Sanibel or Captiva Florida Experience??
 

Has anyone been to Sanibel or Captiva? Great place to stay with husband-want excellent ocean front beach and quiet-and any good or inexpensive places to eat?? Thinking of going in October (10th anniversary)-would love any/all input. THANKS!!

Used to take children every Easter to Sanibel from Chicago. Sanibel is larger, more things to do, more congested (tho I don't think in Oct), more restaurants and more condos to rent.(better shelling too because of the position in the Gulf) Search for a realtor if you want a beach front condo--there are lots. Some of the newest and nicest are down on the south end of the island near the lighthouse--and that's where the big loggerhead turtles hang out too. We always stayed at Cocina Beach, but it is far from grand (a friend's condo). Captiva is just north of Sanibel and has more private homes and less commercial. There is a very grand resort/time share place on Captiva but the name escapes me. Lots of restaurants, but the one I remember best was Tim's Nook on Captiva. If you go to either, charter a small boat from the harbour at Captiva and ask to be taken just north to an uninhabited island where there is unbelievable shelling. Can't remember the name. Also, if they still rent canoes to paddle into the wildlife preserve do that on Sanibel and some day at sunset, take a pitcher of your favorite cocktails and drive into the wildlife bird preserve to have cocktails with the birds---they are truly incredible rare creatures--the rarest is the roseate spoonbill---pink with a bill shaped like a spoon. It's a one of a kind for Florida---many others will suggest different places, but if you like nature and small town Florida, this is for you.

We have visited Sanibel for a holiday the last two years (in may), it really is a beautiful island we stayed at the Best western one year and the Island Inn another year both are beach frount and when we were there fairly quiet. The thrill of watching the Dolphins while an Osprey was fishing only yards away from us is something I will always remember. Do visit the Ding Darling nature reserve, check out the tide table and try to go at low tide so you see the birds feeding, the roseate spoonbills are amazing plus loads of other species too numerous to mention. We hired bikes and cycled round which in may was no problem, plus bikes are a good way to see the rest of the island as there are plenty of cycle paths and it is flat!Lastly check out their web sight if you haven't already its at www.sanibel-captiva.org hope you have a great time.

The luxury resort on Captiva is South Seas Plantation. They have a web site. There are all levels of condos available for short or long term rental there. It is secluded at the very tip of Captiva (about 20 miles from causeway to mainland). Great restaurants, about 10 within walking distance: Kings Crown, Mucky Duck, Bellini, Captiva Art Cafe, Bubble Room, etc. October is one of the best times of year as the Gulf is still very comfortable for swimming, it's dried out humidity wise and is uncrowded. I live close by it's great. By the way, the uninhabited island refered to in a prior post is probably Cayo Costa which is a state park. Great beach with surf fishing and shelling.

We stayed twice at Tween Waters Inn on Captiva. Had great luck both times. They have everything from regular "hotel" rooms, to duplexes, to individual cottages. Nice grounds and pool, and the beach is right across the road. This is my wifes favorite destination. Not ultra fancy, but nice. Here's their address: http://www.tween-waters.com/