Sanibel Island help?

[laprana]

We're already starting to plan our next WDW trip in May 2013, and we'd like to add a couple beach days at the front end of the trip. We're looking at Sanibel Island, but none of us have been there before and don't know much about it. Can any of my fellow Intercotees offer any information or advice on where to stay, what to do, where to eat, etc. in Sanibel? We were looking at hotels and resorts over the weekend, and found the Island Inn. It looks nice online, but I've learned the hard way before that looks can be deceiving! Has anyone ever stayed there before? Thanks in advance for any help!

[MizMissy]

I haven't been to Sanibel. We were planning to add it to the end of our Universal trip last year, but decided to try Cape San Blas instead because it was on the way home (direction-wise). Sadly, the beach portion did not happen because of work.

However, I have a friend who vacations with extended family on Sanibel every year. He just returned from a trip and said they rented condos on Signal Inn. He said they were very nice, but Sand Dollar and Compass Point were better, though. Also, suggested looking into Sea Grape. As far as eating, he suggested eating on Captiva Island. Mucky Duck, Bubble Room. Best raw bar and great grouper on Sanibel is at the Lazy Flamingo.

[Renfairwedding]

My parents and grand parents all retired to Ft Myers Beach and we always spent time on Sanibel. Great beaches and a very tropical feel to the island. Its also a great place to look for shells.

We like to swim near the Lighthouse and many time seen Dolphins swimming with us and the sunsets are awesome.

[Jillirose]

We lived in Naples and went to Sanibel/Captiva for day trips. A must do for us is a visit to the Bubble Room on Captiva for lunch or dinner. We love the nostalgia and the Bubble Scouts (servers) can't be beat. The Mucky Duck is another great restaurant on the beach on Captiva as previous poster noted. I'm sure there are plenty of great restaurants on Sanibel too. I always check TripAdvisor for hotel reviews.

[laprana]

Thanks for the great suggestions! We might have to check out the Bubble Room for one of our meals. Any more suggestions are welcome!

[Christine]

We went to Sanibel For a weekend. It's great for shelling but because of that, it's hard to walk on! SHARP!

My family has discovered these beaches to be our top 3:
1- Vero- staying at Disney vero beach resort!
2. Longboat Key / Lido key - w/shopping and dining at St Armand's Circle - NICE!!!
3. Ft Walton / Destin

[MaterializedHaunt]

It's great for shelling but because of that, it's hard to walk on! SHARP!

I agree, impossible to walk on many of the beaches there, bring beach shoes! Even sandles may be a bit tough to wear sometimes.

As far as hotels, I have only stayed at the Sundial and it was very nice and right on the beach. Most of the time we rent out a house, which are usually super nice! The people renting their places out are great people who have multiple houses and are simply away at those dates. Ive never run into issues with those places and prefer them over hotels now.

The BEST beach on Sanibel Island (in my opinion) is Bowman's Beach. The shells there are amazing and it always seems to be nice and quiet there. Be sure to bring change, there are parking meters in the parking lot there and YES there is a person who inspects these meters.

While you are there you MUST eat at The Bubble Room and get the Famouse Bubble Bread! Not to mention there is like an 8'foot tall stuffed Mickey hiding in there!

[joonyer]

Snorkeling off the beach at Sanibel/Captiva is great, if you are enjoy that. Really all you need is a good swim mask. Clear water and lots of shells on the bottom in the shallows just offshore.