|
FIRST THINGS FIRST
Accommodations
Getting Here
SEE & DO
Attractions
Birding & Wildlife
Day Trips
Entertainment
Historic
Out Islands
Recreation & Fitness
Romance
Seashells
Special Services
Water Sports
DINE & SHOP
Dining & Take-Out
Shopping
Art & Antiques
HOT TIPS & INFO
Hot Tips
Ideas for Families
Sanibel Video
Maps
Special Events
Tide Charts
Timing Your Visit
Newsletter Archives
Friends & Partners
About Us
Media
REAL ESTATE
Real Estate
|
Accommodations | Packing | Attire |
Shelling | Traffic | Photos | Entertainment
Accommodations
- Sanibel Moorings has 1, 2 and 3 bedroom suites with all the comforts of home. Situated beachfront, you can enjoy shelling just steps from your front door, swimming in the two heated pools - along with a wading pool for the little ones! If boating is in your vacation plans,
the Moorings has their own dock in the quiet canal that backs the property. Relax and do as much - or as little - as you wish.
- Your family will love staying at Sanibel Arms West.
Sitting directly on the Gulf of Mexico and boasting a screened pool, clubhouse with sun deck and private tennis courts this is the perfect spot for family fun and relaxation.
Bring your boat - there is a boat dock right on the property!
- Located beachfront with a large heated pool, Sandalfoot Condominiums is a great place for couples to get away or the family vacation. 1 and 2 bedroom units are available. Bring your tennis racket and take advantage of the private court.
Packing
- Bring a pair of binoculars - wildlife on the islands is shockingly abundant. You'll miss out if you don't have a pair.
They also come in handy at the beach.
Coming in summer? Pack cotton.
Tropical climates are tough in synthetic fabrics.
Sunblock:
Buy it, Bring it, Use it! Sand and water both reflect the sun's rays so it is possible to get a bad burn even under an umbrella or on a cloudy day.
If you plan to boat, especially in summer, pack a long-sleeve cotton shirt to block sunrays. For fall or autumn visits, bring a windbreaker or light sweater. Ladies often like a light sweater for air conditioned restaurants in the evenings year round.
Sandals
are great and the island has lots of shops which sell them. Flip-flops are also readily available down here. You can easily shop for footwear when you arrive on-island.
A visor or cap
is a great idea. Buy one when you arrive if you don't have one at home.
Polarized sunglasses
will change your entire vacation! If you don't own a pair, make it a priority to pick up an inexpensive pair
when you arrive. (Bailey's Hardware and CVS both sell them for under $20). Polarized lenses cut down tremendously on the glare, and allow you to see the water
here as you've never seen it before. These will help tremendously with your seashelling, fishing, boating, and sightseeing!
Attire
- Jackets are not necessary for men, unless you're planning a really elegant evening somewhere. No restaurant on the islands requires a jacket. Pants or shorts and a nice shirt (short-sleeve) are commonly worn to dinner by men. You're on vacation, so be casual, but not too casual! Don't, for instance, walk down Periwinkle Way or go to the grocery in your swimsuit - you'll look silly. And please, guys, no oversized tank tops in restaurants.
Shelling
- Great shells don't always wash up on the beach. Get out there at low tide, in water up to your knees.
Wear polarized glasses. Walk slowly and carry a bag or fanny pack for your finds. Watch our video 'Seashell Secrets' for Hot Tips. And whatever you do, DON'T take live shells,
sanddollars, starfish or sea urchins!! It's illegal and the fines are hefty. Look inside to see if "someone's home" before you take his home out of the
sea or off the beach.
| 
|
Traffic
- Traffic is only an issue in March and April. In those months, you'll want to run your errands before noon, keeping in mind that left turns are tough! We HIGHLY recommend planning your trip so you can make all right turns. In the weeks of high season, plan to be off Periwinkle Way between 3:00 and 6:00.
- Pedistrians and bicyclists have the right of way. Get into the habit of checking the bike paths before pulling out and keep a sharp eye, especially for small children.
Photos
- If you don't use a digital camera, consider ordering a CD of your shots when you have them developed, then email them to friends once you get home. You can also turn your favorite beach shot into a background for your computer monitor.
- If you are considering having a family portrait
taken on the beach while you're here (we LOVE this idea and the families/couples who do it cherish their pictures) plan to pack coordinating clothes. All white, khaki and white, navy and white and all one color work extremely well and coordinated casual outfits really enhance the picture.
Entertainment
- Head to the Crow's Nest Lounge at 'Tween Waters Inn for NASCRAB racing. Go early to get a table for dinner with spectacular sunset views and join in on the fun. The family show starts at 6 p.m., followed by the adults-only (over 21) show at 9 p.m.
|
Plan
Your Island Vacation Here
