by Ella Nayor
SANIBEL – Going on a Sanibel Island, Florida vacation is akin to going on an exotic island vacation without needing a passport. The barrier island in southwest Florida is a place of wonder and natural beauty with lush foliage and remarkable wildlife. Roads are covered by rich, dense canopies of assorted tropical trees, palm trees and plants. The beaches are pristine and laden with a wide array of shells. Wildlife such as alligators, bobcats, and eagles call Sanibel their home; osprey and a menagerie of sea life can be spotted throughout the island and the sea surrounding it. The local residents are friendly and often happy to chat about life as an islander. Area businesses work hard to accommodate visitors needs and the maintain the island charm that Sanibel is famous for. Often times the most difficult thing about coming to Sanibel is figuring out what to do first!
From world-class shelling to art shows to nature tours, there are plenty of choices for visitors looking to create an island adventure. Here are just five of them:
1. Beaches! – Let’s face it: if you are coming to Sanibel, your primary goal is beach time, whether its boogie-boarding, sun-bathing or nuzzling your toes in the soft sand with a good book. The beaches on Sanibel are pristine, relaxing and untouched by commercial activity. When you come to a Sanibel beach you can expect one thing: endless sea and sand. Algiers Beach off of Casa Ybel Road is a great family beach known for shelling and relaxation. The Gulf surf is gentle and perfect for children to frolic. Bowman’s Beach, located further along Sanibel-Captiva Road, has fantastic shelling opportunities and is scenic and breathtaking – especially at sunset. The historic Lighthouse Beach is quiet and tucked away from man-made noise. The lighthouse in view is still in operation and part of Sanibel Historical Village’s permanent collection. Beaches have clean restrooms and modest parking fees.
2. Biking on Sanibel – Half the fun on Sanibel is getting around from place to place, and on this island, biking is the way to go. The island features roomy, safe and tree-covered biking paths. Recent roadwork creates a smooth ride on the nearly 30 miles of biking paths covering the island. With the fresh sea smell and floral nuances captured in the balmy breeze, hitting the trail is a great way to relax and unwind. A number of bike rentals, including Billy’s Bike Rentals and Finnimore’s Cycle Shop, provide a variety of biking options. Adult bikes, children’s bikes, and even Surreys are available for families to rent. The only time you’ll need your car is to and from the airport… Happy Trails!
3. Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum – If you like shells, are eager to start collecting or are an avid sheller already, then put the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum on your must-do list. The Museum has many exhibits detailing mollusks, the animals that create the gorgeous shells found on Sanibel’s beaches. Some exhibits are interactive. In addition, the Museum sponsors ongoing programs for children and adults throughout the year. And the highly esteemed and charming Dr. Jose Leal, the Museum Director and curator, is a guest speaker on several trips throughout the year. Hint: his trips are a must-go for any budding marine scientists or shelling lovers! Admission is modest and the staff and volunteers are super friendly and helpful. For more information, go to www.shellmuseum.org.
4. Periwinkle Park Parrot Show – If you are looking for things to do with children on Sanibel Island, check out the Periwinkle Park Parrot Show at Periwinkle Park and Campground. For more than a decade, part-time Sanibel islander Libby Baird has been caring for the Park’s menagerie of rescued parrots and other exotic birds. The birds are nestled in a bank of large, roomy cages under foliage at the park. Baird leads a talk and shows the birds to visitors every day (except Sundays) at 10 a.m.. Visitors get a chance to interact with and even hold and touch the tropical birds. Children eyes grow with wonder as the colorful feathered critters squawk, talk and play, making the show at once educational, interesting and fun. For many Sanibel Vacationers, the Periwinkle Park Parrot Show has become a part of their annual vacation. The show is free, but come early to get the best view and chance to play one on one with the birds.
5. The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, Inc. (CROW) – Wildlife is plentiful and a rich part of the tapestry that makes up Sanibel Island living. Bobcats, otters, snakes, alligators and a colorful variety of birds make their home on Sanibel. Getting to see animals up close isn’t easy or advisable. But at CROW, a non-profit clinic on Sanibel dedicated to caring for injured and sick wildlife, there is a chance to get up close and personal with delightful critters. CROW features a live cam feed from the clinic to their education center. Visitors can watch and learn about animals as they heal and prepare to be released back into the wild. There are programs for people of all ages, and on different times during the year, children can meet Trouper the Raccoon with his caretaker and educator, Dot Lee. For more information, go to www.crowclinic.org.
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