Sanibel/sarasota Any Advice?

[LINCLAIRE]

We are thinking of booking up for 2 weeks on a 2 centre DIY holiday.
We would like to fly into Fort Myers, spend a week in Sanibel/Captiva and then spend the second week in Sarasota.
Are these 2 resort ok for kids?
My 2 are 7 & 6 at the moment, but are used to a variation in holidays ( fun-filled Disney to quiet Greek beaches).
We would all just like to chill out on the beach, explore a little and eat good food!!
Are the beaches safe in the Gulf?-I mean like gently sloping into the sea rather than nasty drops or jelly fish etc?
I looked at the website for Bon Voyage and they can do a flight from Gatwick to Fort Myers with a stopover and it's with USAirways. presuming they don't go bust, has anyone flown with them and can tell me their experience?
Hope there is someone that can enlighten me
Lin

 

[Nick The Cat]

We went to Sarasota in 1996 with children aged 5 and 9, and really enjoyed it. Siesta Key has a great beach. It has lifeguards, gently sloping beach, beautiful sand (But a bit powdery for sandcastles!). Thoroughly recommended.

Oh, and the water is lovely and warm (28 degrees C).

The only challenge you will face is the strength of the sun. Unless you like first degree burns from the sun, you will need to take precautions with yourself and the children, and limit your time on that all too lovely beach.

Tips:

- T-shirts and hats for the kids while on the beach (and keep the T-shirts on them while swimming.
- factor 30 + sunscreen for you and for the kids
- Sandals / shoes when walking about (we walked to the Coca Cola shop over a wooden footbridge which had metal screws in the wood. I burned my foot (literally burned it) by stepping on one of the screws!). The ground is extremely hot !

Have a great trip !

Jack

 

[LINCLAIRE]

Thanks Jack
We are off to Rhodes in 2 weeks time and have a pretty good idea about the scorching sun-never go below 50 factor and I have burnt my feet on the sand before and yep, it hurts!!!
Really pleased to hear that the kids will enjoy it in Sarasota, was concerned it may be a bit too serene for them.
Lin

 

[LurkerLisa]

Hi,
Hope you don't mind me butting in from the other side of the pond, but I'm just one of those cheeky Americans.

My family has spent a week or two in the area for the last 6 years.

Sarasota
1. Sarasota proper does not have a beach.

2. There are various "keys" north and south of the city. These are barrier islands.

3. Places located on the "bay" side do not have beaches - you must stay on the "gulf" side to have a beach.

4. Siesta key is fun and pretty.

5. Longboat key is also very nice, but more quiet. Very upscale looking. I always stay on this "key" and can give specific info on places to stay if you like.

6. Anna Maria is more "touristy" - lots of kids.


Sanibel
1. Very secluded and lush. North Captiva extra pretty - but it's all about nature - no amusement park here : )

2. Trafffic can be AWFUL.

3. It will take longer to get to an "urban" area from here.

4. Lots of shelling.

I could give you as much information about the Sarasota/Tampa area as you might ever want. I don't have as much first hand info about the Sanibel area since I've only been there once, but I have friends I can ask if you have any questions.
Just email me if you want more info.

Lisa
queenie123@aol.com


Oops! I forgot to tell you that I have eaten my way across the keys so I could tell you about food options.