Sanibel Island may be small; it’s barely 12 miles long, it’s only three miles wide and it has just two main roads. But if you are searching for the best beach get-away, then this tiny sandy package is your ideal travel destination.
The island is located off the southwest coast of Florida and just west of Fort Myers. It’s an easy flight from anywhere in the USA. The Southwest Florida International Airport, also located in Fort Myers, opened in 2005. The new and modern terminal offers convenient traveling. Located close to Interstate 75 and U.S. 41 and with car rental facilities within the terminal, vacationers can be sunning on the beach within an hour of landing. Several airlines offer non-stop flights such as AirTran Airways, Delta, JetBlue, US Airways and USA 3000 Airlines.
And when the flying and driving is over – it’s time to relax and enjoy the unique barrier island. If quaint inns and cottages are more your style, there are several wonderful places to stay. The Beach Cottages of Sanibel Island, the Shalimar Resort and the Gulf Breeze Cottages are reflective of old time Florida and are just a few of the many choices available.
If you would rather have a little sumptuousness then indulge in some of Sanibel’s finest resorts. Dripping with amenities and luxury the South Seas Island Resort (Captiva), the Casa Ybel Resort and the Sanibel Harbour Resort & Spa offers the best of the beach and the resort vacation.
The island is known for it’s beautiful white sandy beaches and amazing shells but there is more to Sanibel than sand. There are two local theaters, The Florida Repertory Theatre and The Schoolhouse Theater – both offer distinctive entertainment. Add live music or dance performances to your agenda by visiting Big Arts cultural center. It’s worth a trip to the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village Inc. to step back in time and learn what made the island become the amazing place it is today.
Of course there are the classic beach vacation entertainment standards – only on Sanibel they’re even better. Fishing is more than fishing and boating is more than boating. Area fishing captains will take you on a fishing excursion to remember. You can stick to inshore or back bay fishing or travel out into the Gulf for a little off shore fishing. Either way, the water is every color of blue and green and the fish will hopefully be biting. Enjoy catching the local species (depending on the season) of Snook, Redfish and Tarpon or go offshore to wrangle with cobias, barracudas and sharks.
If you’d rather be more up close and personal with the local water life snorkel and scuba dive facilities dot the island. There is also kayak and canoe rentals as well as parasailing – all of which are a great way to experience the view.
Or just come and visit the island, sit in the sun and collect some shells. Walk the warm beach and take in the waves. Watch the most amazing sunsets and feel the sand between your toes. Do nothing but relax and enjoy Sanibel Island, one minute at time.
