Sanibel Island in December
 

Taking a one week vacation at the Sundial Beach Resort in Sanibel Island in December with my wife and 2 kids, 2 and 4 years old. Besides the beach, what other activities does the island offer to keep the little ones busy? I also wanted to surprise my wife with a day of pampering (massage, etc.) at a spa facility in the area, any recommendations?

two spas nearby, actually three. <BR>1. Sanibel Day spa which is at Periwinkle place. This would be your most basic place but they are good. <BR>2. There is a new place on Captiva on andy Rosse Lane which is just adorable looking, like a little village of old frame houses, very quaint and sort of a new age program. <BR>3. Sanibel Harbor Resort on the mainland side right near the bridge has a superb spa with all services. I have used 1 & 3 but not 2 yet. <BR> <BR>I would take one of the many dolphin cruises from Captiva as the little ones just love the dolphins following and jumping in the wake of the boat. You can also take them to CROW, which is on Sanibel and rehabilitates wildlife. Sanibel has no disney type activities. Sundial and South Seas both have children's activity programs.

Adrian, go bike riding! Sanibel is covered with great flat paved paths. Your 4 year old would love the tandem bikes we rented for my husband and 5 year old. The adult in the front really does the pedaling and steering but the kid on the back on a kid sized seat and handle bars also pedals along. You can rent an adult bike with a kid cart on the back for the little one. My kids spent a week building sand castles and collecting shells. The cruises are great too. We took the dolphin cruise and the shelling cruise and loved them both. All the restaurant are kid friendly and have children's menues. Let me know if you are interested in hearing about our favorites. Sanibel is the most relaxing place we have ever been. Have a wonderful trip! <BR>

Check out a great house with a private pool in Captiva. You can see it at www.vacationspot.com/mermaidhome.htm It's a minute walk to the beach and even less to the bay. New 7-speed bikes are even free for guests. <BR>

We are also taking our 2 kids, ages 10 and 11 to Sanibel. We currently have reservations at Sundial Beach Resort, but are thinking we should stay at Sanibel Harbor Resort. Any opinion on which locations has better amenitites, grounds, service etc.

Larry- Besides the fact that there is no advertising allowed on Fodor's, Adrian already has plans for the Sundial Beach Resort. <BR> <BR>Jeez, give up on plugging your real estate here!

Chill out Lori, chat suggestions is what this forum is all about. They have helped me all over the world. I have lived here in Ft. Myers for over 30 yrs. & Stephanie will not be staying on Sanibel Island if she changes to the Sanibel Harbor resort. It is on the Ft. Myers side of the toll bridge & causeway. Sanibel & Captiva Islands are famous for their shelling. Ding Darling is nice for bird watching as well as aligators, & other wildlife. I agree, the kids will enjoy the bike rides that can be rented easily & is good excercise after big meals the nite before. Ccome, enjoy & keep Florida green. (with $ )

Stephanie, It's true that you won't actually be staying on Sanibel at the Sanibel Harbor Resort. When we drove across the causeway from Fort Myers to Sanibel, I looked to my right and saw the resort and was glad we decided not to stay there. It's not on the long stretch of beautiful beach that most of the Sanibel resorts are on. Though it looked like a nice place, I was glad we stayed on Sanibel instead. The SHR is all by itself across the Harbor from Sanibel Island, and it didn't appear to have a very big beach. I'm sure it's nice, none-the-less. We stayed at the Sanibel Song of the Sea - and absolutely loved it - as one guy I corresponded with put it about this place, "it's cute as a button." Very true - nice pool, extended continental breakfast, kitchenette and very nicely decorated rooms, small and intimate. Sometimes they have great internet specials. Check their website, songofthesea.com. <BR>

Jerald, some people may not be aware of the fact that Larry regularly plugs his (several) Captiva real estate holdings here on Fodors. I don't consider pushing one's own real estate an unbiased recommendation, and I know that's not what keeps people coming to Fodors. <BR> <BR>And I can't help it; it really irritates me when someone posts that they're staying at such and such a resort and need restaurant recommendations or activity suggestions and Larry pipes in with "Check out this great Captiva rental!". Excuse me? Did someone ask about his real estate holdings? Does anyone care?

I agree, and what about Lynn? She is doing the same with her condo or condos and I keep finding her in every thread, this irritates me too! <BR>

I'm in agreement about Larry and his advertising, Jerald. Look at all the threads directed against travel agents who are seeking commissions from referrals! This isn't even a commission; this is direct rental property income. No one wants this sort of thing here. This guy, along with his female cohort, blatantly advertise their own rental properties. They are looking out for their own best interests, and could care less about yours. Although you may have missed his previous postings, he pops up routinely here.

Sorry folks, I take everyone at face value & was not aware of people abusing the system. I am currently using the forum for a trip to Paris over New Years. I have always recieved good help-ful advice. If I can help anyone on the Fort Myers area, E-mail me direct. I assure you I have nothing personal to promote. I like every one else have my favorites but I'm unbiased on most issues except recounts & its not <BR>Flori-DUH.