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Soak in the warm water off the coast of Fort Myers and relax along the pristine white, sandy beaches. Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Fla. are the perfect summer getaway for sunny weather in a tropical locale. Restaurants serve seafood favorites, with some eateries right on the beach. Comb the sands for some of the best shelling in the world or enjoy water sports like ocean kayaking.

Note: In August 2004, category-four Hurricane Charley struck North Captiva Island, extensively damaging the island's buildings. Storm surge caused a watery gap along the narrowest part of the island, separating the island in two according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Sanibel Island was also hit, causing substantial damage on the beachfront. Both islands were evacuated, but are both operational and well into the rebuilding process.

• How to Get There
• Where to Stay
• Where to Eat
• What to Do
• Insider Tip
  
• More Travel Info
  

How to Get There

• Fort Myers Airport
  
• I-75, Exit 131 onto Daniels Parkway

Where to Stay

Captiva Island Inn Bed and Breakfast
Located in "Olde Captiva," these beachside cottages are reminiscent of those at Martha's Vineyard. Accomodations include a five bedroom house and smaller cottages right in the heart of town.
11509 Andy Rosse Ln., Captiva Island, FL 33924
800-454-9898
www.CaptivaIslandInn.com

South Seas Island Resort
A 350 acre tropical playground and countless ways to enjoy it, including special packages and exclusive amenities like tennis, golf, water sports and fishing charters.
www.SouthSeas.com

Cottages to Castles of Sanibel
If you're looking to splurge, you can rent a private cottage, home or a Florida estate for your stay on the island.
2427 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, FL 33957
800-472-5385
www.Cottages-To-Castles.com

Where to Eat

The Key Lime Bistro
(Located at the Captiva Island Inn Bed and Breakfast)
Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with seafood favorites like grouper, tuna and shrimp. Outside and inside dining with occasional live music.
11509 Andy Rosse Ln., Captiva Island, FL 33924
800-454-9898
www.CaptivaIslandInn.com

The Mucky Duck
Serving lunch and dinner – along with some duck – this English pub and restaurant is located right on the beach. Be sure to catch the daily sunset party with live entertainment.
11546 Andy Rosse Ln., Captiva Island, Fl 33924
239-472-3434
www.MuckyDuck.com

The Riviera Restaurant
Enjoy world-class cuisine in a romantic setting.
2761 West Gulf Dr., Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239-472-1141
Riviera Of Sanibel

What to Do

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
A refuge of 2,825 acres has been designated as wilderness area. You can bike, walk, canoe, kayak or take the narrated tram trip through the home of more than 230 species of birds, 50 types of reptiles and amphibians and 32 different mammals.
1 Wildlife Dr., Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239-472-1100
www.fws.gov/dingdarling

Captiva Cruises
Reserve a spot in advance for dolphin and wildlife adventure cruises, including sunset cruises.
P.O. Box 580, Captiva Island, Florida 33924
239-472-5300
www.CaptivaCruises.com

Captiva Kayak & Wildside Adventures
A small boutique offers the beginner and experienced kayaker 42 types of kayaks. Also has small sailboats.
11401 Andy Rosse Ln., Captiva Island, FL 33924
239-395-2925
www.CaptivaKayaks.com

Insider Tip

• Sanibel Island has some of the best shelling in the world. Sanibel runs east to west as part of a plateau that continues underwater into the Gulf of Mexico. As the tides shift, it becomes a barrier perfect for shell deposits. On low tides, be sure to comb the sandbars.
  

For more information about Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Fla., visit the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce website at www.Sanibel-Captiva.org.

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