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Tarpon Bay Explorers

Guided kayak trips through the mangrove trail inside Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, plus a narrated tram ride through the refuge that tells you far more than driving it yourself.

(239) 472-8900

Captiva Cruises

All-day trips to Cabbage Key (a casual lunch spot with a short island hike) and beyond, aboard well-appointed boats with restrooms, snacks, and cocktails, plus a good narrative on local history and nature. Sunset and dolphin-watching cruises run shorter trips.

(239) 472-5300

Adventures in Paradise

Morning backbay fishing is fun and family-friendly; the afternoon sea life encounter is led by a marine biologist. The sunset trip departs at sundown.  Adventures in Paradise will pick up tour groups by tram from the Sundial front entrance.

(239) 472-8443

Billy’s Bike Rentals

Rent for the week off-site for a better rate — Billy’s delivers right to your complex. Sanibel has 25 miles of paved bike paths.

(800) 575-8717

Finnimore’s Cycle Shop

Bikes, trikes, tandems, e-bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, and beach gear — with delivery available right to your door on Periwinkle Way.

(239) 472-5577

Sanibel Golf Carts

A fun, easy way to get around the island for the week — especially handy for beach runs and dinner reservations.

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Beachcombing & Shelling

Sanibel’s beaches are famous for their shells thanks to the island’s unusual east-west orientation. Shelling is best right after a storm, and true collectors get up before daybreak with a flashlight. Remember: it’s unlawful to take live shells.

The Island’s Best-Kept Secret

Tucked inside the Periwinkle Travel Park (drive past the trailers — it’s in the middle) is a small tropical bird and monkey display you’d never guess was there. Kids also love visiting the parrots at the Jerry’s Grocery complex.

J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge

The pride of Sanibel. About five miles long, $5 per car or $1 by bike. Sunset is a beautiful time to drive through — expect birds, osprey, eagles, spoonbills, and alligators.

C.R.O.W. – Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife

3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road. Tours typically run at 11 AM Monday–Friday, and Sunday at 1 PM in season. CROW cares for injured or orphaned native wildlife and returns them to the wild.

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

A must if you enjoy shelling — a fascinating look at the science and history behind Sanibel’s famous shores.

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An Everglades Day

The airboat tours are all fairly similar, but every one is worth the ride — a great way to turn a day trip into an Everglades adventure.

Sanibel Farmer’s Market

Not to be missed. Every Sunday, November through May, 8 AM–1 PM at the City Complex on Dunlop.

Island Shopping

Wonderful boutiques and shops line Sanibel — guard your credit cards carefully.

Fleamasters Flea Market

Off I-75 on Martin Luther King Drive, north of Fort Myers. Lots of vendors, mostly new stock — good for a couple of hours.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

A genuinely interesting visit to see where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford wintered in the late 1800s, in Fort Myers.

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Our Favorites

Bubble Room — Captiva

Touristy but fun, and the food’s good, if a little on the pricey side. Parking is limited and it’s popular — arrive by 5:30 PM or expect a wait.

Mucky Duck — Captiva

Time it for sunset. Right on the beach, with limited and hard-to-find parking. Grab a cocktail on the sand while you wait for your table.

Gramma Dot’s — Sanibel Marina

Turn left on Yachtsman off Periwinkle. Open-air, limited seating, closes around 8 PM. Try the coconut shrimp.

Tutti Pazzi (Italian)

The spot for pasta or gourmet pizza.

Timbers — Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel

Usually ranked as the best of the island’s seafood restaurants. The adjoining Sanibel Grill sports bar serves the same food, less expensively, in basket form.

Traders — Periwinkle

Wonderful food, with a small-plates menu available until 6 PM.

Doc Ford’s — Tarpon Bay Road

A longtime island favorite.

Shima’s — Sundial

Japanese steak house, right on-site at Sundial.

40-Year Family Favorite

Cheeburger Cheeburger — Ryan’s Favorite

Burgers, fries, and milkshakes. Our family has been coming here since our son was six years old — he now brings his own kids.

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Sanibel Cafe

On Periwinkle — interesting, satisfying breakfasts.

Lighthouse Cafe

A popular breakfast spot, and a nice bike ride from Sundial.

Over Easy Cafe

Located in the Village Shops on Periwinkle.

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Beachview Golf Club

The closest course to Sundial — keep an eye out for alligators along the waterways.

(239) 472-2626

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club

Another well-loved island course.

(239) 472-2535

Sundial Courts

Available on-site at Sundial for a fee. Lighted tennis is also available at the Sanibel Recreation Center, free with membership.

Surf & Charter Fishing

You can fish right in the surf in front of Sundial. Both salt- and fresh-water charters are widely available.

Sanibel Recreation Center

A wonderful alternative to a resort day-fee. Two pools plus a kiddie pool with a water slide, and what we consider the best fitness room on the island.

(239) 472-0345

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Groceries

Full-service Publix stores are located at 15880 Summerlin (Winkler intersection) and at Sanibel Beach Place, 20321 Summerlin. On-island, Jerry’s on Periwinkle is a very nice, full-service market, and A Bit of Bailey’s offers a smaller full-service option. Groceries can be pre-ordered through Jerry’s and delivered ahead of your arrival.

Nightlife

Several island venues offer live entertainment in the evenings — ask locally for the current lineup during your stay.

Laundry

Our condos come equipped with a washer and dryer in-unit, so packing light is easy.

Getting Around

Between bike rentals, golf carts, and the paved bike paths across the island, you may not need to touch your car all week.