The barrier islands of Sanibel
and Captiva connect to the mainland by a three-mile-long
causeway that stretches from the southwestern reaches of Fort
Myers out across San Carlos Bay, where the Caloosahatchee
River empties into the Gulf of Mexico.
Created by
nature to protect the mainland, the palm-tree and flower-lined
islands are famous for their beaches and the incredible
variety of shells that wash up on their shores.
Beaches range from the Gulf-to-bay sands at Lighthouse Park at
one end of Sanibel, punctuated by the historic light tower and
home to a popular fishing pier, to Captiva’s romantic beaches,
where sunset draws a nightly crowd. In between are
family-friendly sandy playgrounds and long stretches of
unpopulated sands fronting beautiful houses. Seashells carpet
all the beaches, but Bowman’s Beach is especially known for
fine selections, as well as great birding.
Once devoted to grapefruit and coconut farms, the islands
exert a charming reluctance to allow too much infringement of
the modern, metropolitan world. To maintain their rural
character, no stoplights or street lights intrude on either
island. Captiva Island feels (and is) more remote than
Sanibel. Quirky, with its one-of-a-kind colorful restaurants
and unusual shops, the tiny village dwells in its own state of
existence – equal parts waterside playground and pure whimsy.
On Sanibel, there are multi-use paths – 25 miles total – that
function as sidewalks, bike paths and recreational trails;
buildings are “no taller than the tallest palm tree."
Residents and visitors alike maintain a healthy respect for
and commitment to the environment. Half of Sanibel’s acreage
has been preserved against development. The intelligent and
sensitive way the islands balance resorts with nature has made
them a state-wide model for eco-tourism.
Throughout
history, Sanibel and Captiva have been used variously as
stopovers for Spanish explorers and resorts for the rich and
famous, including one special cartoonist, Jay Norwood Darling,
who helped create the 6,400-acre national wildlife refuge that
bears his name. Other notables who sought escape on the
islands before the causeway made visits easier and more
popular include Teddy Roosevelt, Charles and Anne Morrow
Lindbergh and Edna St. Vincent Millay. From artist Robert
Rauschenberg to weatherman Willard Scott, the famous still
seek refuge at this preserve for wildlife and the human soul.
Visitors to both islands enjoy not only the natural, ungroomed
beaches, but also the languid pace of island life, great
restaurants, theater and museums such as Sanibel Historical
Village and the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. Education
centers at Sanibel’s two main eco-attractions introduce the
uninitiated to the island’s marine, freshwater and hammock
habitats, where river otters, loggerhead sea turtles,
dolphins, manatees, bald eagles and hundreds of native and
transitory birds find refuge.
Restaurants on both islands excel at seafood succulence in
settings that range from porch cafes to waterfront views and
modern elegance. Although seafood is the centerpiece, menus
range from Mediterranean to New American in style. Dining and
shopping are favorite pastimes on the island for those ready
to leave the beach for a spell. Sanibel Island is known for
its art galleries, which specialize in wildlife paintings.
Don’t miss the monthly Art Nights during the winter season.
Seashell shops, resort clothing boutiques and jewelry stores
selling custom, sea-inspired adornments line small shopping
centers prettily decorated with bougainvillea, shady ficus
trees and swaying palms.
The islands’ marinas offer plenty of opportunity to get out on
the water. Offerings include shelling on secluded islands,
hitting a beach away from it all, fishing, sailing,
snorkeling, learning about marine life or camping on a
bridgeless island. Many resorts and outfitters stock kayaks,
sailboats, paddleboats and an assortment of water toys for
vacationers’ enjoyment.
Between Sanibel and Captiva, visitors can find a resort to
precisely match their style of vacationing. Small inns provide
an intimate experience, Gulf-front resorts cater to beach
buffs, cottages have that delicious barefoot feel and grand
destination resorts leave no vacation whim unfulfilled with a
full complement of marina, tennis, beach and golf facilities.
