usvi-on-line
Sanibel and/or Captiva Islands?
Sanibel and/or Captiva Islands?
I want to go back to STJ in January but high season rates and airplane ticket prices have got me down 
.
I may be down but I don't want to be out!
How 'bout Sanibel or Captiva Islands?
I want clean fresh air, the option to take in some wide open natural spaces, quiet, easy-going.
Does anyone have an opinion, either way, about these islands? Brutal honesty is good.
Any where-to-stay reccomendations?
We prefer house/cottage/villa rentals for the privacy and kitchen.
Thanks!
.I may be down but I don't want to be out!
How 'bout Sanibel or Captiva Islands?
I want clean fresh air, the option to take in some wide open natural spaces, quiet, easy-going.
Does anyone have an opinion, either way, about these islands? Brutal honesty is good.
Any where-to-stay reccomendations?
We prefer house/cottage/villa rentals for the privacy and kitchen.
Thanks!
Hey LysaC,
the problem with January is that the weather can go either way--however, if you do decide to go, i would say Captiva--and if you are up for a whole different experience i would suggest little Gasparilla--
have of the island is a state park (don pedro) there are no cars allowed (you can get around by golf cart) the beach is 7 miles of white sand--
the only thing that might present an issue is grocerys and the like -- there are no commercial enterprises (save for a guy that makes soap and sells it) on the island, so you have to bring everything over via water taxi--but its really not such a big deal.
there are a range of houses available for rental--they aren't as lux as those you encounter on the rental market in st john, but we've always been happy to be there--and there are numerous houses right on the gulf.
pm me if you want more info.
the problem with January is that the weather can go either way--however, if you do decide to go, i would say Captiva--and if you are up for a whole different experience i would suggest little Gasparilla--
have of the island is a state park (don pedro) there are no cars allowed (you can get around by golf cart) the beach is 7 miles of white sand--
the only thing that might present an issue is grocerys and the like -- there are no commercial enterprises (save for a guy that makes soap and sells it) on the island, so you have to bring everything over via water taxi--but its really not such a big deal.
there are a range of houses available for rental--they aren't as lux as those you encounter on the rental market in st john, but we've always been happy to be there--and there are numerous houses right on the gulf.
pm me if you want more info.
< leaving on the 22nd of march...but too lame to figure out the ticker thing again!>
Wow, this is right up my alley.....
We've been going to Sanibel for probably over 13/14 years now. We love it. Nothing is over 3 stories high and that includes the 1st floor which is usually a garage. It's is beautiful. So lush, clean and the beaches are great. Because of how Sanibel is situated it is know as one of the best shelling beaches in the world....I can attest to that. I have shells everywhere. It's alot of fun.
We rarely ever use our rental car there. We take the bikes (supplied by most owners) everywhere. There are bike paths for almost the whole island. We go to breakfast on them, food shopping, lunch and just about anywhere we feel like going.
Sanibel vs. Captiva.....
Sanibel is larger, but it also has more to offer. More restaurants, more shops and easier access if you want to get over to Fort Myers Beach. Captiva is very very small, but boy...is it gorgeous over there. Million dollar mansions line the skinny road that you drive into and out of.
As far as renting a house...that's pretty tough. I've looked on vrbo.com, but I'm almost thinking that there's some kind of law on their books that say only monthly rentals. I can give you the name of a real estate agency down there and they may be able to help you out. If you're thinking about Captiva, be ready to pay for it.
Most people rent condos. We've been going to the same one all these years and last year rented the one above us because we had 11 people.
I personally think that staying on Sanibel is easier, less expensive and if you want to hop in the car for a day trip to Captiva, go right ahead.
By the way....scooters are a great way to get around too. Lots of fun.
Anyway, pm me if you want any additional information.
We've been going to Sanibel for probably over 13/14 years now. We love it. Nothing is over 3 stories high and that includes the 1st floor which is usually a garage. It's is beautiful. So lush, clean and the beaches are great. Because of how Sanibel is situated it is know as one of the best shelling beaches in the world....I can attest to that. I have shells everywhere. It's alot of fun.
We rarely ever use our rental car there. We take the bikes (supplied by most owners) everywhere. There are bike paths for almost the whole island. We go to breakfast on them, food shopping, lunch and just about anywhere we feel like going.
Sanibel vs. Captiva.....
Sanibel is larger, but it also has more to offer. More restaurants, more shops and easier access if you want to get over to Fort Myers Beach. Captiva is very very small, but boy...is it gorgeous over there. Million dollar mansions line the skinny road that you drive into and out of.
As far as renting a house...that's pretty tough. I've looked on vrbo.com, but I'm almost thinking that there's some kind of law on their books that say only monthly rentals. I can give you the name of a real estate agency down there and they may be able to help you out. If you're thinking about Captiva, be ready to pay for it.
Most people rent condos. We've been going to the same one all these years and last year rented the one above us because we had 11 people.
I personally think that staying on Sanibel is easier, less expensive and if you want to hop in the car for a day trip to Captiva, go right ahead.
By the way....scooters are a great way to get around too. Lots of fun.
Anyway, pm me if you want any additional information.
"Paradise...it's a state of mine"
January in Sanibel will be busy. There is a main road called Periwinkle...goes straight through Sanibel and that's where basically all the shops and eating establishments are.
There is a way around getting stuck in traffic on Sanibel and that's using East, West or Middle Gulph Drive. These roads are the roads that parallel the beaches, so there is a way to get around.
One other reason I like Sanibel is because it does have that laid back feeling to it. You see a restaurant painted in these florida type pastel colors and you think to yourself....is it good? You get inside and it's completely different then what you thought. We've had many great meals on the island.
Every person that has ever come to Sanibel with us has loved it. Many have been back there even without us.
There is a way around getting stuck in traffic on Sanibel and that's using East, West or Middle Gulph Drive. These roads are the roads that parallel the beaches, so there is a way to get around.
One other reason I like Sanibel is because it does have that laid back feeling to it. You see a restaurant painted in these florida type pastel colors and you think to yourself....is it good? You get inside and it's completely different then what you thought. We've had many great meals on the island.
Every person that has ever come to Sanibel with us has loved it. Many have been back there even without us.
"Paradise...it's a state of mine"
Take a look at Tween Waters Inn in Captiva.
http://www.tween-waters.com/
The beach cottages are very nice and have kitchens. Everyone I have recommended it to has loved it.
http://www.tween-waters.com/
The beach cottages are very nice and have kitchens. Everyone I have recommended it to has loved it.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
-
Kathyzhere
- Posts: 527
- Joined: Thu Dec 27, 2007 5:04 pm
- Location: Cape Cod & SW FL
Hi Lysa,
Did you want to come down in January? Just to let you know that the Gulf will be quite cool then for swimming. I'm originally from Mass and have been down here x 6 years and I don't even swim in the ocean from usually Oct-Nov through April-May, so if you were wanting that on vacation you would really need to go further South.
If ocean swimming is not a must than I agree with loria, we enjoy Boca Grande on sleepy Gasparilla. It is quiet and lots of beach, iguanas and golf carts
I think one of the best beaches on the Gulf coast of FLA is Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota. Unfortunately Sarasota is busy and has lots of artsy-fartsy stuff going on but the beach is gorgeous, as well as the whole bayfront. I live in this area presently and if you want any info just ask.
IMO if you were not opposed to cruising I would go for that as your money will go alot further and you could get to the warmer waters on a budget...just a thought!
Enjoy whatever you chose
Kathy
Did you want to come down in January? Just to let you know that the Gulf will be quite cool then for swimming. I'm originally from Mass and have been down here x 6 years and I don't even swim in the ocean from usually Oct-Nov through April-May, so if you were wanting that on vacation you would really need to go further South.
If ocean swimming is not a must than I agree with loria, we enjoy Boca Grande on sleepy Gasparilla. It is quiet and lots of beach, iguanas and golf carts
I think one of the best beaches on the Gulf coast of FLA is Siesta Key Beach in Sarasota. Unfortunately Sarasota is busy and has lots of artsy-fartsy stuff going on but the beach is gorgeous, as well as the whole bayfront. I live in this area presently and if you want any info just ask.
IMO if you were not opposed to cruising I would go for that as your money will go alot further and you could get to the warmer waters on a budget...just a thought!
Enjoy whatever you chose
Kathy
You guys rock!
I've been looking at small cottage resorts with efficiency cottages, like 'Tween Waters, and they are really affordable for high season vs. a villa on St John for high season.
I know I won't want to swim in the waters that time of year but I'd like to get out on the water, do some fishing, some exploring.
I hadn't heard about Gasparilla and it sounds lovely but maybe a bit more work than we like to put into a vacation.
A friend of mine was telling me last night about her experience on Sanibel. She was doubled over knee-deep in water, head facing the beach, picking shells when her boyfriend says "Sweetie, don't move". Her first thought was "Oh crap, it's a shark and I'm about to be eaten ass first"
. The boyfriend told her to turn around very slowly, so she did, and there was a dolphin hanging out behind her, being happy, checking out her ass. So, she loves Sanible 
.
Crap, I don't know.
We are in the process of dumping over $5k to get some massive and rotting trees cut down today (they hang over our house) and with the economy in the crapper and hubby a stressed out mess after the holidays (Xmas & New Years are his busiest times of the year), I just think we NEED to get away in January.
Ya know.
And then there's the fact that I need to get back on a plane ("the horse") so I don't fear flying for the rest of my life.
And, being from New England, it alsmost seems stupid to take a winter vaca and not have it be somewhere warm with beaches and rum drinks.
I'm rambling....
Thanks everyone!!!
I've been looking at small cottage resorts with efficiency cottages, like 'Tween Waters, and they are really affordable for high season vs. a villa on St John for high season.
I know I won't want to swim in the waters that time of year but I'd like to get out on the water, do some fishing, some exploring.
I hadn't heard about Gasparilla and it sounds lovely but maybe a bit more work than we like to put into a vacation.
A friend of mine was telling me last night about her experience on Sanibel. She was doubled over knee-deep in water, head facing the beach, picking shells when her boyfriend says "Sweetie, don't move". Her first thought was "Oh crap, it's a shark and I'm about to be eaten ass first"
. The boyfriend told her to turn around very slowly, so she did, and there was a dolphin hanging out behind her, being happy, checking out her ass. So, she loves Sanible .Crap, I don't know.
We are in the process of dumping over $5k to get some massive and rotting trees cut down today (they hang over our house) and with the economy in the crapper and hubby a stressed out mess after the holidays (Xmas & New Years are his busiest times of the year), I just think we NEED to get away in January.
Ya know.
And then there's the fact that I need to get back on a plane ("the horse") so I don't fear flying for the rest of my life.
And, being from New England, it alsmost seems stupid to take a winter vaca and not have it be somewhere warm with beaches and rum drinks.
I'm rambling....
Thanks everyone!!!
Hi Again....
I have my own dolphin story. Sitting on the beach with husband reading a book. I look up and I see 2 dolphins right in front of me. I run out in the water and I'm only waist deep. These dolphins were close enough that I could have touched them. They stayed with me for over 15 minutes. When I moved, they'd come right back to me. It was an amazing experience.
Here's a site that I found for cottages
http://www.visitfloridaonline.com/sanibel.htm
I have my own dolphin story. Sitting on the beach with husband reading a book. I look up and I see 2 dolphins right in front of me. I run out in the water and I'm only waist deep. These dolphins were close enough that I could have touched them. They stayed with me for over 15 minutes. When I moved, they'd come right back to me. It was an amazing experience.
Here's a site that I found for cottages
http://www.visitfloridaonline.com/sanibel.htm
"Paradise...it's a state of mine"
WOW! that is AMAZING!!!!!!!Connie wrote:Hi Again....
I have my own dolphin story. Sitting on the beach with husband reading a book. I look up and I see 2 dolphins right in front of me. I run out in the water and I'm only waist deep. These dolphins were close enough that I could have touched them. They stayed with me for over 15 minutes. When I moved, they'd come right back to me. It was an amazing experience.
Here's a site that I found for cottages
http://www.visitfloridaonline.com/sanibel.htm
< leaving on the 22nd of march...but too lame to figure out the ticker thing again!>
Budget-
When we did STJ on our own, we spent @ $4k. We rented a Vitara, stayed at a small cottage in Coral Bay and ate-in a decnt amount. OK, so, we DID splurge on a private power boat to the BVI's but it was totally worth it!
I'd like to keep this January vacation @ $2,000 to $2,500 at the most. We also have an added expense of having a pet sitter and a week is pricey.
Dang it... is that even possible to get what I want?
When we did STJ on our own, we spent @ $4k. We rented a Vitara, stayed at a small cottage in Coral Bay and ate-in a decnt amount. OK, so, we DID splurge on a private power boat to the BVI's but it was totally worth it!
I'd like to keep this January vacation @ $2,000 to $2,500 at the most. We also have an added expense of having a pet sitter and a week is pricey.
Dang it... is that even possible to get what I want?
ok, here goes.
1 week, right?
might be a bit light, but try this.
USAIR, Lv BOS 8 am on the 29th of January 1 stop (raleigh, i think) in at STT 4:13-pm
return 2/5 USAIR 5:30 pm arrive 12:13 am (ok, so it's late....)
652 for two persons (326 pp round trip)
(i thought you said you were from new england, so i flew you out of Logan)
stay at sailview (i think that Pia really liked this place and Nic was recently there?)
they have availability acc to their calendar for that time period
945/week
so we're at $1597--rental car on island 450
so 2047
you haven't eaten yet...and incidentals (ferry .taxi to and from) --75 bucks)
eat cheap?
add a bit to the budget--but this is TOTALLY doable!!!
i say set it up!
P.S. while you will save a bit in airfares flying to RSW (for sanibel or captiva--235 pp return, so 180 bucks savings total) and your rental car will likely be cheaper--the accommodations are going to be as pricey --(well not peter bay pricey, but in the 1500/wk category during season)
1 week, right?
might be a bit light, but try this.
USAIR, Lv BOS 8 am on the 29th of January 1 stop (raleigh, i think) in at STT 4:13-pm
return 2/5 USAIR 5:30 pm arrive 12:13 am (ok, so it's late....)
652 for two persons (326 pp round trip)
(i thought you said you were from new england, so i flew you out of Logan)
stay at sailview (i think that Pia really liked this place and Nic was recently there?)
they have availability acc to their calendar for that time period
945/week
so we're at $1597--rental car on island 450
so 2047
you haven't eaten yet...and incidentals (ferry .taxi to and from) --75 bucks)
eat cheap?
add a bit to the budget--but this is TOTALLY doable!!!
i say set it up!
P.S. while you will save a bit in airfares flying to RSW (for sanibel or captiva--235 pp return, so 180 bucks savings total) and your rental car will likely be cheaper--the accommodations are going to be as pricey --(well not peter bay pricey, but in the 1500/wk category during season)
< leaving on the 22nd of march...but too lame to figure out the ticker thing again!>