Thinking about a week in Sanibel in October. I've been there once, but it was quite awhile ago. I know it's hurricane season, so that's already in the equation. (Trip Insurance.) There will just be two of us.

I need suggestions on accommodations. We want to rent a quiet, exclusive, as beach front as possible condo. Would prefer to be off West Coast Dr. (I think that's what it was called.) I seem to recall the other direction was more built up (?). Price not a factor.

Also, can anyone reassure my husband about the beach? He's worried that the sand won't be as nice as the Caribbean. I do recall that it is crunchy... And how is the swimming?

Thanks so much. I appreciate your help.

I think Pointe Santo is very nice.

The beach is not like the Caribbean. It is a shell beach--lots and lots of shells--everyone is gathering shells when you walk in hte morning. I wear some type of shoe when I walk the beach--it can hurt to walk barefoot--great running beach though.

I love Sanibel Island. If you want the soft sand of the Caribbean though, you might want to consider Anna Maria Island, a little farther north on the Gulf.

Hello,
This website is a group website that links directly to Sanibel's top accommodations. http://www.floridasislandcoast.com/

Sanibel is known for it's shelling so the beaches are full of shells, the sand is not like the sand you would find in the Caribbean but that is one of the things that makes Sanibel so beautiful and unique. The water is perfect for swimming. It is very clear and in October the water temperature is Mid to Low 80's which is just right.

I hope this helps and I hope you have a great trip.

Why not bypass Sanibel (not a bad place) but continue on to Captiva. Very much more relaxed, quiet and better beaches, still little tough because of shells but not as bad.

Siesta Key, Sarasota, Fl., just little north, has what many consider the best beaches on mainland US. Very fine powder, white/cool sand and a fun place to have a vacation.

Casa Ybel-Sanibel, FL
South Seas-Captiva, FL

Ocean's Reach, stayed last year in a 1 BR condo and thought it was very nice. On the beach.

Thanks everybody. I called Oceans Reach but they didn't have ocean view units left. I think we're going to try Anna Maria Island instead.

Was there week before last, stayed at Loggerhead Cay, this was my 5th year there. Love it, October should be great, the water was like glass, warm and very swimmable. You are thinking of Gulf Drive, there is East, West and Middle Gulf. The rental agency we use is selectvacationproperties.com, we have had great luck with them.

For what it's worth, we go to Sanibel yearly in the winter. We don't go in the water, being from Florida, it's to cold for us, however we love walking, shelling & sunbathing on the beach. When we want to vacation in the summer (I.e actually go in the water) we head to Anna Maria Island. The sand is amazing. I love them both, just depends what I'm in the mood for. Good luck.

It's decided -- we are going to Anna Maria instead of Sanibel.

We just want to try someplace new.

Thanks everybody!!!

Fyi, in Ana Maria, we stay @ the tortuga bay inn. Its across the street from the ocean but this wasn't an issue. They have a large selection of rooms. We also took a sunset cruise which was really nice. Enjoy !