Ocean Reach Resort’s Sanibel Island Blog is extending its hand to more and more viewers every day. With a place for comments, sanibel photos, interviews, slideshows, videos, and more, Sanibel Island Blog is the blog to be on.

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Media perceptions have been spreading like wildfire. Vacationers can still be confident of the beautiful landscape. Hotel owners are promising refunds to customers if the tar and oil do wash onto the shore. Thus, customers have a guarantee that their money will not be wasted. Deals on vacation rentals on Sanibel are quite amazing. Families can really take advantage of a disastrous national situation. No one knows exactly what the future holds; however, beach lovers can still come and enjoy the amazing beaches on Sanibel.

Florida boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Gulf Coast. Beautiful sparkling waters and white sandy beaches are perfect settings for amazing memories. Sunny Florida weather is simply amazing. People come from all over the world to enjoy the southern charm and flavor of Sanibel.

In addition, Sanibel has other attractions as well. Although the beach is definitely the main pull for most visitors, Sanibel has so many other things to offer. For example, there are 28 miles of bike trails. The Edison Ford estates and the National Preserve are other local attractions that can make a vacation truly memorable. Hotel owners, owners, and other tourism professionals are offering great deals on vacation rentals on Sanibel.

Play hard is the theme of the island of Sanibel. Guests are encouraged to abandon the stress of their daily lives and engage in some serious play. Adults, and children can let the good times roll in Sanibel. Summer is peak season and great deals on vacation rentals on Sanibel are abundant right now. That is right. You can get great value for your money. A better bang for your buck is currently available. The beaches are still beautiful, and officials will notify the public when this changes. Thus, the refund guarantees are an added comfort to vacationers. You deserve to know that your dollars will not be wasted.

Restaurants in Sanibel are world class. In fact, chefs from all over the world have come to add their unique talents to this tropical paradise. Fun and good food are consistent themes in Sanibel. Seafood lovers will devour the fresh seafood, and the food is still fresh and safe. Worries are not necessary here at Sanibel. Leave your worries and stress at home. A vacation in Sanibel will refresh and revitalize you. The deals are amazing right now. How about packing up your suitcase and coming on down to the beautiful beaches in Sanibel, FL. The staff is ready to give you and your family the royal treatment. Your wish is definitely our command in Sanibel Island Florida.

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The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. and there is no better way to soak in the diverse landscape of animals and floral than by boat. Tarpon Bay Explorers is located directly in the park and lets travelers explore it up close with a variety of boat rentals. Accommodating up to 8 people, their 20 foot pontoon rentals are pefect for family trips, and they come furnished with a bimini top, cooler with ice and plenty of storage for fishing gear and valuables. The cost is $180 for half a day and $260 for the full day. Boating experience is not required.

In addition, Tarpon Bay Explorers also offers boat rentals for smaller parties to wade around the waters of the refuge and Tarpon Bay to catch site of manatees, dolphins and exotic birds. Kayaks and canoes are available for a 2 hour minimum rental. Singles cost $20, while doubles are $30 with each additional hour $10 and $15 respectively. They are outfitted with safety vests at no additional charge. And for the fishermen, two-person motorized canoes can be rented featuring an electric trolling motor. They start at $70 for a half day and $90 for the full day. Fishing gear is $10 for a half day trip and $9 for the full day, plus fishing licenses and live bait are available.

If nature isn’t your thing and you are interested in visiting other parts of the island and partake in the world-class shelling, then the boat rentals at Sanibel Marina are the ideal option. Located on the east side of the island the marina offers a fleet of center consoles and cruisers to navigate the island and enjoy its many activities. Each boat can be rented at three rate intervals. The 20 foot deck boats start a $150 for a half day, $200 for six hours and the all day rate is $225. These cruisers are fit for bigger parties and relishing the open water. Meanwhile, the 21 foot center consoles let riders hop off to sight see and spend time shelling. They run $125 for a half day, $160 for six hours and $200 for a full day. Fuel, oil and tax are not included.

For the less adventurous, numerous places provide charters, but the boat rentals on Sanibel Island let you be your own captain.

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Captiva Island is a beautiful Island, located off of Florida coast in the Gulf of Mexico. Over the years, Captive Island has become a popular vacation spot for Florida locales and tourists alike. One of the most unique aspects of Captiva Island is the fact that the island houses not a single hotel. Therefore, for those interested in staying on the island, they must find a vacation home to rent. While this may be a bit more complicated that simply booking a hotel room, there are a variety of rental homes available on the island for those that know where to look.

Popular Captiva Island Vacation Rentals

While there are no hotels on Capitva Island, there are a variety of rental companies that offer homes and condos that visitors may rent by the day or week. One such rental company is Captivavacation.com. This rental company offers seven different properties that visitors may rent, three of which are located on the Captiva oceanfront. These homes range in both size and price, and cost anywhere from approximately $2,000 to $3,000 a week for a house that can sleep six to fourteen people.

Royal Shell Vacations is another popular rental company that offers visitors properties to rent on Captiva Island. Royal Shell Vacations currently offers over one-hundred homes and condos on Captiva Island, many of which are located on, or in close proximity, to the oceanfront. What is unique about these rentals, is that many of them are pet-friendly, which is great news for pet owners that are interested in bringing their pet along for the fun. Royal Shell Vacations offers rentals in a variety of price ranges, which allows visitors to plan their vacation around their budget. In addition to great prices, Royal Shell Vacations also offers many specials and promotions to customers in order to make their stay on Captiva Island even more affordable.

Captivavip.com is another popular resource for rentals on Captiva Island. This website features access to four different rental communities, some of which are beach front, based on a customer’s preferences and price range. However, while some of these rental properties are not located directly on the beach, they are within walking distance to a beach. Captiva VIP offers visitors a range of luxuries rental homes, condos, and villas, and are sure to have something that fits every customer’s needs.

Captiva Island Vacation Rentals By Owner: What To Know

When renting a home or condo from a private owner on Captiva Island, there are a few things to keep in mind. The first thing to remember is to rent these properties as far in advance as possible. This is because rental properties fill up quite quickly, and many times, renting in advance may save the traveler money on the rental. Additionally, if a traveler is intending on bringing a pet, it is important to ask the property owner if the house allows animals. While there are a number of rentals that are pet-friendly, there are just as many, if not more rentals that do not allow animals on the premises. When these tips are taken into consideration, it is quite simple to rent a property on Captiva Island and enjoy a beach vacation in a true tropical paradise.

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No Oil Found On Sanibel Island

When you think of paradise, you think of swaying palm trees, tropical breezes and beautiful beaches. Sanibel Island has all of those. Some folks may be hesitant to make plans to visit this idyllic spot off the Southwest coast of Florida, however, because of the recent Horizon oil spill and the threat of oil eventually washing up on Southwest Florida’s beautiful beaches.

No one can say with certainty that the oil won’t get as far as Sanibel Island, but chances are good that it won’t. It is with that kind of positive thinking that Sanibel Islanders extend an open welcome to tourists to visit Sanibel Island and experience all there is to this beautiful corner of the world.

In addition to white sand beaches, you’ll find excellent hotel accommodations, restaurants to suit every taste and budget, and plenty of shops to browse around in when you aren’t soaking up the sun.

Accommodations -
Whatever your accommodation needs, Sanibel Island can meet and exceed them–from large hotels and resorts featuring excellent amenities such as golfing, tennis, spa treatments and more, to small cottages and B & B’s that cater to the nature lover in you. Come for a day, a week or longer and enjoy reduced prices during the summer season.

Dining –
On Sanibel Island, there are dozens of restaurants to choose from depending on your tastes. Naturally, seafood is the number one pick of so many tourists and you can be assured that it is fresh and plentiful all year long. Many venues offer outdoor and waterfront dining so you never miss a moment of the beauty that is Sanibel Island. You can take your pick from hamburger joints to casual dining, even award-winning bistros.

Shopping and Entertainment –
Shopping is an important item on many tourists’ agendas and Sanibel Island doesn’t disappoint. Here is where you will find many unique one-of-a-kind gifts and souvenirs as well as clothing and other items all created with the islander in mind. For the art collectors, there are many art galleries and shops that offer up everything from island whimsical to fine pottery, glass, paintings and more.

As far as entertainment goes, many restaurants and pubs on the Island feature live entertainment especially during the weekends. But honestly, the reason most people come to Sanibel Island is to relax and play on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

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So you have decided to spend your vacation on lovely Sanibel Island. You have chosen comfortable accommodations, but now are in search of a great restaurant. Have no worry, Sanibel offers numerous top dining options that are only a short distance from most accommodations on the island. Take a stroll down the island’s quaint, tree lined street and discover the smells and tastes of Sanibel Island.

Convenience is a major factor while on vacation. If you are sitting in your hotel room wondering where to eat, feel free to search online. Many of the island’s restaurants have included their menus on their websites as a convenience to vacationers. Another latest feature available in some restaurants is online ordering. If you are out exploring the island, you can simply take five minutes to order online. Then when you arrive at the restaurant for your meal, there is minimal waiting. This ensures that you will be back in the sunshine enjoying yourself in no time.

Sanibel RestaurantsSo you have decided to spend your vacation on lovely Sanibel Island. You have chosen comfortable accommodations, but now are in search of a great restaurant. Have no worry, Sanibel offers numerous top dining options that are only a short distance from most accommodations on the island. Take a stroll down the island’s quaint, tree lined street and discover the smells and tastes of Sanibel Island.

As you head down Periwinkle Way, you are sure to find a restaurant to suit your taste. Chefs from all over the world have migrated to Sanibel Island to infuse their country’s creations into the island cuisine. The restaurants have become a “melting pot” of unique, savory creations that you will never forget.
If you are in the mood for casual or casual fine dining, Sanibel offers both. Many casual dining restaurants are kid friendly and offer a kid’s menu. You will even find a few restaurants that are pet friendly, so that your entire family can be satisfied. You may decide to sit as a family on the patio enjoying the sun, burgers and creamy milkshakes.

Perhaps you have more of a taste for an evening of fine dining. Sanibel can provide that also. You will find elaborately decorated restaurants with a staff at your beck and call to provide you with the perfect dining experience. Appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, dessert and wines are some of the categories that line the menu in these venues. Remember that you are on an island, so of course many restaurants have perfected succulent seafood dishes.
If you desire to have a private party, the restaurants are able to work with you to help facilitate your event. Merchandise is available in many restaurants if you would like a souvenir to remember your unforgettable vacation.

Convenience is a major factor while on vacation. If you are sitting in your hotel room wondering where to eat, feel free to search online. Many of the island’s restaurants have included their menus on their websites as a convenience to vacationers. Another latest feature available in some restaurants is online ordering. If you are out exploring the island, you can simply take five minutes to order online. Then when you arrive at the restaurant for your meal, there is minimal waiting. This ensures that you will be back in the sunshine enjoying yourself in no time.

As you can see, the restaurant options are endless. Each restaurant strives to make your stay a memorable one by offering comforts to provide the best experience possible.

Share your Sanibel Restaurant Favorites below!

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Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while sitting on the terrace overlooking a coastline with hues of purples, yellows and oranges quietly melting into the ocean’s tranquil waters. Sound like a bit of paradise? It’s Sanibel Island, a once in a lifetime vacationer’s paradise located off the coast of Florida. Visiting Sanibel Island is the perfect destination for a family vacation, wedding, holiday or spur of the moment getaway. This island retreat lies in a subtropical climate with warm sunshine year round.

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Sanibel Island is a barrier island located off the southwest coast of Florida by Fort Myers. It has a population of 5,600 that quadruples during the winter which is prime tourist season. Sanibel Island is twelve miles long and four miles wide. Thousands of visitors flock to this island yearly to enjoy its beaches and to hunt for seashells. People come from all over the world to collect these renowned shells. Sanibel Island is considered to have the best shelling in North America. In fact, when Ponce De Leon arrived, he named this area “Costa de Carocles” which translates to Coast of Seashells.

It is not unusual to see both the young and old with buckets, bags and nets, bending down in the “Sanibel Stoop” position to carefully search for the perfect shell. Sanibel Island lies east to west and is a large plateau that acts like a shelf for seashells from the Gulf of Mexico to gather. They are “scooped up” by this shelf.

The best time to go shelling is during the winter from December through April. Shells are also easier to locate in the low tide. At this time more of the beach is exposed and it is possible to search more of the ground because the tide recedes and leaves shells at different levels along the coastline. The shells may also be found in the sandbar which is accessible during a low tide. Other optimal shelling times are in a new or full moon phase and when the weather is windy and stormy. The winds disrupt the seashells in the Gulf of Mexico, giving them a tendency to wash along the beaches.

There is a scarcity of larger shells on the island such as the big Horse Conch. This and other rare, native shells such as the Sundial, Junonia, Nutmeg, Lion’s Paw and Scotch Bonnet can be purchased in local gift shops along the island. The smaller shells can be found towards the east end of the island near the lighthouse. The larger shells are near Captiva. A good method to use is to drag your feet to avoid stumbling upon the buried shells. Also, stingrays will swim away if they are gently nudged. You want to avoid stepping on these and being stung. When finding shells, all live shells must be thrown back into the ocean.

Sanibel Island is home to over 400 varieties of seashells. Visiting this island during prime shelling time is sure to please any avid shell collector.

Please Share your favorite shelling stories in the comments below!

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Sanibel is a beautiful place that you need to visit often. There are various lodging options available here. You could go for the hotels, resorts, condos, or cottages, but first I would check out this awesome sanibel vacation rental. However, that’s an opinion and the choices are vast. Take a look below and let us know if you have anything to add to the list.

Just a few of the lodging options on Sanibel Island~

• Sandalfoot Condominium complex sits right in beachfront of the Gulf of Mexico. The complex is known for its value and amenities.

• Sanibel Siesta Condominiums is another complex surrounded by sparking sugar beaches and greenery all around with excellent condos, equipped with every thing one could possibly need.

• Pointe Santo De Sanibel Condominium Complex has beachfront amazing units with the luxury of the ocean view and a rooftop sundeck.

• Sanibel Arms West? complex has state of the art condos. They are decorated and well furnished. With the amazing view and location, they are airy as well.

• Sanibel Moorings Condominium? complex are great fun to stay with family or friends. The condos are great and so is the location.

• Casa Ybel Resort? is more of a condo complex. Newly renovated and really nice.

It is difficult to choose lodging, but one thing is definite each of the choices would offer a great Sanibel Island experience.

Chime in share your favorites with us…

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There are presently more than 330 nests on Sanibel and Captiva, 150 more than this time last year. With no explanation this years nesting season has been a tremendous success over previous years in Southwest Florida. 

Loggerheads are tough to see but their tracks are easy to spot on an early morning beach.  “Turtle Patrol”  identifies possible nests every morning during nesting season so that nests are protected and hatchlings may be given assistance during the night hours after incubation. Upon hatching the little turtles make a mad dash for the water, following the light of the horizon.  This short trip is filled with hazards including dehydration and raccoons, birds, crabs that may snack on them before they hit the water.  Once in the water they are just bite size morsels for larger fish, including sharks.  Only about 1 in 100 eggs will become an adult turtle, which takes at least 16 years. 

Female turtles will make the long trek back to their nesting area and in the night will crawl on to the beach, dig a deep hole with their hind flippers, lay her eggs, cover up the nest, and return to the water. The procedure, once they find their nesting beach may take as long as three hours.  Each nest may contain nearly 100 ping pong ball size eggs. 

For further info on logger head turtles contact the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation while on Sanibel or sccf.org  or  turtletime.org.  

Loggerhead Turtles Facts: 

*Loggerheads are the most common sea turtles in Florida. 

*Adults grow to more than 3 feet long and weigh 200 to 350 pounds. 

*They may travel thousands of miles from feeding grounds to nesting beaches. 

*Females nest on the same beaches where they were born. 

*A female may nest one to seven times during a season at about 15 day intervals. 

*Incubation takes 55 to 65 days. 

*The temperature of the nest determines the sex of the hatchlings.  Cooler sand produces

      mostly males while warmer sand produces mostly females. 

*Hatchlings are about 2 inches long. 

*Hatchlings emerge at night and are guided by the lighter horizon to the water. 
 

Laws: 

*Both interior and exterior lights must not shine on the beach. 

*Nothing should be left on the beach at night that would interfere with nesting. 

*These rules are in effect from 9pm to 7am May 1 to Oct. 31.

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