Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are two of the islands we like to hang out at when we are visiting Steve’s Mom in North Fort Myers Beach, Florida. They are not very far away and they have not been very crowded when we are there. These photos are from a couple of different times when we went there in September, 2015 and 2016.
Location
The Beaches
We go to Sanibel and Captiva for the beaches. Although there are many other things to do in the area, this seems to be our destination. The further out we seem to go, the less people and less organized the beaches seem. Captiva Island is further out from land and I think seems more remote. That is what we like! This area has about 15 miles of beach shore and also about 25 miles of bike paths. We have not rode bikes here, but it is on our list one of these times! For more information on things to do in this area, you can click on the following link for the Sanibel and Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce.
Shelling
Both Sanibel Island and Captiva Island in Florida are famous for their shelling. It seems you can’t walk along the shore line without finding sea shells! If you get there early, or after a storm, you are really in for a treat!
Dolphins
Dolphin sitings are also popular along the shore line. They are not shy and come up close to you. The first time I was here with Steve in 2015, I was minding my own business, playing in the water, while Steve took photos. He was pointing and I turned to look and there was a dolphin quite close to me! Well, not being familiar with beach life, I thought it was a shark and for a brief moment started to completely freak out then I heard Steve yelling from shore that it was a dolphin!! I was ok with it then, but didn’t get any closer, just in case. Now I know better and have come to enjoy the dolphins.
Not the best photos but you can see how close the dolphin was to me!!
Conclusion
What we enjoy most about this area is just relaxing and spending time together! It is a great place to go and get away from the crowds. The drive over there is nice as well. If you are in the Fort Myers, Florida area, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a good option to visit.
For More of My Posts on the Fort Myers Area, Click on the Links Below:
Lovers Key Beach Sept 2015
Ahhhh. Walking on the beach. Could be a while before we get to do this again, methinks. British Columbia residents seem to take pleasure in vandalizing cars they see with Alberta license plates in their province. Funny, while we were in Jasper, Alberta, we saw license plates from BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and even a couple from the U.S. I hope Albertans are not vandalizing. Apparently, some Americans are spending time in our quiet parks under the guise of travelling through to Alaska. They are now quarantining for 14 days. Weird times, for sure. Stay well. Allan
Oh wow!! What would the reason be for this? I have had the TV off for well over a week and very limited before that so I am missing most news (on purpose). I am not sure if this is good or bad, but for me it is what is working now. I had not know this was going on in Canada. I did not know people from the states were allowed to travel in Canada even if they were going to Alaska. Be careful.
B.C. residents look at Albertan as infectious, as our cases are higher than theirs but deaths are lower. What they do not realize is our testing rate is twice what theirs is. I guess there are bad actors everywhere. Good on you for shutting off the news. It is enough to drive anyone crazy. Nope, only essential travel is allowed between U.S and Canada. My guess is that they somehow persuaded the border staff that their travel was essential and promised to travel through without stopping. Perhaps, they crossed their fingers behind their backs. I can hardly wait until all we have to talk about is the weather. Stay well. Allan
I did not know that. People here don’t understand the testing rate either. Being in healthcare Steve and I watch the hospital admissions, ICU numbers and number on ventilators to get a more accurate number of severity. Ours are thankfully trending downward but as more testing is being done positive numbers have waxed and waned. I truly believe good testing of many is imperative. Like you, I wish all we had to talk about is the weather! Lori
We spent a lovely couple of days on Sanibel with our girls at Christmas time a few years back. They were all happy to search for shark teeth and shells for hours.
I bet that kept them busy! I brought home some shells and hot glued them onto driftwood picture frames with photos from the area for a keepsake. Not professional quality but looks ok and makes for a good memory!
Sounds like a great place to visit!🐚
We enjoy it!!
I’ve always heard of these beaches, but I’ve never been. Would love to pick up shells. Not sure what I’d do with them, but I’d still like to have them and the experience of searching for the best!
I know, I have a collection of shells. I put some in a pretty glass vase in the bathroom but it collects dust!! I pasted some to a driftwood picture frame and put one of our pics in it and sent it to his mom. Other than that, I have no ideas what to do with them!!
Some of mine are in a shoebox. Pretty classy, wouldn’t you say?
That’s as good place as any!!
Sanibel is a fascinating place to visit..love the beach and cool restaurants.
Haven’t been to a restaurant in Sanibel but will have to next time we go!
It looks perfect, especially now.
Agreed!
One of the places I want to get to!
Sarasota is close by, correct?
I think Sarasota is a bit over an hour and a half North!
Well if we move to Sarasota, this sounds like a nice day trip then!
It does!!!
Sanibel Island has always been on my bucket list! How do you get over there – ferry? bridge? Would there be enough to do there for a week, hotels etc, or is it only for daytripping?
We drove over by bridge. We have always stayed at Fort Myers beach so I am not sure about the lodging there but I know they have resorts and lodging. I know there are bike trails and lots of beach!! There is a wildlife preserve, a lighthouse, a couple of museums. I am not sure if there are rentals for water sports on the island. We took a jet ski tour from Ft Myers that went past Sanibel and the lighthouse. Ft Myers is close so when we have been in the area there we stayed at Pink Shell Beach in Fort Myers or we just stay at my husbands Moms house. We usually stay for up to 5 days but visit his mom as well.
Thanks!
I would like to visit this when we’re able 🙂
Can’t wait to travel
Again!!!
Wow, I can see why you like to hang out here. It’s beautiful, and looks like you have it all to yourself.
We pretty much did!!!
I’ve been there 🙂
It’s a great place!