Thanks for booking through me.  I hope you have a wonderful vacation.  Please keep me in mind for future Sanibel & Captiva Vacations.

CONTACT:
Candy Harris
www.sunsanibel.com | (248) 561-0189

Sanibel & Captiva Islands rated top 10 vacation destinations by Money Magazine; rated top 10 beaches by USA Today.

 

Activities to Enjoy with or without Children

  • Tarpon Bay Recreation, (239-472-8900), tarponbayedxplorers.com | They offer several types of activities. We have tried the kayak trail through Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. These are guided trips through backbay waters.  Also, we’ve done the tram ride through refuge–provides a bit more info than driving through by yourself.
  • Bike Riding, Billy’s Bike Rentals, (800) 575-8717, billysrentals.com  | Bring your own if arriving by car. If you want to rent for a week, we recommend renting off-site for a better rate. They will deliver bikes to your complex. . During peak season, you may want to call ahead to reserve. Twenty-five miles of paved bike paths on Sanibel; biking is limited on Captiva.
  • Captiva Cruises, (239-472-5300), captivacruises.com | We have taken all-day trips to all four destinations of Captiva Cruises. Boats are nicely appointed with restrooms, snacks, and cocktails. A good narrative of area, history, nature, and dolphin watching. Cabbage Key is one destination for casual lunch and a short hike (the island is tiny). Useppa Island is snobby; service/food at the restaurant was poor. Sunset Cruises and Dolphin Cruises are available for a shorter time.
  • Adventures in Paradise, (239-472-8443), adventuresInParadiseInc.com  | We have done all three activities. Morning backbay fishing was fun; a good family activity, but probably not for the serious fisherman.  The afternoon sea life encounter by boat is led by a marine biologist. This is a more educational type of trip to learn about the habitat of the Sanibel area. The sunset trip is at sundown. The tram will pick you up at the Sundial front entrance. We have also done the sunset champagne cruise (a few nibbles and a little bubbly during the trip) for the 4th of July fireworks.
  • Sanibel Thriller Cruises, (239) 472-2328, sanibelthriller.com | Several types of boat tours and the best bet for seeing dolphins. The unique aspect of this trip is that circumnavigates both Sanibel & Captiva on Gulf and bayside.
 

Free/Inexpensive Activities

  • Beachcombing and shelling–pick up a library book on shells before you come. See how many types you can find. We also have a couple of shelling books in the condo. Remember–it is unlawful on Sanibel to take live shells. This is a great activity for the whole family. We have been known to get up before daybreak and hunt with a flashlight. Also, shelling is great after a storm. Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is quite interesting if you like shells.
  • Sshhh–a secret. There is a tropical bird and monkey display in the Periwinkle Travel Park on Periwinkle. You’d never guess it was there–just drive past all the travel trailers and mobile homes and it’s in the middle of the park. You can also reach it from Middle Gulf Drive if you want to ride your bike. Also, take kids to Jerry’s Grocery complex to talk to the parrots.
  • The pride of Sanibel is the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. Sunset is a great time to drive through. $5 per car or $1 for a bike. We have done both. It’s about 5 miles long. Lots of great wildlife–birds, osprey, eagles, spoonbills, and alligators. Stop at the Visitor Center at the beginning to get more info. Take your time and stop and explore some of the walkways and lookouts.
  • C.R.O.W. Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife, 3883 SanCap Road, Tours 11 AM Mon.-Fri. and Sunday at 1 PM in season.  The objective is to care for injured or orphaned native wildlife and return them to the wild. Very interesting.
 

Cloudy Day Activities

  • The Everglades | We have done several of the tourist airboats trips. All about the same, but something to see.
  • Sanibel Farmer’s Market | Not to be missed. Every Sunday November to May 8 am to 1 pm at City Complex on Dunlop.
  • Shopping | Lots of wonderful boutiques and shops on Sanibel. Guard your credit cards carefully.
  • Flea Markets | Have been to Fleamasters off I-75 on Martin Luther King Drive north of Myers. Lots of vendors—mostly new stock. Couldn’t get my son away as a child.
  • Edison/Ford Winter Estates in Myers | Interesting visit to see where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford wintered in the 1800’s.
 

Restaurants

Casual is the word on Sanibel/Captiva. Many restaurants don’t take reservations; many offer early bird discounts. Most offer children’s menus. Plan to wait for a table during peak season unless you arrive early.

Menus | http://www.cuisine-scene.com/

 

Our Favorites

  • Bubble Room on Captiva | Touristy, but fun. We like the food, a little on the pricey side. Limited parking. This is popular—plan on a wait unless you arrive at 5:30 p.m. The atmosphere is worth it.
  • Mucky Duck on Captiva | Try to time for sunset dinner. This is on Captiva; parking is very limited and a little hard to find. It’s right on the beach. The food is good, but nothing unforgettable; the view of the Gulf is great. Have your cocktail on the beach while waiting for a table.
  • Gramma Dot’s at Sanibel Marina | Turn left on Yachtsman off Periwinkle, limited seating, open-air restaurant, closes around 8 p.m. Try the coconut shrimp
  • Matzaluna | If you want pasta or gourmet pizza or pasta, this is the place to go.
  • Timbers, on Tarpon Bay Road on Sanibel | usually ranked as best of the seafood restaurants. You can call ahead to be put on waiting list. Adjoining Sanibel Grill, a sports bar, has the same food but is less expensive if you buy in basket form.
  • Traders on Periwinkle | Wonderful food. Small plates up until 6 p.m.
  • Doc Ford’s | On Tarpon Beach Rd. Call ahead 30 min.
  • Island Cow | Our 37-year-old’s favorite as a child — going to Sanibel since he was 6 and now enjoys with his own family. Try the cheeseburger, fries, and milkshakes. Fun menu. Yummy!
 

Breakfast/Brunch

  • Sanibel Cafe on Periwinkle | Very interesting breakfasts, good.
  • Lighthouse Cafe | A popular breakfast spot–good bike ride from Sundial.
  • Over Easy | In strip mall at the corner of Tarpon Bay/Periwinkle.
 

Fishing

We’re not fishing folks, but the Lighthouse Pier appears to have lots of successful fishermen. Many charters are available–check local publications. Salt and fresh-water fishing.

 

Tennis

Available at Sundial for a fee.
Lighted tennis at Sanibel Recreation Center (5 miles away). Free with Sanibel Rec Center membership.

 

Golf

Dunes (239-472-2535)
Sanibel Island Golf Club (239-472-2626), www.sanibelislandgc.com |  Closest to Sundial. You may spot an alligator along the waterways. Don’t bother him and forget your ball if it lands near a gator.

 

Recreation

Sanibel Recreation Center | This is a wonderful alternative to paying the resort fee at the Sundial or South Seas. This has two pools and a kiddie pool. Call for hours of the water slide and kiddie pool (239) 472-0345. Fees can be found here: http://bit.ly/1H2os5J. Activities include:

  • Aquatics (Water Aerobics, Lap Swimming, Water Slide, Splash Pad, Pool Swimming)
  • Fitness (Land Aerobics, Open Walking, Open Gym, Pickup-Basketball, Pickup-Volleyball, Weight Room) ***Best fitness room on the island.
  • Tennis Courts
  • Skate Park
 

Groceries

  • Publix on 15880 Summerlin (at Winkler intersection) or Publix at Sanibel Beach Place 20321 Summerlin (across from outlet mail—but awkward to turn left to head to Sanibel) | These are full-service, modern stores, with a bit more selection, and lower prices than on the island.
  • Jerry’s on Periwinkle | Very nice, full-service, accepts credit cards.
  • Bailey’s corner of Tarpon Bay Road and Periwinkle | Very nice, full-service, accepts credit cards.
  • Bailey’s Marketplace at Sundial | Good for items you need quickly.

Groceries can be pre-ordered from either Jerry’s or Bailey’s and delivered to your accommodation prior to your arrival. Delivery is approx. $25.

 

Laundry

Many condos have washer/dryers in units.  If not, most have a coin-operated laundry in the building.

 

Nightlife

Several venues have live entertainment in the evenings–Jacaranda on Periwinkle. Always fun is the Crab Races at Tween Waters, Monday Night at 9 PM (adults only). Traders, George & Wendy’s and Traditions also have live entertainment.

 

What is Furnished with Condo

Furnished with the condo is the following starter package: Packets of dishwasher soap, detergent for 2 loads (no softener), a roll of paper towels, a box of tissues, 2 rolls of toilet tissue for each bath, bar soaps for baths, garbage bags. Most condos have DVD players and hair dryers.

 

Cleaning

The condo is cleaned prior to your arrival and upon your departure; this is included in your rate. A vacuum, mop, broom, etc. are provided for spot clean-ups or accidents. Please be aware that excessive laundry, stains on bedspreads, upholstery, carpeting, missing linens, or unusual damages may be charged to the guest.

 

Sundial Guests

Condo swimming pools are available to guests at no charge. Please be aware that you are renting a private condo and NOT affiliated with the Sundial Resort. As of this printing, open to the public at Resort are tiki bar, restaurants, pizza kitchen, Bailey’s Marketplace, spa services tennis, and Sanibel Sea School. Resort access is subject to change.

 

Beach and Baby Equipment

http://www.islandrentalservices.net

 

Auto and Air Reservations

www.sunsanibel.globaltravel.com. Check the rates here.