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Sanibel Island: Florida's cycling, shelling and birding eco paradise - Examiner

Sanibel's citizens, fearing runaway development, established the Manhattan -sized island as a city state in 1974, enacting strict conservation ordinances. You won't find billboards, fast food joints nor street or ...

The Best (and Worst) Restaurants on Sanibel and Captiva Florida - Associated Content

Best Key Lime Pie: Gramma Dot's ($20): I have been going here for years and many of the waiters and waitresses have been working here since I was a child. I recommend ordering off the lunch menu even if you ...

Experiencing Sunbelt Island, Florida - Examiner

In addition to the lure of shells, the large variety of birds on Sanibel beaches afford excellent photo opportunities as they pause and stare at the photographer. Part of the island is a wildlife refuge where many ...

Sanibel beach makes 10 ten list of most secluded beaches - WINKNEWS.com

SANIBEL ISLAND, Fla - Bowman's beach on Sanibel Island is named one of the top ten secluded beaches in America according to ShermansTravel.com. Editors also named beaches in California and Hawaii, North ...

Castor: BP needs to tell tourists beaches are OK - msnbc.com

BP should spend more money to tell tourists worldwide that the majority of Florida's beaches remain untainted by oil instead of doling out the cash to buy advertisements to polish its corporate image, U.S. Rep. Kathy ...

Lab's Lee County beach report now comes with pictures - News-Press

Seeing is believing. That's one reason why Lee County Tourist Development Council recently awarded Sarasota-based Mote Marine Laboratory $20,000. Part of the money will go to putting photos into the Lee County ...

Boat catches fire off Sanibel - Marco Island Florida.com

2:23 P.M. — A boat caught fire just yards from a popular Sanibel beach today. No injuries were reported. The boat’s owner, according to Sanibel officials, swam to shore. The fire broke out shortly before 2 ...

Royal Shell Announces New “Win a Week of Memories” Offer; 7 Nights On Captiva Island, Free - Earthtimes

Royal Shell Vacations, Sanibel and Captiva Islands largest vacation rentals company, has announced a new sweepstakes offer of 7 nights free in a two-bedroom beach condo on the grounds of Captiva Island’s ...

Top 10 US beaches to mix sun, surf and solitude - Travel Video

Seeking out sun, surf, and sand is an easy enough task, but is it possible to stir seclusion into the mix, too? Our editors say “shore”! We’ve dug deep into our arsenal of secret sands to present our top picks for ...

Chico’s Brings its Camouflage to the Hamptons - New York Times

TO my unschooled eye in the 1970s, nothing could have been more alluring than the countless paparazzi snaps I glimpsed of Elizabeth Taylor cavorting at Puerto Vallarta, her contours concealed by a billowy ...

Resolved Question: What is a quiet relaxing vacation spot in Florida?

My family has been looking around for a place to stay in Florida. We have spent the last 8 years going to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina, but we are going to try something new this year. We have found some nice hotels in Palm Beach, Boca Ray, and Delray, but I am just wondering if anyone has any other nice places to go. We have also checked out Sanibel and Captiva Island. It has to be on the ocean, and we don't want a place that is too ritzy because we don't want to have to dress up everywhere we go. Also, it would be great if you could name places located on the Atlantic side. You can give me some nice beaches, hotels, condos, etc. Thank you so much for your help! more

Resolved Question: Sanibel Island Florida?

I wanna know what it is like. Quiet and secluded or touristy and crowded? I am really looking for a great beach vacation. more

Resolved Question: What Sharks are Common to Sanibel Island, Flordida?

I know any gulf shark is possible in the waters but what sharks are common to the area beaches? Not a swimming concern, merely for fishing purposes. more

Resolved Question: beachfront rentals on captiva island?

My family and I really need to get away for a week. We really want a condo/house (?) for under $1000/wk. We want to leave on June 19 and come back on June 26. We really don't care too much about what the place looks like but it definitely has to be beachfront/steps from the beach. We would love to get a place in Sanibel Island, FL OR Captiva Island, FL if possible. I have been searching for weeks but I can't find anything. We will need a 1 or 2 bedroom place that can sleep 3 or 4. If anyone can find anything at all, it would be greatly helpful and appreciated! We've had a few rough months behind us and we just need to get away. Also, we have been looking at places in St. Augustine and other family-oriented places if there's any availibility. Thanks for the help! more

Resolved Question: i want to go to FL? Where should i stay?

Hi, SO... i wan to go to florida. I always find it so hard to get a read about what a place is like. I hear alot about party places and spring breakers so I dont want that. The only place i have been to is San Marco Island and i really liked it! It was almost perfect because it wasnt rowdy, you could walk out of hotel and go see other things and eat in other restaurants, it was beautiful BUT... it was too far from hotel. I would like something similar within a 20 minute drive from an airport so maybe we coudl just have a taxi bring us there! i was thinking sanibel but when i read reviews on tripadvisor I get scared again. Sometimes I think laid back and relaxed might really be trashy and run down! I dont know? ANY SUGGESTIONS out there? I am going to be 30. I am from nyc. I would be going with just my hubby. We love eating out and fun bars but nothing like a party scene! We want to be beach front! more

Resolved Question: Where is the best place to vacation out of these four places?

I have been allotted vacation time the first week of May, but I haven't decided where I would like to go. I am 22 years old, and I will be going with my boyfriend and two friends from work. I am trying to decide between Sanibel Island, Cocoa Beach, Pensacola, or the Outer Banks. If anyone has any info on any of these places, I would appreciate your input on which destination would be the best! Thanks! more

Resolved Question: How far is Delray Beach from Sanibel Island?

Resolved Question: What are the safest cities along the southwest coast of Florida?

We are a married 25 year old couple with two young children and will be moving to Florida within the next year. Looking for a safe city (low violent crimes, burglary, etc.) on the beach. Somewhere within 2 hours north or south of Sanibel Island. more

Resolved Question: Are thong bikinis legal at Ft. Myers Florida?

I am going to Sanibel Island for a vacation. Im trying to talk my gf into wearing a thong bikini on the beach there. Does anyone know if thongs are legal at Ft. Myers or Sanibel Island? more

Resolved Question: Are thong bikinis legal at Ft. Myers?

I am going to Sanibel Island for a vacation. Im trying to talk my gf into wearing a thong bikini on the beach there. Does anyone know if thongs are legal at Ft. Myers or Sanibel Island? more

Resolved Question: What's the best beach in Florida south of Tampa, but not farther south than Sanibel Island?

We have kids, so we are looking for a family-oriented beach to visit while on vacation in Florida. Thanks. We are interested in being able to swim, look for shells, and play in the sand. more

Resolved Question: Can anyone suggest a condo or cottage to rent on the beach on Sanibel Island?

My husband & I would like to vacation on Sanibel Island. Neither of us had ever been there. There seems to be so many places & very expensive. It is quiet confusing. We are looking for a clean place, on the beach with a full kitchen & grill for BBQ. Also, do you need to rent a car to get around? Any suggestions would be appreciated. more

Resolved Question: i need help finding a place where i can ride on the beach?

as a "final ho-rah" before i go off to college, my family and i are going on vacation this summer. they told me i could pick anywhere i wanted to go (within reason- must be in inland U.S.). though im not normally a huge fan of the beach/ocean (i'm more of a woodsy-lake kinda person) i thought it would be really fun to do a beach vacation. i've already gone on a ride in the mountains when i went to colorado, so now im looking to do a beach ride. on top of this it would be good because that way my dad & i can go scuba diving. my mom and i also really like nature conservation stuff, so sanibel island first came to mind but i can't find if they have horseback riding and i've already been there. any ideas? thank you!Chincoteague is such a good idea! even if they don't have riding there, it would be so cool to see the ponies. there's a new chincoteague pony at my farm, he's about 12 hh and SO fiesty, he's kind of hilarious to watch more

Resolved Question: How long does it take to get to(Florida).?

how long does it take to get from Clearwater Beach, FL, To Sanibel Island, FL?? HELP! more

Resolved Question: Which beach is the best for shelling on Sanibel Island?

Resolved Question: Best place to stay in Sanibel Island, Florida for family with small kids?

Should I book online, call and make reservations, or just drive there and see what's available? I don't want to stay on Fort Meyers Beach, only on Sanibel or Captiva. more

Resolved Question: Is it better to go to Sanibel Island or Captiva Island if I am trying to collect beautiful shells?

Also, which is the best beach to go to if I want to get the shells? more

Resolved Question: For seashells, which is better: Captiva Island, or Sanibel Island?

We're vacationing in Key West for a week or so in July, but would also enjoy a few days prowling the beach for seashells in the Sanibel/Captiva Islands area. We know that mid-summer isn't optimal vacation time in Florida, but we're not afraid of heat or the threat of hurricanes in July [we live in Northeastern North Carolina and we've been through plenty of tropical storms], and our schedule won't permit a vacation in the fall. So....which island are we more likely to find a good variety of seashells at this time of year: Sanibel or Captiva? more

Resolved Question: Which town would you choose to live in Florida's West Coast?

I want to live on one of these towns/islands in the near future. I know they're pretty pricey to live on but that doesn't matter right now I will figure that out when the time comes. Captiva, Sanibel, Naples, Siesta Key, Osprey, and Tierra Verde in Pinellas County. Which one has the nicest clean and closest to BLUE water beach, best nightlife, safe neighborhood good schools etc.? Please be detailed with every answer you give thanks a bunch!!I already looked into Fort Myers and it's not the type of place that I would like to live in. I am looking for something around those towns that I mentioned in my question thanks though more

Resolved Question: I'm looking for a nice affordable place to stay in Sanbel Island?

I'm looking for somewhere in Sanibel Island to stay, preferrably less then $120 a night, but near the beach and CLEAN. more

Resolved Question: planning a beach wedding give me some ideas!?

im planning a beach wedding on sanibel island in florida and im looking for some ideas. about anything. more

Resolved Question: Where should we go on vacation?

We want: 1. Less than $2,000, including lodging, food, and airfare from Atlanta. 2. We would consider driving up to 8 hours from Atl to save $$. 3. Nice beach, lodging with a great pool, and a pool bar 4. Some things to do, such as a cute downtown area with shops, and a few attractions (old homes to tour, or a winery, historic site - we're open minded and just don't want to get bored), some good restaurants. I've found all inclusive deals in our price range in the Dominican Republic and Mayan Riviera, but we are foodies and are concerned about the quality of food at an all inclusive. We are not interested in - Charleston, Savannah, Myrtle Beach, Panama City Beach, Amelia Island, Miami, Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island, Jekyll or St. Simons Island. Thanks for your suggestions. Any specific resort/hotel recommendations, in addition to city recs, would be great. We plan to travel in June. more

Resolved Question: FOR EASY 10 PTS., can anyone tell me what any of these Florida towns would be like to live in?

I'm thinking of moving to Florida and I need some opinions! I am DEFINITELY leaning towards the Gulf Coast side so forget about South Beach (I don't have that kind of money anyways). These are the towns/areas that I've narrowed it down to! Tampa Ft. Myers Clearwater St.Petersburg Cape Coral Sanibel Island (my favorite but costly and kinda remote) Naples Siesta Key Sarasota I don't want to live anywhere north of the Tampa Bay area and anywhere south of Marco Island and at least 10 miles from the water. I'm single w/ no kids in my early 30's and I love nature but I also like to go to cool clubs and bars once in a while. Some of the other things I like that may help you decide where would be best for me are fishing boating hiking horseback riding biking shopping (when I have the money) clubbing (not every night though, lol!) cultural activites and art GOING TO THE BEACH AND TANNING! You get the idea. THANKS FOR ANY SUGGESTIONS! You get the ideaI had NO IDEA what category to put this under! It's not really "travel" and it's not really "home and garden" so I figured this one was the most appropriate? They need a moving/relocating category! more

Resolved Question: Where to search for sea shells in central to northern Florida?

We will be staying in the Ocala area, are there any beaches with shells within a 1-2 hour drive? We specifically are going to the beach for our daughter to be able to find sea shells, we're not worried about activities or white sand, etc. I saw that down south like Sanibel Island is good, but we're hoping not to have to drive that far. We just found out that the beach we were going to is closed due to some weather related issue that wiped out the beach. Any suggestions would be appreciated! more

Resolved Question: Where would you suggest someone like me (see details) should move to in Florida or another southern state?

I'm 35 and have no children. I've grown up in the midwest and there is nothing really keeping me here. I've always loved Florida and I'd like to try living somewhere different! I'm a recovering alcoholic so I'm not into going to the bars and clubs. I love animals and I would like to move somewhere where I can bring my small dogs. I'm on disability but I can still work part-time and I'm not worried too much about finances. I am hoping to find somewhere that I could share a home or apartment until I find a place of my own! Here are the important things that I want in a place I move to! 1. must be close to the beach 2. must be a decent area with not a lot of drug activity and crime 3. have a decent amount of single guys 30-50 4. must be a pretty place to live with lots of foliage and greenery 5. must not be a place that is 90% senior citizens, LOL (I know may be hard in Florida)! 6. somewhere that has a lot of activities and fun things to do. I like horseback riding, fishing, swimming, going to the beach, shopping, biking, walking, doing "touristy" things, etc... 7. I'd prefer somewhere that doesn't get lower than 50 degrees in the winter and has a breeze to keep things cooler in the summer. 8. Maybe somewhere UP AND COMING like the new "cool" place for young people to live (I consider myself a young 35 year old!) Like I said, it doesn't have to be Florida. 9. Public transportation would be nice. I will have a car but want to use it minimally and would rather bike,walk, or take a bus. 10. maybe a college town? Like I said, it does NOT have to be Florida! The places that I've been to in Florida include Sanibel Island (though too costly for me right now and a pain to get to Ft. Myers), the Tampa Bay area, and Sarasota and Siesta Key. ANY IDEAS??? THANKS SO MUCH! more

Resolved Question: Questions about Fort myers beach..?

Friends and I are going down there in March. I've been down there before. Approx. How far away is Estero Bvld from RSW (airport) or Sanibel island...or Naples..We wont have a car, bikes are fine. We wanted to stay on estero bvld, but all the hotels seem way too expensive. Any info on Ft myers would lovely :) thank you! more

Resolved Question: Hey. I am going on a 6 night trip to Florida (sanibel island) in February.WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

6 nights. mid february. on the beach. pool. ive never been there before! what should i bring on the plane? can i bring food from home or no? thanks. more

Resolved Question: Help finding a website?

I need a website where I can find a hotel in Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Marco Island, Sanibel Island, or any location by the Ft. Myers Airport. They are all in Florida. Also, if the website could show hotels that are in order of how many stars they are given. Even a website that can help me find a resort/hotel in \Florida, with the prices listed. Thanks in advance!!! more

Resolved Question: Help? Finding a hotel in Florida?

Resolved Question: Goin 2 Boca Grande area@Xmas. Where can we find lesson&rent snorkeling equipment? Willing2travel 60miles +-Tx?

Taking college age daughters to Fl over xmas break. Will be visiting Cayo Costa Island State Park, Gasparilla Is. SP, and Sanibel and Captiva. Would love to take girls snorkeling. Need to rent equipment near good beach and would like a lesson before we go out. Any locals know the area and have info to offer?Would really appreciate any help you can give us. TIA. Indiana Mom more

Resolved Question: survey.florida beach?

caladesi islans or sanibel island and why more

Resolved Question: vacation finances. please help me put my mind at ease...!?

my family has a vacation to florida planned in 2 weeks. we will be in disney for 7 days, sea world for 1 day, busch gardens for 1 day, and sanibel island for 2 days. my hotels are paid for. we have the food plan at disney and we have money set aside for the gas and food expenses while at the other parks and beach. i have $2100 for spending money (for suvineers and things). it will be just me, my son, and my boyfriend going. is this going to be enough? i have been so paranoid lately that i won't have enough money for this trip. more

Resolved Question: Poll:Where in the world do you think the best sunsets are found?

I am a sunset lover. I take pictures of them where ever I go. My favorite so far was off the Light House Beach on Sanibel Island, Florida. How about you? more

Resolved Question: What to do in Fort Myers Beach??

Two of my friends and are going to Ft. Myers Beach, Florida in a couple of days and I wanted to know if anyone knows about any cool places to go to, besides the beaches and Sanibel Island. Any cool night life places? Two of us are 20 yrs old and the other one is 21..What can we do??Any 18 clubs? more

Resolved Question: New to fishing...?

i am currently on vacation with my family at Sanibel island. We checked into our condo today and i found a fishing rod in the closet. SO i decided i might try out fishing off the beach(tarpon beach) any tips? more

Resolved Question: Sanibel Island?

Hey has anybody heard of sanibel island? Our family's actually looking for a nice vacation spot. We're all big fans of the beach and then we came across this island...but never heard of it. I was wondering if someone has heard of it...and if so...anything good? if you haven't...what are some nice yet not too expensive vacation spots out there..with beaches and family activities? more

Resolved Question: Sanibel island beach conditions?

I am going to Sanibel island this saturday and i haven't been there in a while. The last time i went there was little beach and a large amount of seaweed. Is it any different? more

Resolved Question: Do you know is there a public beach at the Sanibel Island? or there are but Private hotel beaches?

I know there are public beaches at Ft. Myers, what about Sanibel Island. Does it have a public beach and what is the best beach at Ft. Myers? more

Resolved Question: Sanibel Island, FL weather?

I am considering a destination beach wedding on Sanibel for next summer, but in looking at average temperatures, I am a little concerned. The reports I've found show the average high in June to be at least 90 degrees. May doesn't look any cooler. (A little background on the reason for choosing June: our siblings will all be out of college for the summer, and March/April look to be peak months which = higher prices for lodging, flights, etc.) Anyone familiar with the Gulf Coast Florida area who can comment on summer weather? Is it really that hot? I'd rather not pass out on the beach at my wedding :) Thanks! more

Resolved Question: What to wear in Florida in mid-April?!?!?

Next week is April vacation =]]] I'm flying to West Palm Beach Driving up to Cape Canaveral & Orlando Driving down along the Gulf of Mexico -- Tampa, Sarasota, Ft. Myers, Sanibel Island Then we are visiting the Everglades Then we are going to Miami/Miami Beach and back to West Palm Beach What will the weather be like? What kind of clothes should I take? Is it cold on the beach? Any kind of weather info or about what to wear/pack would help. Thankssss!!!!Excuse me, I am Roman Catholic, not Muslim. Please don't put stuff like that I am asking a serious question and I want a serious answer not someone trying to get me to change my religion ! more

Resolved Question: sanibel island beach water temperature?

Resolved Question: Is Sanibel Island Florida nice? I want a nice hotel to stay in which is on the beach. Where is a nice place?

to stay? more

Resolved Question: Sanibel Island Beach Question... FT Myers ??

My husband and I are planning a trip to Sanibel Island. I mainly want to go to see all of the shells (I've never been to a beach for shells) Anyway... we looked at hotels and all of them are located in Ft Myers. My question is which beach (the website I went to said Sabibel Beaches) would be best for finding shells? Also, how far is Ft Myers from Sanibel? Any other information would be helpful such as parking locations/costs etc. Thank You! =) more

Resolved Question: Can you easily walk from Sanibel Island to Fort Myers Beach Florida?

Resolved Question: Can you walk from Sanibel Island to Fort Myers Beach in Florida?

Resolved Question: I will be visiting Sanibel Island for a day. I am looking for one day beach rental chairs.?

Resolved Question: Are there any beaches that provide rental chairs Sanibel Island?

Resolved Question: Where to stay on Sanibel Island?

Looking for a really nice hotel on the beach more

Resolved Question: Have you ever gone to Sanibel Island Beach?

If so, How could I prepare myself to go there? Which activities do people do there? I want to travel there for a week, and it is the first time and first experience. more

Resolved Question: Where are the best shell hunting beaches?

Where are the best beaches internationally to find shells for a collection? Does anyone know good places in Australia or China? I already know about Sanibel Island in Florida and been there a few times. more