Sanibel

Jutting into the Gulf Coast, Sanibel is a natural treasure. Just miles away from Fort Myers, this island is easily accessible, and yet worlds apart.

Sanibel is famous for the unbelievable amount of seashells that wash onto their shores. Collectors from the world over congregate and Sanibel, and the hunched over shuffle people assume is affectionately called the “Sanibel Stoop”. Even if you are not a shell collector per se, it will be hard to resist the temptation of picking up all the perfect, whole shells you will see around you. Bring a bucket (or several) to store your perfect finds.

The reason Sanibel is awash with seashells is because of its location. Sanibel is an island that lies east to west, as opposed to most Florida islands that lie north to south, so this island acts like a net and “catches” all the seashells that the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean currents churn up. Everyday, thousands of seashells are available for the picking.

One seashell that delights everyone isn’t actually a seashell at all – the Sand Dollar is abundant here, but Sand Dollars are actually living creatures! If you happen upon a Sand Dollar, flip it over so that the flat side is facing you. If any of the holes breathe or if any of the fuzzy little “feet” move, please return that Sand Dollar to the ocean. If the Sand Dollar is dead, congratulations! You are permitted to take it off the beach. Sand Dollars are actually brown in appearance, so if you take your Sand Dollar home, just place it in equal parts water and bleach for about 20 minutes, and voila! A perfect white Sand Dollar, which is great for gifts or decorations.

The water is clear and calm – more of a relaxing beach than a wild beach. There are occasional waves, but they are very small. If surfing is what you are looking for, this isn’t the beach for you (there are plenty others in Florida though), but if you are looking for a quiet, tranquil beach, this is just the right place to kick back and unwind.

There are also some restaurants and bars on Sanibel, but not on the beach. These attractions, and the J.N “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, are more “inland” (if there is such a thing on an island). There is also the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, which houses different species of Shells, jewelry made from shells, and other treasures that are derived from Shells. Feel free to hike on the Indigo Trail or canoe through the Mangrove Swamps. Sanibel is indeed a premier natural escape and a welcoming escape from the ordinary.

Florida Tourists Guide - Sanibel