I have been reviewing the posts for Sanibel and Captiva islands and am confused. We are planning on visiting the island this July with our 4 teenage children and it sounds just what we are looking for. But...I am trying to figure out where the beaches are located with the soft white sand and turquios water? I have heard conflicting reports on the beaches. The pictures of the beaches look brown with shells. Also we would love to stay in a cottage or private home with a pool. Not a high rise condo or motel. Can anyone recommend a great place to stay? Thank you

Lyn,
I would recommend Sanibel over Captiva with your crew. Captiva is lovely, just much quieter. The beaches on Sanibel, Captiva and Marco are not brown, but white and ,yes, many shells! The sand bars are full of sand dollars as well. You don't find turquoise water in Florida- that is in the Caribbean. OK- you find some in the keys, but not like you'll find farther south. The water is quite warm and calm in July. There aren't many private residences on the island except for condos. Lots of the homes are on the eastern side facing Ft Myers beach. On the western (Gulf) side, the whole island is a beach! There are no "huge high rises" due to restrictions. There are 3 story hotels, small Inns, condos and resorts.

Are you sure about Sanibel in July? It's really hot, humid and buggy down there in the summer (hence it's the "low" season). With 4 teenage children you might want to consider the panhandle area, such as Destin or Panama City Beach (Thomas Drive).

Don't get me wrong, I love Sanibel/Captiva, but not as much in the summer.

We went to Sanibel for our honeymoon in late July. We also went back again for a 2nd honeymoon at the same time. It is hot there but there usually is a nice breeze from the ocean. The beaches are nice & loaded with shells but the water is not the tropical blue. Watch out for sunburn & sand fleas. I found the prettier water was on the Gulf beaches by Destin. But then Destin doesn't have the shells & relaxed feeling of Sanibel. It is just up to you what you're interested in.I didn't think there was much for teenagers to do if they are the type that like a lot of "electronic" activity. If they are into nature & just enjoying the outdoors then they will be fine.

You might check out Song of the Sea to stay. We liked it when we were there. We stayed in a ground floor room that had a screened porch on the beach. It was great to sit there & watch the sunset over the water. Plus you could eat there on the porch if you wanted.It is not a big luxury resort that is all metal & glass so that was what attracted us. They do have a pool & share other facilities with nearby resorts.

I would recommend Sanibel in July. You may want to look into Casa Ybel condos. We were there last June and the beach was wonderful - beautiful blue/green water with white sand full of shells. Don't forget water shoes for everyone! In July, the panhandle of Florida will be extremely hot and humid and remember, July is high season for that area of Florida.

Just got back from Sanibel last Saturday! We loved Sanibel. We stayed at Casa Ybel in a 2 bedroom condo. The place was wonderful. Very clean, right on the beach, great pool, and a restaurant on the property! If you are interested check out their website casaybelresort.com or you can check out the owners/timeshare website at casaybel.com. If you have any questions I would be happy to help! I think you and your family would love Sanibel and Captiva.

Lyn,

We've been going to Sanibel & Captiva every summer, usually in July. Yes, it is very hot, it is humid and the bugs will eat you alive at dusk (you must bring or purchase bug repellent). But it is a wonderful place to spend your vacation. There are no "high rises" so to speak on the island. We usually stay on Sanibel. The beaches are white with a lot of shells (remember to bring beach shoes!). The water is not really blue but last year for a couple of days the water was very still (not many waves) and clear, you could see the shells on the ocean floor. It is a nice place to go in the summer due to the off season. Some of the shops close early (5pm), there are some really wonderful restaurants (no fast food drive thrus), and a great playhouse called "The Old School House" which my family really enjoys for a night out. The island of Sanibel is mostly a wildlife refuge. It is a wonderful place if you like peace, quiet and mother nature. Hope you have a great time!