Average Monthly Temps
- April - 84 / 62
- May - 88 / 67
- June - 90 / 73
The forecast is for GREAT weather!
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Did You Know?
- Headed to the Islands? Make sure to take advantage of
our money-saving coupons! From cruises to Key Lime Pie, there's something for everyone. Visit the
Message Board and check out the section called Steals, Deals &
Lots of Appeal.
- C.R.O.W.s Taste of the Islands is
coming April 30! Enjoy the best dishes from the local restaurants, entertainment and vote for your favorite! |
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Fun Tip
When going through J.N."Ding" Darling Wildlife
Refuge take the time to check out the Wulfert Keys Trail. This oft overlooked area will give you fantastic views of
Hard Working Bayou and don't be surprised if you spot dolphin or manatee! |
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Shelling
Tips
There are more species of miniature shells than there
are larger ones. Many are so small they can only be seen with a magnifying glass and collectors find them by sifting
through sand at high magnification. Some collectors seek the baby specimens of large shells. Lighthouse Beach
is especially popular for miniatures.
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| Are You Ready...
...to admit your addiction to the Islands?
Let the world know with our Cool Stuff! Collection
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Out! What specific
topics would you like to see covered in future editions?
Send us your suggestions
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Island Happenings |
It's Almost Turtle Time!
May 1 through October 31 is sea turtle nesting season. There are two types of sea
turtles that nest on Sanibel and Captiva; the Loggerhead, which is a threatened species and the endangered Green.
Every year during this time, the females return to the same beach they hatched from (up to five times in a season)
to lay between 50 and 175 eggs. Lights, raccoons, loud noises, humans, dogs and even some storms have been known to
scare her off. Frightened females will return to the water and try at another time but it takes a great deal of
energy to come ashore again so soon.
Approximately 55 - 60 days later the hatchlings dig their way out of the nest at night and head to the Gulf.
The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) has provided important guidelines for all of us who visit and live
on the islands:
- Please keep lights near the beach off or shielded, this includes closing your drapes. Artificial lighting confuses
nesting females and hatchlings. Disoriented by light, the babies wander to the light and away from the Gulf.
- Pick up toys and chairs on the beach and fill in any holes you may have dug. Adults and hatchlings can
become entangled or trapped.
- Please pick up any litter but especially plastic and styrofoam you see in the water or on the beach. These
are frequently mistaken by the turtles for one of their favorite foods - jellyfish.
- Stay well clear of marked nests.
Together, we can help make this a successful season.
If you are on the beach in the early morning hours and see a white jeep marked 'Turtle Patrol' stopped, be sure to
wander over and watch. They are most likely marking a nest or digging one up to protect it. If the nest is dug up,
the hatchlings will be returned and released from the same area.
Fun Turtle Facts:
- Eggs are about the same size as ping pong balls, but much softer. The shells remain soft and rubbery until they are
exposed to air. This allows the eggs to fall into the nest (and land on the other eggs) without breaking.
- Hatchlings are only about 2 inches long and it takes them 2-3 days to dig out of their nest.
- Young turtles spend several years at sea before returning twelve to fifteen years later to the beach where they were
born.
From the Forum
Our Message Board remains a VERY popular addition - many folks wake up to it
daily, logging on to see what's new in their favorite vacation spot and taking a little armchair trip to the islands
over coffee. Come 'Dream' with us at BestofSanibelCaptiva.com!
A quote from a recent visitor:
"Thank you to everyone for all your postings that helped us choose to
vacation in Sanibel.....We couldn't have asked for a more perfect trip and I can't wait to go back!!!!"
Cruising the Islands
Some of the most frequently asked questions on the Message Board have to do with taking
a cruise; "Is it worth the time/expense?", "Is this cruise appropriate for families?" and "Who should I go with?".
If you are looking for a fantastic time on the water, Captiva Cruises is the way to go! Their cruises offer something
for everyone and are sure to be a highlight of your trip. They offer several different cruises.
Everyone loves the Dolphin Watch Cruise. There is nothing more exciting than seeing these
beautiful creatures jumping just mere feet away. This is a perfect family cruise. On-board narration is provided by
the SCCF. We recommend that once the boat leaves the channel that you go down to the lower rear deck. This is the
spot where you will be closest to the dolphin as they leap completely out of the water. Unforgettable !!!
Relax and let your worries sink into the sea, right along with the sun on the Sunset Serenade Cruise. Live
music is featured on this cruise and most evenings, island musician Danny Morgan is the featured performer. There
is a cash bar for cocktails. We recommend this cruise for couples. While families are more than welcome, this cruise
is a romantic, relaxing trip and children will be bored.
The Beach & Shelling Cruise goes to North Captiva or Cayo Costa which are only accessible by boat. You have
2 - 4 hours to shell, swim and explore before returning. These cruises are good for families who want a "deserted
island" experience. Shelling isn't necessarily any better than what you would find on Sanibel, but because there
is little competition you may come back with some real treasures. Be sure to bring snacks and drinks, as there are
no facilities on these state park islands.
A Lunch Cruise to Cabbage Key or Useppa is a great outing by water. Funky Cabbage Key is fun for families,
with its live ducks, dollar-bill-covered walls and ice cream. If you can, make the climb to the top of the water tower
where fantastic views await. Upscale Useppa is a lovely destination for adults to enjoy a quiet lunch in beautiful
surroundings.
Reservations are required for all cruises and are accepted only one week prior to the cruise date.
We saved you a seat!
We have the latest air fare deals,
the perfect home away from home and
monthly tide charts for your trip!
Sanibel & Captiva Islands are waiting for YOU!
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