"Retreat to Sanibel" Top 5 Page for this destination Sanibel Island by catalysta

Sanibel Island Travel Guide: 228 reviews and 376 photos

Just Another Lovely Sanibel Sunset - Sanibel Island

A different world just a short hop away...

9/21/04 post-Charley update
Sanibel is open again for business, per the locals, just check with the particular places you intended to visit - good news!
From details given in local newspapers, damage was more cosmetic than serious for many resort & hotels.
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Head out Summerlin Road from Ft. Myers, and just follow the signs across the causeway to find Sanibel & Captiva Islands waiting for you.
Much of Sanibel is privately owned, with small cottages each worth a small fortune, and accommodations that vary from old 50's style cottages to plush resorts.

Birding On The Gulf Coast

Great Blue Heron

The Lee Islands of Florida's Gulf Coast have some of the best birding in North America. And the best spotting spot of all is right on Sanibel Island, the J. N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge.
For more about this wonderful sanctuary, see my "Must See" tips.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lovely island a stone's throw from Ft. Myers, with silky sand beaches
Cons:overdeveloped and spendy
In a nutshell:BUT it DOES have the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge!

Last visit to Sanibel Island: May 2004
Intro Updated Sep 21, 2004
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Reviews (17)

12 ft. Gator, shot by police - Sanibel Island

Janie's Story Warnings Or Dangers (2)

Copied from the KATC3 website news story: SANIBEL, Fla. (AP) ? A 12-foot alligator attacked a landscaper Wednesday... more travel advice

Stay aware, stay alive! Warnings Or Dangers (2)

In light of the terrible death of poor Janie Melsek, the landscaper who was attacked by a 12 foot gator and subsequently... more travel advice

Mystery Bird Things to Do (9)

Now this was our Mystery Bird for the day, since all we saw of it was the silhouette on a branch you are viewing here.... more travel advice

Reddish Egret Things to Do (9)

This lovely Reddish Egret was just a little too far away for me to get a clear picture. It was doing the typical "canopy... more travel advice

Favorites (6)
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Comments (15)

easterntrekker Dec 9, 2007 at 11:18 AM Report Abuse

Great pages. I've always wanted to visit ever since I first heard my husband sing the wonderful song about Sanibel...I finally will in Feb!
VeronicaG Oct 18, 2006 at 3:42 PM Report Abuse

Sanibel Island looks like an idyllic place--the beautiful beaches, unique wildlife and colorful sunsets must draw people from far and wide...
robertgaz May 2, 2006 at 11:02 PM Report Abuse

Just superb photography W... really well done :~)
kyoub Jan 28, 2006 at 2:54 PM Report Abuse

This is my kind of place. It has been on my list for years. Awesome sunset pictures. What a tragic story about the landscaper.
chewy3326 Jan 10, 2006 at 3:47 PM Report Abuse

I missed the wildlife refuge on my trip to Sanibel; which just means now I have an excuse to go again!
RickinDutch Sep 28, 2005 at 11:24 AM Report Abuse

That refuge could make a birder out of me! Great tips!
ferdnbean Jan 21, 2005 at 10:18 PM Report Abuse

Another winning effort Wendy. Your photos look very good to me! Stay warm...think Florida Sunshine and sunsets. Ferd
Michael_D Jan 20, 2005 at 5:20 AM Report Abuse

Years ago I skittered down the coast from Tampa avoiding some bad weather and moored here for 3 nights. Definitely the overbuilt high rent district but definitely a unique place...Mike
tropicdiver Dec 16, 2004 at 2:33 PM Report Abuse

Hey, Wendy, thanks for the plug your Sanibel page. Looking forward to building more pages and sharing more photos from paradise.
jadedmuse Oct 23, 2004 at 10:13 AM Report Abuse

Just loved your Sanibel material! Isn't the wildlife there great? You know, I would have never thought to include something about the gators (in terms of a warning, that is)...your two tips there were absolutely CHILLING....shiver.