Sanibel & Captiva Holidays

Sansibel Island

The best known of the 100 coastal islands that make up Florida's Lee County are Sanibel and its neighbour Captiva. Attached to the mainland by a stunning three-mile-long picturesque drive across a land bridge from the mainland, Sanibel is known internationally for it’s shelling and the subsequent posture referred to as the "Sanibel Stoop." More than 200 unique varieties of shell are scattered across the beaches, particularly after a particularly high or low tide. Thousands of visitors attend the annual Sanibel Shell Fair. For most visitors, however, shelling is a wonderful excuse to benefit from hours of sun on some of the most beautiful coastline in North America.

Sanibel's main street is Periwinkle Way, a charming, lush main road with a canopy of Australian pines and graceful palms scattered down the street. Appealing shops, galleries, and restaurants are all along the road from the Sanibel Lighthouse to Tarpon Bay Road. Stopping frequently to enjoy all that is on offer is an absolute must. The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located near Sanibel's northwestern tip. It’s a naturalist and sightseers paradise as they get to witness a great variety of wildlife, including alligators in their natural settings. It’s great fun cycling or hiking through the sanctuary, but it’s ever better to take a narrated tour by tram or canoe.

Captiva Island

Captiva Island, Sanibel’s northern neighbour, is one of the most brilliantly preserved and famous areas on the Gulf Coast. The country’s leading beach expert, Dr. Stephen Leatherman has recognised Captiva's beaches as the USA's most romantic destination two years in a row, making apecific reference to its key abundance of shells and its general tranquillity.
The main appeal of Captiva is that there are no attractions, just the immaculate white sand, the calm water and the warm breeze.
Although this tiny barrier island has been transformed since the land bridge to the mainland was opened in 1963, it still remains one of Florida's most superbly preserved destinations. It offers world-class resorts with loads of outdoor activities like kayaking, swimming or cycling. Captiva Island will be a holiday you’ll never forget.