General Information

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO

Sunrise or Sunset – a picture postcard

Whether you are an early bird or a night owl, experiencing the sun rise and fall against the azure waters of the Gulf of Mexico is a truly spectacular event. The sky above transforms into a performance of soft light that melts into the horizon. Fort Myers Beach entertains the morning sun quite majestically while Captiva is renowned for its sunsets which change with a blink of an eye.

Become one with Nature at the J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Lose yourself in the largest undeveloped mangrove eco system in the USA with miles of primordial wetlands. Watch flocks of birds migrate across land and sea, and see alligators and manatees in their natural habitat as you head along the drivable 'safari' trail. Grab a pair of binoculars from the visitor centre to help you spy on some of the 220 migratory species of bird that are protected in this pristine habitat.

www.dingdarlingsociety.org 

Step back in time at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates

As well as learning about Edison and Ford's lives and inventions, visitors can go back further and learn about the Koreshan settlers, Florida pioneers and the areas original inhabitants, the Calusa Indians.

 www.edisonfordwinterestates.org 

Island hopping, Florida Style

With over 100 barrier islands to explore, the best way is to jump on a boat, whether paddle powered or escorted by a trusty captain, by getting on the water you will really experience The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Many of the islands are uninhabited mangrove clusters, whilst others take visitors' breath away with their beautiful beaches, historic homes and wonderful restaurants. Places like Cabbage Key and laid back Gasparilla are well worth visiting. 

www.captivacruises.com 

Sanibel Sea School 

Living with nature is the lifeblood of The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel and every effort is made to ensure the beaches and wildlife is protected for everyone to enjoy. Sea Schools are fun ways for kids to learn about nature and the waters of Sanibel and Captiva. Kids get to spot dolphins, search for crabs, discover beautiful shells and learn about the abundant wading birds that live off the islands. A variety of fun and educational courses are available. 

www.sanibelseaschool.org 

Shopping

A fantastic holiday favourite in the USA, and something that The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel excel at. Miromar Outlets in Estero has over 140 top designer stores offering discounts of up to 70%. Grab a coffee or lunch as you will be sure to spend the day on those bargains! On your way to or from Sanibel? Tanger Outlets is the perfect for a pre or post shopping experience. And if you are in the Bonita Springs area Coconut Point Mall offers a nice selection of high end brands in a very walkable, outdoor space. 

www.miromaroutlets.com

Watchable Wildlife

Anhigas dive, pelicans flap, herons pose, alligators cut through the water and manatees roll like giant grey jelly beans… animal lovers will find a lot here to enjoy. Watch dolphins when you hop on a seagoing charter with outfits like Tarpon Bay Explorers, or go to Sanibel Island and visit education centres like the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. The clinic serves as an animal hospital for birds, otters, sea turtles and even deer. 

www.tarponbayexplorers.com 

Paddle the Same Trails… as the Calusa Indians

Head out on one of the largest, best executed blueways in the country - a network of water trails. Get geared up with one of the local outfitters at Estero River Outfitters and hit the teal spiderweb that is the Great Calusa Blueway, which provides access to 190 miles of pristine, waterbound goodness. 

www.calusablueway.com, www.esteroriveroutfitters.com 

Get your fish on

From March through June, anglers from all over the world come here for Megalops – the tarpon, one of the world’s great game fishes. You can catch some yourself at Boca Grande Pass, on the south edge of Boca Grande, known as the ‘Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World’. 

www.fishingchartersinc.com/florida  

Watch the world go past

Head to Times Square and San Carlos Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach to watch the world go by. Street cafés and restaurants offer live music and beach stores sell all you need for the kids to look the part on the beach.

www.fortmyers-sanibel.com/listing/?lid=53172