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ALL ABOUT SANIBEL ISLAND
THE ISLAND ITSELF
Sanibel Island is a
boomerang shaped barrier island located just 3 miles
off
the coast of Ft. Myers,
and connected by a low causeway. Captiva
Island is located just west of Sanibel, separated by a narrow inlet, and
connected by a short bridge.
Both sides of the island
are spectacular, the north side faces out to San
Carlos Bay, sprinkled with
puffs of greenery on tiny little islets, with the
Caloosahatchee River (separating Ft Myers and Cape Coral) stretching
into the distance. On the south
side you will find miles of sandy beaches,
looking south almost to South America.
There are no stoplights,
neon signs, amusements parks…nothing is
higher than the trees.
It feels remote, casual and relaxing, although the
Ft. Myers
International Airport is less than 45 minutes away.
There is
plenty of low key shopping and restaurants
(see our restaurant
guide),
although no malls in the traditional city sense.
The island is interlaced
with bicycle paths, and for many it is the
preferred means of transportation
while visiting Sanibel Island.
The main road is Periwinkle
Drive, which has historically been enclosed
beneath a
canopy of trees, which can
obscure the small signs announcing
chic shops, restaurants
and galleries.
(Incidently, the very first CHICOS shop
is located on Sanibel Island. Please note that pedestrians have the right-of-way.
Most of the commercial establishments are
on this road or just off it.
Fully 2/3s of the island is
preserved forever in its natural state, with Ding
Darling Wildlife Refuge taking
up the lion’s share of that acreage. More
than
200 species of birds nest here, as well as alligators, turtles, river
otters and
other wildlife. Other
attractions include the Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier,
the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and the Sanibel Historic Village and Museum.
Sanibel is a year round
destination for fishermen – grouper, cobia, flounder,
tarpon, snook, redfish, trout and shark plus more are the draws. Boston
Red
Soxs are islanders during March, spring training takes place at the City of
Palms
Park.
Alcoholic beverages are
prohibited on the beaches from November through May.
And lights are not allowed
on the beach during turtle nesting season.
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