We're looking for somewhere to spend a week after our week at Disney around Easter 2006. We'll be with our children [aged 10 and 4] and our in-laws. In a perfect world, we'd like a private house [rather than a condo], ideally right on the beach and with a pool!

I've read lots of good things about Sanibel and Captiva but would we be bored and fidgety after a few days? [Also, am I right in thinking you can only do long term rentals in Sanibel?] I've found two interesting homes in North Captiva - but is that even more remote and how easy is it to get from there to the other islands?

I noticed Siesta Key was mentioned in a lot of message threads. It looks great and there seems to be more to do. However, is the beach really crowded and surrounded by block after block of concrete condos?? Or is there a particularly good section to be in?

Many thanks!

I like Siesta Key waaaaaay better than Captiva or Sanibel. I've been to both Captiva and Sanibel twice and go to Siesta nearly every year as my inlaws are in the area. The beach at Siesta is frequently listed in the tops in the country due to the fine white sugary consistency of the sand and the length of the beach. The sand reflects light from the sun so it is cooler than brown sand that absorbs heat and is hot to walk on. I never feel like Siesta except in the public parking area. If you are staying at a condo or hotel you won't have to worry about that. We used to stay at a little timeshare, I think called Gulf Tides.

A group of teachers I work with have stayed at The Sarasota Surf and ???Sand? Sea? (sorry the name escapes me) for two decades. When they started going they took their small children and now their kids and grandkids go and stay also. The pool is right by the beach which is handy.

I meant to say I never fell like the beach as Siesta is crowded except in the area of the public parking lot.

FELT---- okay, is it Friday yet?

The name of the condo in Siesta Key is Sarasota Surf and Racquet Club (Sarasotasurf.com). We've stayed there the past 2 years and it is nice. The beach does get crowded around Easter time, but you can put some space between you and the next people if you try.

Sanibel is still beautiful after the hurricanes - very little evidence of damage, especially if you dont know what it looked like before. Captiva a little rough and you dont want North Captiva right now. They were hit extremely hard.

Private houses on Sanibel and Captiva are long term rentals 1 month or more. There are several condos available for a weekly rental that would fit your needs.

I'd suggest you go to www.bestofsanibelcaptiva.com and look around. Be sure to check the message board there.

I too would hesitate to recommend Captiva. It's a bit of a mess right now. As for Sanibel or Siesta, either is wonderful. In fact, they are similar in size. Siesta is more low-key in spots, like the real Florida, but Sanibel is the real thing too.

Hard to pick between the two. Suggest you go to either and when you're in town make a trip to the other to check it out. Neither is as crowded as St. Pete/Clwr. You'll have a wonderful time. Look for places to stay at VRBO.com.

I honestly don't think you'd get fidgety on Sanibel. There's so much to do: Ding Darling, the shell museum, relaxing on the beach, guided canoe trip, kayaking in the mangroves, fishing off the beach, rent a boat for a day, eating in lots of fun restaurants, checking out the San-Cap Foundation grounds (with a neat butterfly garden and miles of hiking trails, including an observation tower), the Bird Rehab facility (the name is escaping me right now), lounging on the beach with a good book, shelling (for which Sanibel is world famous) ... and of course birding!

I am 99% sure that you can rent houses on Captiva for a week. In fact, I am sure. However, it sounds as though Captiva isn't fully recovered yet. On Sanibel, it's usually for a month but some duplexes are allowed to rent on a weekly basis. There are some nice places with cottages right on the beach, so they are not condos, but you would have to share the pool.

North Captiva is a separate island with no cars, only golf carts. You have to take a water taxi over. We did a tour there a few years ago w/a real estate agent. There's not nearly as much to do there so you might go a little stir crazy if you want activities. It also likely took a very hard hit from Charlie.

I do like Siesta Key a lot. I think you'd love it. But Sanibel is also wonderful. Either way, I think you'll be happy.

Here's a good site for private home rentals on Captiva:

http://www.royalshell.com/rentals.htm

You can see that you can rental private homes for a week at a time.

They also have a site for weekly cottage rentals on Sanibel.

I have not used this firm but know of others who have and they were all very pleased.

Thanks for the advice about the hurricane - I forgot to say we're coming from the UK so it's obviously harder to appreciate what the damage must be like.

However, we're looking to visit Easter 2006 - does anyone think things should be nearly back to normal by then? Siesta Key seems to get thumbs up - any parts to avoid or be recommended?

Thanks once again.

Check out houses for rent on www.vrbo.com for Siesta rentals. I have also used www.resortquest.com for area rentals.

Bridge fees to get on Sanibel have just doubled. $6.00 so if you want to travel around the area that might be important. Captiva is still working on recoving from the hurricans.

I concur with all the recommendations for Siesta Key. We stayed at a timeshare with a view of the bay that was just glorious. Being on the key made us feel as if we were miles from major traffic snarls and civilization, although we could easily access Sarasota, Longboat Key, AnnaMaria Island, and other wonderful places. Sarasota has a delightful harbor area with places for walking and a neat restaurant with good food right there. Sorry, I forget its name. Riding through the keys is something I would highly recommend. There are ocean vistas on each side, interesting, pricey shops at St. Armand's Circle on Longboat, and less populated areas the further out you go. Bradenton Beach seemed very nice. In the other direction is Venice (charming) and, if you are into birding, the Venice Rookery is an island-like area where egrets, anhingas, and herons make their nests. It is a favorite spot for photographers. By the way, Siesta Key has an area that is more commercial and suited for younger people wilth shops and restaurants on the way to Longboat. I think you will enjoy this area very much. We were there in mid December and did not find traffic a problem. I am unsure about April.
Have a great time.

have only driven thru siesta key , not stayed there.. but to my mind was WAY more commercialized and touristy than sanibel.. we've been going to sanibel for 6 yrs now and love it.. very laid back and the beaches are wonderful kids would likely get a kick out of shelling.. ding darling wildlife refuge does a wonderful tour that kids would enjoy.. there is a sheeling expedition you can take from sanibel harbor resort on a pontoon boat.. youalmost always see dolphns and there is great shelling as well.. I would definitely vote for sanibel esp when you consider how busy you all will be at disney.. need a place to recharge your batteries after that and sanibel is it.. condos are all very nice.. check out www.vrbo.com for rentals we like the sand dollar complex and sanibel arms west.. others have said good things about pointe santo.. give it a try..