & Movie Theaters
PERIWINKLE WAY (SANIBEL)—The commercial center of Sanibel, Periwinkle is lined with shopsand restaurants. Featuring something for everyone from designer beachwear and men’s and women’s clothing to gourmet gifts, originalisland art bylocal artisans, elegant jewelry, and unique toys Hours of Operation: Open daily. From Resort: 11.55 miles and approximately 23 minutes Address: 2075 Periwinkle Way
TANGER FACTORY OUTLET CENTER (FORT MYERS)—Tangeris celebrating over 28 years as a leading developer of manufacturer’soutlet centers with the nation’s premier brand name and designer outletstores. From Resort: 19.88 miles and approximately 40 minutes Address: 20350 Summerlin Road # 4145
ISLAND CINEMA (SANIBEL) From Resort: 11.26 miles and approximately 22 minutes Address: Bailey’s Shopping Center, 535 Tarpon Bay Road Phone: (239) 472-1701
Spectator Sports
BOSTON REDSOX SPRING TRAINING (FORT MYERS) From Resort: 33.73 miles and approximately 1 hour Season: February – April Phone: (239) 334-4700
FLORIDA EVERBLADES PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY TEAM (ESTERO) From Resort: 37.21 miles and approximately 1 hour Season: October - April Phone: (239) 948-7825
MINNESOTA TWINS SPRING TRAINING (FORT MYERS) From Resort: 28.61 miles and approximately 52 minutes Season: February - April Phone: (800) 338-9467 MIRACLE PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL (FORT MYERS) From Resort: 28.61 miles and approximately 52 minutes Season: April - September Phone: (239) 768-4225
NAPLES-FORTMYERS GREYHOUND TRACK (BONITA SPRINGS) From Resort: 43.15 miles and approximately 1 hour/12 minutes Season: Year-Round Phone: (239) 642-9537 _______
Other recreational opportunities include fishing, boating, kayak/canoeing,bicycling, nature photography, and bird watching.
Saltwater fishingis popular along the Wildlife Drive, in Tarpon Bay, and inthe backwaters of the refuge. Commonly caught fish include sheepshead,snook, redfish, and spotted sea trout. All Florida state fishing lawsapply. Boating is allowed in the refuge in designated areas;however, the refuge has over 2,800 acres of designated Wilderness Area that is anon-motorized zone. Be sure to consult the refuge Fishing andBoating brochure for closed areas and non-motorized zones.
There are two designated kayak/canoe launch sites along theWildlifeDrive. Guided kayakand canoe tours are offered from Canoe Adventures along the Drive((239) 472-5218) and in Tarpon Bay with Tarpon Bay Explorers. There isalso kayaking/canoeing around Buck Key off of Captiva Island.
