Anyone been to Sanibel island?

I was there briefly years ago. Sanibel is famous among shell collectors. Try to schedule a beachcombing expedition when the tide is out. Looking for pretty shells is absolute magic for kids that age, and it doesn’t get any better than Sanibel.

I was also there briefly several years ago. I think the beach – and as Harp says, shelling – is the main activity. There is a park called Ding Darling that is good for bird and animal watching; I think a lot of migratory birds stop there in the winter. I believe you can rent bikes and bike through the park. I stayed at T’ween Waters Resort on Captiva and there was a manatee swimming right at the dock. If you can find a place to see manatees, the kids would probably love it. We ate at a beach bar/restaurant on Captiva called something like the Muddy Duck and that would be an easy casual place to go with kids.

There are eco-kayaking tour companies but your kids might be too little for that. However, there might be another type of wildlife boat tour that they would enjoy.

My boyfriend was in Sanibel Island for a wedding and while it wasn’t a vacation per say they did do a lot activities that was associated with the hotel they stayed with. I would check with the hotel you are staying with they could accommodate you with tips about the island especially since you are with two small children. He said that they did ocean kayaking but i’m not sure if you could do that with small children. The best part about a beach vacation is bringing the beach toys and letting the kids dig holes in the sand and run around, especially if you are in need of relaxing!

The Wildlife Refuge is very cool, especially for kids.
Rent bikes from Billy’s and tour the island trails.
Go feed the tarpon & pelicans.
Go manatee watching.
Climb the lighthouse (may be tough for your little one though)
Go shelling, go shelling, go shelling!! Take ziploc bags w/you.
Rent a small skiff and tour the coastline & tributaries.

To eat, try Sweet Melissa’s, East End Deli & Hungry Heron – all very kid friendly.

Have Fun!!

I was in sanibel for about a week a couple years ago with my family. There is a hilarious restaurant called The Bubble Room. We were there for my father’s birthday to joke with him, and the food is pretty good. I definitely recommend it.