Marco, Sanibel & Captiva Island Vacations - Florida

About Sanibel Island And Captiva Island 

14 miles west of Fort Myers, 40 miles north of Naples

Sanibel and Captiva Islands have resisted the high rise development, entertainment parks and neon signs that are the hallmarks of Florida vacation resorts. They are the southernmost of the 100 islands that make up the Gulf Barrier Islands and make excellent day trips from Fort Myers.

The islands are noted for their glorious beaches which are covered with an unbelievable assortment of shells, especially Sanibel Island. Visitors to the islands quickly adopt the "Sanibel Stoop" in which they spend a considerable part of their day bent forward from the waist as they search out yet more shell treasures.

The Bailey Matthews Shell Museum is a good place to start learning about shell history, the rules of collection and shelling etiquette. Local residents are aware of the treasure they have and actively participate is schemes to protect the islands.  Advertising sizes and building heights are restricted, water craft must remain at least 300 yards off shore and the Sanibel beaches, tress and tropical flora is protected.

Despite their small size and permanent communities, more than half of the the islands consist of wildlife refuges offering walking and bike trails, canoeing and kayaking. The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel covers over 6000 acres and is considered one of Florida's best reserves.