I am looking for a x-large beachfront house in Sanibel/Captiva for 3 weeks in either Dec. or January. Here's the catch-WITHOUT a pool. My dad is allergic to chlorine! Also, what is the difference between being on the Gulf side or the other side? Is the water rough on the gulf side or what?

Sometimes there are 4 to 6 inch waves on the gulf (no, I'm not kidding). The difference is that the gulf is sandy beach, the bay side has no beach. Sorry, I'm not sure about how to help you with rentals, except than I do know Priscilla Murphy is a major realty firm on the island with a rental department. Perhaps a general search will give you a phone number.

Allie, I think you're going to have a hard time finding a large house on Sanibel or Captiva that doesn't have a pool. Lots of people are allergic to chlorine and there are other options as far as pool chemicals that can be used. Why don't you give a couple of the rental agencies a call and explain your problem and let them find you a house? I used Properties in Paradise and was very happy with them! Their website is at: http://www.propertiesinparadise.com/menu.shtml

How about North Captiva? The rental prices seem MUCH lower. Is it totally dead there?

We have used Priscilla Murphy Vacation Realty for many years.
Their toll free tel nrs: 1-888-265-1740 or 1-800-237-6008 .They handle a large number of properties from condos to private homes.Beach is on the Gulf side.It may be important to you for walks and swimming. Good Luck! Enjoy!

Allie, do you have a boat? North Captiva is a separate island with no bridge, no road, and no ferry. Unless you just mean the northern end of Captiva Island, but can't imagine a house there that wouldn't be exhorbitant. And actually the whole north end of Captiva is South Seas Plantation. Are they renting cottages on North Captiva Island and maybe including boats?

Actually, no. But they have several water taxi/ferry services there and I thought that would be fine. Now I hear that my sister thinks that would be too dull so how about the Florida Keys. Anybody have any advice about that?