Take a Walk or a Short Drive to These Great Locations
Sanibel Island is north of Naples and just south of Fort Myers and only about 45 minutes from Fort Myers Airport (click here for directions). It's the perfect getaway for a romantic vacation, a family trip, or a naturalist adventure. There are over 25 miles of bike paths for pedaling or skating. To make online reservations, click here.
The Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
Comprised of over 5,000 acres of coastal wetlands. Its one of the most
visited refuges in the nation. There
is a paved path that winds through the mangrove forest and the tidal flats.
As the tides change so do the tidal flats. You can see one flat emptying into the other and hundreds of birds come to take advantage of the low water to grab a meal.
Most of the Island is a nature preserve and Sanibel is listed as one of the top ten places in the U.S. for bird observation. The assortment of wildlife is breathtaking. Within the confines of the preserve is all of Tarpon Bay. Please visit Tarpon Bay Explorers for guided tours, cruises, and most importantly for the kids, touch tank experiences!
With over 15 miles of white sand beaches, you can beach comb until your hearts content. Due to its unusual crescent shape, the island catches sea shells from the northward gulf current. It has long been known as a sheller's paradise. We even have a Shell Museum!
There are 2 terrific grocery stores on the island, one historic and one funtastic. The funtastic one is Jerry's. Jerry's stocks everything from Wine to Water. They'll dispense fresh spring water by the gallon. They also have a free pack your trunk program. The best thing about Jerry's is the birds. Bring your kids to talk to the parrots, its so much fun! The other and older is Bailey's. They don't have the parrots but they do have a great selection of everything. We especially like their bakery department, after all, we are on vacation!
The island also has 2 public golf courses. Both courses are on the causeway side of the island just blocks off Periwinkle. Just click on the links to see either The Beachview Golf and Tennis Club or The Dunes. There are many more courses off island in the Fort Myers area. Follow this link to find them: Fort Myers Golf.
Fort Myers and Fort Meyers Beach
Theatre is alive and well here on Sanibel Island and Fort Myers. The island's lively arts are made up of one local playhouse on Periwinkle Way, a 414-seat performing arts hall at BIG Arts and a professional and amateur theater in downtown Fort Myers, called The Florida Repertory Theatre.
Aboard Southwest Florida's ONLY luxurious 186' gaming yacht you can enjoy Blackjack, Roulette, Let-It-Ride, 3 Card Poker & the Newest and Loosest Slots including Wheel of Fortune, Video Poker & MORE! Vist The Big "M" website for more details.
An Everglades eco-tour of bird watching and wildlife photography of alligators, panthers, manatees, reptiles and other zoological and botanical interests in southwest Florida's Big Cypress preserve and Everglades outback . A full day of nature by riverboat, hiking, airboats and van exploration with highly trained guides. Let us do the driving. Departs daily from Sanibel, Ft. Myers Beach and Naples/Marco Island area.
Also, within a few hours drive you can visit Sarasota, FL or Naples, FL. Both are great spots for day trips featuring great food, sites and shopping.