USVI-On-Line

We haven't been to Sanibel in over 3 years. Started going to STT and there was never a time or the money to fit in another trip.

For anyone that hasn't been to Sanibel, you should really try to make that trip just one time, at least.

The Island is absolutely beautiful. So clean, meticulously kept, not a piece of trash anywhere and so relaxing.

There are at least 20 miles of biking paths and a trip over to Captiva is only a short drive away.

Nothing is built over 2 stories high and much of the Island is protected habitat for so many different animals. I'm so glad that Sanibel residents have been able to help keep such a pristene Island stay the way that it should be.

Basically, what we did all week is go to the beach, bike, go out on a dolphin fast boat, eat and drink and again....relax.

If you're into a partying atmosphere, Sanibel/Captiva is not for you, but you're a short drive to Fort Myers where you can catch all the action. For us, this time there was no reason to go over there. We were up early and in bed early.

We realized that we missed Sanibel alot. We definetly will be back soon.

Where did you stay? My ILs are on the gulf coast and we are always looking for a neutral location to stay. (Mr. PA's preference, not mine )

We stayed at a 2 BR/2 BA condo. We've rented off the same person for years. If anyone would like his website, I'd be happy to give it out. I really like this condo because it's a really nice size, you're right on the beach (pool between) you and everything is provided such as 4 bikes w/locks, beach chairs, umbrellas, beach toys, fishing gear, towels, etc.

As far as prices. We usually eat breakfast in, so we stopped at Publix on the way in, right before the causeway and picked up a couple things. We didn't really need to do that. There's two family owned stores on the Islands and they have everything! By the way, no franchises are ever going to be allowed on the Island. The only thing that is a franchise and they've been there for years is a Dairy Queen.

The places to eat are just so "florida" like. You know, bright colors, weathered look, but really good food.

I think the prices are very reasonable compared to St. John. You definetly don't get sticker shock that you get in the VI's. Even the beer was the same price as it is at home )

We flew from Philly to Fort Myers on Southwest Airlines and then it's about an 1/2 drive to the Island.

If you have anymore questions, just let me know.

Sounds like a very relaxing vacation. I've wanted to go down that way for the shelling. My old boss used to visit Sanibel/Captiva every year (but now he goes to St. John instead!).

We just returned from Captiva. Stayed at Tween Waters from Oct1st to the 8th. Beach in the AM, pool in the afternoon and beach again for sunsets. A few great meals,a little shopping and a nice spa day and now back to reality. Is it almost a month already???
We try to make it down at least once a year, usually when we are already in Florida, but I wouldnt hesitate to travel there from NY if I had to.

My aunt and uncle had a place on Sanibel and it is just beautiful. If you are into shell collecting you must visit under the bridge that connects Sanibel and Captiva. There is a term used as you bend down to pick up the shells called the sanibel swoop. Also, if you are into bird watching, during the migration seasons, you have to go to Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. This is a nice loop to ride a bike and bird watch. Laura

My parents lived in Venice, FL and we would take a side trip with our kiddos to Sanibel. Loved, Loved, Loved it. We would rent bikes and ride up and down the side roads. Best shelling ever. Canoed through the park area and saw lots of wildlife. Grand spot!

Connie's summary is right on.

There was even a Chicos there then! Great shopping.

Lodging prices, compared to STJ...you're joking, right? There is a great Holiday Inn there with a perfect beach. Mom and Pop places there too. A bargain. Cook breakfast in, eat lunch out, have apts for dinner out and if still hungry cook something in for dinner later. Florida is cheap good food. Great fish!

On our last day at Captiva, we went down to the beach at the bridge that separates Sanibel from Captiva. While we were ther my DH went to that spot near/under the bridge and did the "Sanibel stoop" to get some beautiful shells to bring to our friend in Las Vegas when we visit her in January. I remember that spot; when my kids were young( like 30 years ago)you could wade across the channel that separates Sanibel from Captiva.
Other than that, not a lot has changed since then. We still love the sunsets at the Mucky Duck. I have an old photo of myself sitting under a tree there in the early 1980's.. LOL.. getting old, but at least we can now afford to go whenever we want.

We went to sanibel years ago and loved it too. Super warm water, shell searching, just very laid back. Loved the mom/pop motels too-we stayed at the Snook Motel I remember, had a tshirt from there for years before it wore out. Funny but that's how I can remember travels, when I see the t shirt it brings me right back to whatever place I bought it at. Thanks for posting!

Thanks for the report. We love Sanibel and used to go a lot more often before we discovered STJ. We enjoyed hours of bike riding every day, and loved viewing the birdlife. I recently came across bags of shells we brought home many years ago. It is definitely a nice, laid back place. Glad you had a nice trip. We are headed to Venice, Florida to visit family in Nov, so we might be able to do a day trip to Sanibel.
For some good food in a very casual atmosphere, try Grandma Dot's at the marina. Good fish sandwiches.
Another place that is a bit of a 'hidden treasure" is their historical village, near the library. There are several buildings from 'old Sanibel" and shows life in the early days. It was very interesting if you like that sort of historical view.

Yeah, the historical village is really neat to see.

The place for the shells that everybody is talking about is called Blind Pass. We did go there and the shells were amazing.

Every single time we go to Sanibel, we say we're not going to look for shells...but we do

I like Grandma Docs, but it's isn't air conditioned and sometimes it can be so so humid on the Island.

The main point I was trying to make is if you love the Islands, I really think that you would love Sanibel. I Do!

We spent our honeymoon on Sanabelle 33 years ago. Last year at Thanksgiving we went back. We even stayed in the same place (was the Gallery Inn)forgot the new name. It was fabulous!!! We totally chilled. We are not into partying so the atmosphere was great. I agree that it is a great place to go and because we live in Fla. it is doable now and then even with a trip to St. John.

Captn dan and Ruby, PC, is that Palm Coast? Laura

No, Panama City.