We Love Sanibel & Captiva Island

Relaxing: These two small islands boast 15 miles of beaches, an abundance of quirky restaurants and eclectic shops. Imagine … no traffic lights here!

Shelling: Scoop up some treasures from the sea in this world-famous shelling hotspot. Visit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum while you’re in town; they offer free workshops to teach you about shelling, as well as trips to the beach.

“Ding” Darling Nature Preserve: This 6,300-acre nature preserve is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States known for its migratory birds. Explore it by car, kayak or canoe, on foot or bicycle.

Biking: Bikes, mopeds and Segways are ideal for exploring Sanibel’s superbly-maintained bike paths that meander through 22 miles of shopping districts, back roads, friendly neighborhoods and quiet waterways.

Parasailing: Soar over to tiny Captiva Island for a fabulous flight with YOLO Watersports. What views!

Wave-Running: Search for manatee, sea turtles or dolphin – or just enjoy the ride on your motor-powered wave-runner. Rent one from Captiva Island’s YOLO Watersports. They also offer guided tours to Cayo Costa Island.

Fishing: Hook into some family-friendly fun on a backwater fishing trip with Adventures in Paradise. They also offer sea life encounters, sunset and afternoon dolphin cruises, shelling and lunch excursions, and eco-canoe tours.

Snorkelling & Diving: Wrecks and more than a dozen artificial reefs and residents like barracuda, cobia, nurse sharks, grouper, amber jack and moray eels make the waters surrounding Sanibel a super place for diving.

Cruising to Cayo Costa: Visit the barrier island of Cayo Costa with Sanibel Island Cruise Line. The pristine paradise boasts seven miles of beautiful Gulf beach.