Captivating Captiva And Sanibel - Florida's Gulf Getaways
If you're looking for an unspoiled tropical paradise
, remote in spirit yet just a few miles from the Florida mainland, the islands of Captiva and Sanibel and offer you a dream vacation and fulfill your dreams of a getaway island.
Though sequestered from the bustle of the modern world, this pair of islands still offers a host of activities and sights for the vacationer. And they are a true paradise for the nature love with their varied wildlife and profusion of palm trees and flowers. There's plenty to do, as well.
You can relax on pristine beaches and collect shells, admire wildlife and nature, or get active in a wide range of activities on or off the water. And with economical Captiva vacation rentals and Sanibel Island vacation rentals, it's within anyone's budget.
Sanibel and Captiva are barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico which complement each other perfectly. While Captiva is noted for its tranquility, Sanibel is livelier with plenty to see and do. And despite the remote feel, they're easy to get to. They're connected to Fort Myers on the mainland by a three-mile causeway and connected to each other by the "San-Cap" road.
Getting around the islands is by the use of multi-use paths. These meander for around 25 miles and serve as everything from sidewalks to bike paths and recreational trails for exploration.
These islands were once the sole preserve of grapefruit and coconut farmers and still remain much of their bucolic charm and unique character. On Sanibel, for example, no buildings are allowed that are taller than the tallest palm tree.
Nature lovers are especially well catered for with eco-attractions in the form of marine, freshwater and hammock habitats on Sanibel. Here you can view and study everything from otters to dolphins along with a host of birdlife including bald eagles and the large numbers of native and transitory birds.
In fact ecology and a concern for tradition and the environment are taken seriously here. A major example is the 6,400-acre national wildlife refuge created in part by cartoonist
Jay Norwood Darling. A mangrove ecosystem and haven for all types of birds, it's the perfect destination for the visitor committed to eco tourism.
Of course the islands' beaches are one of the top drawers and you can find white sandy stretches for all types of vacationers. Lighthouse Park at one end of Sanibel is popular, with its old lighthouse and fishing pier. Captiva's beaches are for watching the sun setting over the sea in one of the area's most romantic spots.
Other than the natural, undeveloped beaches, vacationers can also avail themselves of a wide range of activities and facilities.
The islands' quiet paths are perfect for biking and there are several bike rental facilities for you to kit up. Of course, you can partake in a rich array of water sports including boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking and fishing, along with regular sports such as golf and tennis in spectacular locations. If you're in the mood for relaxation, take one of the many cruises around the islands and the Gulf.
You'll find a range of distinctive dining and shopping options, many right on the main strip of Periwinkle Way. You can shop at the boutiques and jewelry stores offering custom made items inspired by the area's marine environment, especially sea shells. No huge malls here, just small outlets adorned with tumbling bougainvillea and shaded by palms and ficus trees.
If culture's your thing, you'll love the art galleries on Sanibel which specialize in paintings of wildlife. You can also find theater and museums and explore the area's storied past in the Sanibel Historical Village.
But if there's one word that sums up this pair of islands, it's 'seashells'. If you enjoy beachcombing, you can wander along the white sand beaches and come across scallops, whelks and sand dollars galore. In particular, Bowman's Beach is famed for fine selections of shells. Plus there's Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. With over 30 exhibits devoted to shellfish from around the world, it's the world's largest museum of its kind.
These islands offer everything you could need for you perfect vacation including a wide range of fine accommodation choices. Check out the range of
Captiva vacation rentals including attractive Captiva condos and the Sanibel Island vacation rentals on the neighboring island for convenient accommodation at affordable prices. You can get everything from hideaways on the beach to resort condos with spectacular views over the gulf.
by: Michiel Van Kets
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