We are trying to decide which island to go to in Dec. The only requirements: jet ski rental, parasailing and beautiful Gulf views. We don't like real large crowds, but do prefer people our own age (mid 40, with a son 17. I have been reading so many opinions about each, that I just can't decide which. We would be staying at The Eagle's Nest on Marco or Casa Ybel on Sanibel. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

Personally, I prefer Sanibel. Sanibel is more relaxing and I think prettier. Marco is more commercialized. More high rise hotels, etc. Both have jet ski rentals and parasailing. Both have good restaurants. You can rent bikes on Sanibel and bike around the Island. There are a lot of nice little shopping areas on Sanibel. You can also go to Captiva Island which is just off Sanibel.

I agree with Laurie, Sanibel/Captiva are more natural & laid back than Marco I've stayed @ both of these resorts, developed by the old Mariner Group. Eagles Nest is like a large multistory resort Hotel w/formal lobby etc. Sanibel offers the best shelling in the US & Ding Darling nature preserve is very popular for viewing birds, aligators, wildlife & 1 12' crocadile. there are numeros excelent reasonaly priced restaurants as well. You can see my vote & no chads either!

I've lived between the two for over 25 years (Naples) and I'd say there is no comparison. Sanibel all the way!!!

While Marco is beautiful it feels like a city whereas Sanibel feels like you are on an island and away from the real world, well the traffic will remind you that you are still in Florida, ha. It is the way Florida used to look. Not glitzy but "casual beachy." Sanibel doesn't have high buildings or big signs. It is a nice get away with a mix of families and older couples.

Thanks for the help. Sanibel it is. Melinda really sold me. Coming from the U.P. of MI, feeling like we are on an island away from the real world (especially since it will be warm!) sounds like heaven. One more favor, please - where would you recommend we stay? We are looking at Casa Ybel, Hurricane House, or Tortuga Beach Club. Thanks again.

Cyndi

Have no info on Hurricane House or Tortuga Beach Club, but have stayed at Casa Ybel twice and were very happy with price, location and accommodations (not necessarily in that order).

Buildings are all low rises with attractive exterior landscaping. All units face the Gulf and all have very large screened porches--nice for sitting in the evenng and enjoying the breezes, views, and sunsets. In both cases, our porches had stairs leading down to the grounds and beach--no need to go through the building.

The two different units we had were furnished differently, but in both cases, were comfortable, attractive and well maintained. This is not the Ritz, but beachfront property and furnishings are perfectly geared to that.

Kitchens had all the necessities. Bedroom had two queen beds, then the sofa in the living area folded out into a double (queen?) bed as well, so the unit easily slept 4. Large sliding doors open between the living area and the porches too and despite both visits being in the summer, we turned off the air-conditioning, and just opened the doors to the porch and the sounds of the gulf while we were awake.

Should we go back again, that is most likely where we'll stay, though we've been tempted by eveyone's love of 'Tween Waters to give that a try. Hard to give up something you know is great though, for the unknown!