Fort Myers or Sanibel
 

My husband and I along with our 3 young children (10,8,6) are planning a vacation in either May or July. We were debating the dominican republic or florida. Thinking florida may have more options and be a bit easier for us (shorter flight). My question is: is the water in this area considered tropical and can you snorkel and such? Pink sands was recommended ...is this a good choice? Is Sanibel a better choice for what we're looking for? My daughter gets eaten by bugs immediately so if either place is less buggy that's good to know too. Thanks in advance!

This past November we were over on Sanibel again for a few days. There were plenty of gnats flying around near the water and the sand/dune vegetation but it was quite simple to apply deterent.

You may not wish to do that. But, it isn't as if the island is totally bug-free, especially at dusk.

Snorkeling isn't really good anywhere in Florida except for the Keys. There will be more bugs on Sanibel than Ft. Myers Beach because of the vegetation. Sanibel is way more laid back than Ft. Myers Beach. Are you talking about Pink Shell Resort?

Yes pink shell resort.

Agree snorkeling in Ft. Myers or Sanibel will be quite disappointing. I might suggest the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Really good bang for your buck and absolutely beautiful. We have been to the Barcelo complex south of Cancun 4 times (going back in June) and can highly recommend it for it's beaches and amazing snorkeling just steps into the water.

The main road on Estero Island in Ft Myers is currently torn up and quite the mess...

As Dukey said, Sanibel is quite laid back and neither Sanibel nor Fr Myers have decent snorkeling opportunities, both can be buggy, but Sanibel more so. They have very different vibes, so it is a personal thing as to which you prefer. There was a time Sanibel was notorious for mosquitoes but no longer. IMO though, Sanibel is perfect for kids. The beach slants VERY gradually out into the water and is usually very calm. What kid does not love looking for seashells? Sanibel is one of the premier places in the world for that and early in the morning you will see the beaches full of "stoopers" shell hunting. Most hotels and motels even have an outdoor washing station for cleaning your haul.

As far as bugs go, your kids should find a picaridin based repellent more acceptable than one based on deet. It is equally effective in most tests, does not have an unpleasant odor or oily feel and does not ruin synthetic fabrics. There are a number of popular brands available. In any case, a repellent is necessary since the mosquito born Zika virus is still around in Florida as well as south and central America. Repellents based on natural oils such as lemon eucalyptus can be effective too, but they quickly wear off so must be reapplied often and people will smell you coming from a 100 yards. On the other hand, just take a deep sniff and you will know where your kids are.

I am severely allergic to no see ums. Little awful gnats that bite like crazy. They are in great abundance on the island at certain times of years and days, so please check to see if that is the case when you are planning your trip.

Sanibel is fabulous, small quiet island with a few nice resorts, great condos, great flat bike trails for you and kids. Water very warm, can easily drive into Ft. Myers for more activities.
There is a park off the end of Sanibel that you can take a boat trip to and they drop you off and you can walk around, may not be very exciting for kids though.
Good family trip.

I'm heading to Sanibel in late May with 2 toddlers and I was really surprised to learn that I ought to expect highs to reach 90. I'd imagine that July would be even worse. My trip to the Keys in July was kinda unbearable when we weren't on a boat and lots of locals just seemed to pack up and leave for July/Aug due to the intense heat. If you can travel in May, it also seems to be shoulder season so rates are quite good.

I'd think that Miami Beach or Sunny Isles would be way less buggy because it's so developed. Sunny Isles had very affordable 2 br oceanview units with pools and beach access and fares to FLL or MIA are usually quite good if you're flying from a hub.

The Gulf of Mexico is brown! It is not the blue water you are seeking.

"The Gulf of Mexico is brown! It is not the blue water you are seeking."

Very, very, very untrue. I have experienced beautiful blue water on the Gulf coast many many times. Anna Maria Island reminded me of the Caribbean coast of Mexico. Here are a few pictures:

http://www.bradentongulfislands.com/...-1_754x325.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...2708638872.jpg

http://www.islandreal.com/blog/wp-co...2-1024x768.jpg

I just spent a week in Anna Maria island. It is clear, but it is brown compared to the blue of the Caribbean!

Okay, I just looked back over my own photos and it isn't brown, but my point is if you are expecting the color and fish of the Caribbean, you will be sadly disappointed.

kelliebellie is correct. There are times when the Gulf is clear, but Caribbean blue/clear it is not and snorkeling is pretty disappointing (except in the Keys).

True snorkeling in not great in Florida. But to say the Gulf water is brown is just false.