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Sanibel Island, Florida |  |
Sanibel is a casual, unique and
charming island, full of natural
beauty and delightful activities, where nature flourishes.
Development has been regulated and
wildlife and vegetation
abound. There are no billboards or high rises (buildings can't
be higher than the
trees), no traffic lights, only a traffic cop at the busiest times of
the day. Fifty percent of the island is
a wildlife preserve and there is an emphasis on maintaining the
island's natural
environment and quality of life. Stores are fronted with trees,
bushes and foliage to
keep the natural ambiance of the island. There are only 3 chain
restaurants, Dairy Queen, Subway and Cheeburger,
Cheeburger.
Only 12 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest point, Sanibel
is a barrier island located in Southwest Florida. The 3 mile causeway
from Ft. Myers takes you over Tarpon Bay, to Sanibel and the Gulf of
Mexico. Southwest Florida Regional Airport is just 25
minutes away. Twenty two miles of bike paths lead
to shops,
restaurants, beaches and wildlife habitats. The island's famous beaches
are
unspoiled and a treasure for shelling. Sea turtles and birds alike find
it desirable for nesting.
A
subtropical island, Sanibel's winters are mild, usually between 60-80
during the day.
The cooling gulf breezes and brief afternoon showers keep the summers
tolerable, in the low 90s. All year round
you can enjoy being by the sea and
participate in the island's attractions:
- Shelling: Search for seashells along miles of unspoiled
beaches, reputed to be the #1 shelling area in the United States, where
over 275 different kinds of shells wash up on island beaches.
- Boating: Canoe or kayak through the unspoiled waterways of
Tarpon Bay and through the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge. Watch
for manatee, dolphin and numerous species of migrating and resident
birds.
- Fishing: Surf cast off the beach, or take a charter boat for
tarpon, flounder, grouper, mackerel or redfish.
- Wildlife:
Bike, walk or drive the five mile nature trail at the J. N. "Ding Darling"
National Wildlife Refuge, a 5000-acre sanctuary, where you may see
spoonbills, brown and white pelicans, herons, egrets, terns, skimmers
as well as alligators, turtles, armadillos and river
otters. Stop by the Healing Winds Visitor Center at CROW, a wildlife
hospital that cares for more than 4000 injured wildlife cases annually.
Learn what they are doing and how you can avoid being
part of the problem. Of course, they are ready to assist, if you happen
to
come across an animal in need.
- Museums:
Visit the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Center with its several miles of
walking trails, exhibits, marine touch tank and native plant nursery.
Also, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is one of a kind in the US, with
rare specimens and fossil shells. We can't forget the Sanibel
Historical Museum. Learn the history of this island from Indians, to
pirates, to the military, to settler's forays into farming.
-
Cruises:
Visit other islands - Boca Grande, Cayo Costa, Cabbage Key or Useppa
Island. Take nature, sunset, shelling, dolphin, or dinner cruises.
Across the causeway, on Ft. Myers Beach you will find the Key West
Ferry. Take a round trip in one day or travel to Key West, stay a few
days and return when you are ready (Advance reservations are
recommended).
- Recreation Programs: Visit the Sanibel Recreation Center or the Senior
Center for classes and fitness/exercise activities. Click here for more details.
There is a Sanibel Island Trolley for
a narrated tour, or transportation to nearby shops, restaurants or
attractions. Enjoy art galleries, live professional theaters and
shopping.
We're sure that a
visit to Sanibel will capture your heart. The sea, the shore, the sky,
the birds, the tropical blossoms and the natural beauty of the island
will make you want to return again and again.
Home Page
Rates Sundial Beach Resort Information
Condo B402 Photo Tour
For more information,
please e-mail Paula at: sanibeldelight@gmail.com
phone: (239) 938-5701
© February 21, 2000.
All Rights Reserved.