Sanibel Or Marco Island?

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Just before you get to the causeway, there is a Publix on the left. If you're getting in really late, you could stop there first and then go over to the Island. I don't remember what time Jerry's closes...but I want to say 10ish?

Karen

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Having lived in that area for some time, I would not recommend Sanibel, Captiva or Marco Island for people who want to do more than visit the beach.

Ft. Myers Beach is much more active, and those other places are easy drives for short visits.

Sanibel is known for shelling, so if you like to do that you can spend some time on Periwinkle Beach.

Ding Darling is a nice place to spend some time walking, driving or riding a bike through, if you are into preserves and wild life...

Fort Myers Beach has quiet areas, and much more active areas. Sometimes people like to dismiss FMB as a lesser place because it's not as expensive and doesn't come across as exclusive. If you want exclusive, stay at Pointe Estero on FMB. You'll not be disappointed.

There is a Mucky Duck at FMB, too if that is a place you want to try.

Where would u recommend to stay on Fort Myers Beach? Thanks

 

[meliss8599]

If you stay on Sanibel, there is an unbelievable dolphin cruise run by the "Stars and Stripes" out of the Sanibel Marina. You get to go under the causeway, cruise along the shore where the gorgeous mansions are, and THEN!!!! have dolphins swim right alongside and behind your boat, jumping out of the water so close you can almost touch them. It is the most amazing experience for anyone who loves dolphins--the video and pictures you get are unbelievable. It's a MUST DO.

If you are looking for a place to stay, the IL's have a beachfront condo on Sanibel--their complex is the closest to the beach you can find as it was built before laws keeping buildings so many feet off the shore were enacted.

 

[leahjade]

the IL's have a beachfront condo on Sanibel

Who or what is IL?

Few more questions: Is the traffic horrible coming from the airport to Sanibel?

And I'm debating between Sanibel Siesta or Loggerhead Cay - anyone have any opinions?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Who or what is IL?

Few more questions: Is the traffic horrible coming from the airport to Sanibel?

And I'm debating between Sanibel Siesta or Loggerhead Cay - anyone have any opinions?

I think the previous poster was referring to in-laws.

 

[meliss8599]

Who or what is IL?

Few more questions: Is the traffic horrible coming from the airport to Sanibel?

And I'm debating between Sanibel Siesta or Loggerhead Cay - anyone have any opinions?

Traffic is very manageable coming from the airport, especially now that there are optional bridges going over many of the intersections to avoid the stop lights.

 

[leahjade]

Melissa, do you have a website for the condo on Sanibel?

 

[meliss8599]

Melissa, do you have a website for the condo on Sanibel?

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a website here so I emailed you the information (maybe check your junk mail if you didn't get it). I hope it works out for you!

 

[Kirby]

A friend of mine goes to Sanibel every July for a family reunion. They stay in condos and spend most of their time on the beach. She says that it's great for shelling. They've seen dolphins, a shark and even an alligator from the beach.

 

[meliss8599]

We stay on the West Gulf side and see dolphins right off the shore every other day or so--it's amazing. DH and DD were out on the sandbar and they swam maybe 12 feet away from them.

There's also a resort, Pointe Santo, that has a large pond/lagoon in the middle of the complex and there is TONS of native wildlife in it--softshell turtles, always a small alligator (he is often found under the pier/deck), birds, etc.

 

[leahjade]

any mini golf nearby?

 

[leahjade]

Someone told me you have to pay $2.50 a person to go on the beach at Sanibel - is that true?? We're staying at Loggerhead Cay.

 

[kirbydog48]

Parking at the public access beaches (like Bowman's) is 2.50 per hour. If your condo is on the beach, you don't have to pay (well, in addition to what you pay to stay obviously). We're staying at Sayana condos next April. Pointe Santo also looks very nice, and I've heard good things about Ocean's Reach. Check out the forums on Tripadvisor, they're very informative.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

No, the beaches are all public property and there is no fee to access the beach. Now, if you go to a public parking area, you will have to pay to park! From Loggerhead, we walked about as far as we wanted to on the beach....or we rode our bikes up to the park and walked from there. Hope you have a great time. We may head down too for July 4 if things work out OK.

Karen

 

[leahjade]

anyone know of any coupons for Sanibel Island restaurants??

 

[DVCLiz]

I'm glad to see this thread being brought back - we made reservations for a week this summer at the Tween Waters Inn based on the descriptions on the DIS!!! For anyone who has been there, any thoughts about our trip or additional information? We'll be there for the 4th of July and would be glad to know about specific day trips, etc. that might not have been mentioned. I think we have a good list of restaurants, etc. to try!!

We're going to WDW for 4 days after we spend a week on Captiva - a 1BR at the Kidani Village. So excited!!!!!

 

[meliss8599]

anyone know of any coupons for Sanibel Island restaurants??

The Visitors Center and your resort should have quite a few discount coupons and booklets. Cheeburger Cheeburger (best burgers & shakes!) very often has coupons for a free small basket of fries or onion rings.

I'm glad to see this thread being brought back - we made reservations for a week this summer at the Tween Waters Inn based on the descriptions on the DIS!!! For anyone who has been there, any thoughts about our trip or additional information? We'll be there for the 4th of July and would be glad to know about specific day trips, etc. that might not have been mentioned. I think we have a good list of restaurants, etc. to try!!

There is a very reasonably priced dolphin cruise on Sanibel out of the Sanibel Marina. It's called the Stars and Stripes dolphin cruise and the dolphins are jumping out of the water literally a few feet away from you. The captains do there absolute best to make sure you see dolphins. This time of year you should see some babies.

The 4th of July parade is not to be missed either, especially if you have kids. The floats are adorable, everyone is friendly, and they throw out tons of candy and little toys.

Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge is worth the trip IF you get there very early in the morning or right before the refuge closes. That's when you'll see the most wildlife; otherwise, you'll be limited to some birds and MAYBE a racoon.

DH has been going there since he was an infant and I've been going since we've been married so we would be more than happy to answer (to the best of our ability) any questions you may have!

 

[leahjade]

Anyone know any restaurants near Casa Ybel besides the Thistledown Lodge?

 

[LivingtheWDWdream]

We just spent 7 days in Ft. Myers and Sanibel Island. We dined at Island Cow and thought that had a great selection, the food portions were very plentiful, and it tasted delish! I already miss it!

Also if you want a quick lunch Try Schnapper's Hots we hadn't heard of it in our research but happened upon it and stopped their twice. 1st time I had the Original Schnapper which was really Good and 2nd time I had a footlong that I dressed my own way. Their hotdogs are great but they also do burgers, pizza, have ice cream, floats etc.

We ate at the Bubble Room we enjoyed our meals but it was really pricey for lunch. Dinner was even more $$ but Dessert there is fabulous!

 

[leahjade]

Livingthedream, does Schnapper's have inside seating or is it just a carryout place? We leave for Sanibel in two weeks and we've never been, anything else you recommend doing or seeing?