Sanibel Vacation Rentals

Sanibel on Halloween

2011-10-31T20:32:00.000-07:00

The Sanibel weather is very warm and pleasant right now. The island is still not crowded, so there is time for you to get in a visit before the busy season gets underway.

This was the view at Pointe Santo de Sanibel this Halloween evening.

There have been some very high tides lately.

People are saying they have had great shelling luck!

It could be a perfect time to visit Sanibel!

There was a perfect Sanibel Halloween Sunset!

Windy Afternoon on Sanibel

2011-10-16T21:11:00.001-07:00

Even though it was cloudy at times this afternoon, it was a nice day to be out. Our day time temperatures are in the mid to low 80's now, a cooling breeze and less humidity. Nights are now mid to low 70's.

The beaches, bike paths and streets are nearly empty, which makes it a perfect time to visit! It is only a short time now, until the busy season begins again. Make your reservations now to spend a relaxing vacation in our tropical island paradise.

Perhaps the Best Time of Year on Sanibel

2011-09-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

I think this is the best time of year on the island. There are no crowds of people anywhere. You have the beaches nearly to yourself. The temperatures are gradually getting a little cooler. And, if that isn't enough, take a look at these clouds!

The trees, flowers and grass are thriving from the rains we've had lately.

Plenty of empty beach chairs under the palms, tiki huts and uncrowded pool.

So often of late, the clouds look as though they are floating just above the water.

Even the sea birds are enjoying

the less crowded beaches.

If you have the time, we have condos available and beach chairs just waiting for you!

Sanibel Sunday

2011-08-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

We are happy that the hurricane spared us, but feel bad for the people on the east coast. It is amazing how different the weather can be,

only a few hours away.

This was the view at Pointe Santo this

afternoon and evening.

The weather has cooled down a few degrees now and today there was a cooling breeze that felt wonderful. This is a great time for walks on our uncrowded beach. Why not come to 'Paradise' while the entire island of Sanibel is quiet and peaceful?

We have accomodations available and will be happy to help you.

A Sanibel Dawn is Breaking

2011-08-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

The breaking dawn at Sanibel this morning was nothing short of amazing!

Pointe Santo is very peaceful

at this time of the morning.

The pastel colored clouds, in the southwest,

were beautiful.

The shore birds seem to love early mornings

on the island.

This is a very calm time of year on Sanibel Island, and a perfect time to try our vacation properties at Pointe Santo de Sanibel.

We have condos available, that make it possible for you to get up to these beautiful morning views, and with only a few steps, be right on the beach.

Sanibel Sea Turtle Nests and Rainbows

2011-07-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

Rainbow over Pointe Santo de Sanibel after a rain, just as the sun was coming up.

The sea turtle nesting season is in full swing on the islands now. There are a lot of nests on the beach near Pointe Santo. There are even more nests than last year. If you are an island guest, please keep this in mind. Do all you can to help make this a successful nesting season.

Certain rules are in place here during this time. Sea turtles are federally protected by the Endangered Species act making it illegal to interfere with their nesting and hatching in any way.

Do not leave beach furniture, tents, or toys on the beach over night. Turn all lights out that would shine on or toward the beach area and avoid making noise. Do not use flashlights or camera flash on beach at night. Never approach a sea turtle if you see one on the beach. Do not take flash photos of sea turtles.

To learn more about protecting our sea turtles, visit the SCCF website.

Sanibel Sea Turtle Nesting Season

2011-06-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Have you ever visited Sanibel during sea turtle nesting season? If not, you are missing something special.

Walking on the beach as the sun comes up, you might get the opportunity to see turtle tracks going to and from a nest that was dug during the night. That is nothing short of awesome!

As of a few days ago, there are already 65 nests on Sanibel beaches and 33 on Captiva.

The first nest at Pointe Santo this season.

While you are walking, you might as well check for sea shells, along with the shore birds.

If this sounds appealing, give us a call, we can help you with arrangements for a stay at one of the most popular places on the island,

Pointe Santo de Sanibel.

If you are interested in reading more about the 2011 Sea Turtle Nesting Season, visit Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation's Facebook page, Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation Blog, or the SCCF site.

Sanibel as May Ends

2011-05-20T22:09:00.000-07:00

Sadly, there is only a week left of May. The weather has been super nice with cool nights, warm days, low humidity and some much needed rain.

The tides were pretty high last week and the water kind of rough, which caused some beach erosion in front of Pointe Santo. It's amazing how the beach can change from day to do.

Sanibel in May

2011-05-08T14:10:00.000-07:00

The snowbirds and seasonal visitors have nearly all departed. The traffic congestion gone, along with the long waits at restaurants. This leaves a window of opportunity for a relaxing island visit, between now and the end of the school year.

The sea turtle nesting season has just begun and the Snowy Plover hatchlings are running around on the beach.

After a long dry season, the spring rains have begun. This brings those beautiful clouds that enhance our sunrises and sunsets.

If a relaxing time on Sanibel Island sounds intriguing to you, just give us a call. We still have units available during May.

Point Santo in the early morning hours.

Sanibel is shaped like a boomerang and our location is at the southernmost point, so this time of year, there isn't a direct sunrise view. It is still a beautiful sight.

Sanibel Oyster Eating Contest Saturday

2011-04-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

If you are on or near Sanibel Island, don't miss the Oyster Eating Contest this weekend.

Saturday, April 16th

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2^nd Annual Mollusk Festival - Oyster Eating Contest to benefit the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum at Timbers Restaurant at 703 Tarpon Bay Rd.

It would be a perfect time for a beach visit after the excitement.

First Day of Spring on Sanibel

2011-03-21T20:24:00.000-07:00

The first day of Spring was a beautiful one here on Sanibel Island. The high temperature was 84 degrees. You might think that is a little too warm, but with a strong, cool wind, it was just perfect. The water is getting warmer and was a pretty aquamarine color. Spring just doesn't get much better than this!

We still have some availability in April, if you need a Spring Break, give us a call!

Sanibel Native Plant Tour

2011-02-22T17:03:00.000-08:00

Saturday February 26, the City of Sanibel Vegetation Committee is offering a guided native plant tour on the City Hall grounds. The flowers are in full bloom now and quite beautiful. The tour begins at 10 am at the main entrance to City Hall, 800 Dunlop Rd, in front of the main staircase. For more information contact the City's Natural Resources Dept 239-472-3700.

New Fun on Sanibel

2011-02-18T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Sanibel Community Association is offering some wonderful entertainment this year at the Community House. The activities are also available to guests. Join with the locals for some great fun by calling for reservations: 239-472-2155 or online at http://www.sanibelcommunityhouse.net/

Songwriter's Blend Featuring Annie Wenz

Sunday February 20
Doors Open at 6:30 pm
Performance Begins at 7pm
$12 members, $15 guests

74th Annual Shell Fair and Show

An Island Tradition
March 3-4 T/F 9:00 - 5:00
March 5th 9:00 - 4:00

RAFFLE TICTETS ON SALE NOW!
$2.00 donation per ticket or $3.00 for 5
Purchase your tickets today for a chance to win one out of five great prizes
Drawing will be held Saturday March 5th at 3:00 pm.

Classes
Shell Crafting Every Monday 10am - 3pm FREE
Sanctioned Duplicate Bridge Tuesday 1pm $8.00
Island Yoga Wed, Thurs, Fri 8:30 am $12 members, $15 guests

Introducing 3 New Classes

Zumba Tuesday, Feb 22 & March 8, 15, 22, 29 10am
Zumba Gold Thursday, Feb 24 & March 10, 17, 31 10am
Tai Chi For Life EVERY Wednesday beginning March 9th. 9:00 am

Island Dance Band Returns This Monday!

Dinner Begins at 6:00 pm

Dancing Begins at 7:00 pm

$15 members, $17 guests

$5.00 dance only

If you are one who likes to walk, you may be interested to find out that Sanibel Island was chosen as one of the top 10 walks in the USA last year. Sanibel is a scenic and relaxing place for walking, and there are many other areas near that also offer some special walks. So, grab your walking shoes and come for a visit! The link below offers great information.

Top 10 Walks in the USA of 2010

Sanibel, the Cure for Winter Blues

2011-01-16T12:11:00.000-08:00

It is 75 degrees on the island of Sanibel as I prepare this post.

If you're sick of the snow, there's no better cure for the winter blues than a Sanibel Island getaway.

Just by making your reservations, you get relief during the days leading up to departure, you can get through the snowy days by picturing yourself on a Sanibel beach soaking up the sun.

If you need a quick and affordable escape asap, I have condos still available now and in the coming weeks at Pointe Santo de Sanibel. This location offers some of the best shelling on the island.

This is probably the best time of year for shelling, on our miles of beaches, because the winter storms push them in. Beginning today and through next week, the tides leading up to the full moon will be exceedingly low. This will also be prime shelling time. If you are a dedicated sheller, like a friend of mine, you will want to get here quick! She is very selective in what she will take home, and still has been getting at least a gallon full, each evening.

Our cozy condos and Pointe Santo beach awaits you!

This was the scene on Friday, Jan 14.....

The remains of sea turtle sand art.

It's always interesting to see what washes up on our beaches in winter.

We are as close as your phone or computer!

Email or call for the dates our condos are available.

To see the view on our beach today, check out the live webcam, there are people swimming in the pool. :)

Start Your Year With a Visit to Sanibel

2011-01-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Why not get your new year off to a great start

with a visit to Sanibel Island?

If you are among those who are suffering through cold weather and falling snow, Sanibel is the perfect place to get away from it all.

We have some weeks still available at our Pointe Santo de Sanibel properties; feel free to email or call to find out if one of those weeks would suit your needs. If we don't, I'll be happy to help you find someone who does.

The weather right now is wonderful. The grass is green, flowers are blooming, the pool water is warm and inviting, and so are the beach chairs. Perhaps you would enjoy a game of tennis or shuffle board in the warm sunshine. Or if shelling is your favorite pastime, you shouldn't be disappointed, it's been very good lately, due to a passing cold front, now and then.

Since the island is busier during the winter months, you will find more scheduled activities and things to do. Below is one example:

City of Sanibel Native Plant Tour

The City of Sanibel Vegetation Committee is offering guided native plant tours of City Hall grounds, which have been planted solely with native plants. Due to the positive response last year, the City of Sanibel Vegetation Committee is again offering guided native plant tours of City Hall grounds, which have been planted solely with native plants, on the following dates:

Wednesday, January 12, 2011 Saturday, January 22, 2011

The City Hall wildflowers are showing their colors and are in full bloom. Come walk the grounds for ideas on planting native vegetation that requires no fertilizer. Come see how you can plant a garden that reseeds itself with very little maintenance, is good for the environment and will attract birds and butterflies.

Vegetation Committee members will provide information on proper planting and care of native vegetation. The City of Sanibel encourages planting of vegetation that is indigenous to the area as it requires very little maintenance, NO fertilizer, and NO supplemental irrigation.

The guided tour begins promptly at 10:00 a.m. Registration is not required. Attendees meet at the main entrance to City Hall, 800 Dunlop Road, in front of the main staircase. For additional information regarding the guided native vegetation tour, please contact the City's Natural Resources Department at (239) 472-3700.

Come on down,

it's all waiting for you!

Sanibel and Captiva Christmas Paradise

2010-11-27T11:41:00.000-08:00

This is a great time of year for a visit, not only is the weather wonderful, there are many holiday festivities that you can enjoy.

Today is the last day of the 27^th annual Sanibel Masters Art Festival held on the grounds of the Sanibel Community House. Professional juried artists both local and from around the nation will take part in the invitational exhibition and sale.

Luminary Festival on Sanibel and Captiva Islands is something we look forward to each year. Friday, December 3rd, on Sanibel and Saturday December 4th, on Captiva. Luminary Festival is a community-wide holiday event for both residents and visitors. We have people who make a reservation a year in advance for this occasion. You follow the luminary trail stopping at the many businesses that will be open. Many of them offer complimentary food and drinks, along with live entertainment here and there. Periwinkle is usually congested during this time, so complementary trolley service is offered. The route is from Jerry's Market to Bailey's General Store, making stops all along the way. You will also run across Santa as he travels the trail. This provides a great opportunity to do your island Christmas shopping and surprise your family with tropical gifts this year.

During the month of December, the magic of the season comes alive all over the islands, and this year Captiva is having some new and special events that I personally plan to enjoy. There will be Christmas Tree lighting, musical performances, fireworks displays, decorated golf cart and boat parades and the festive glow of the holidays. Check out the entire list of these events.

Sanibel's Fun Weekend Events

2010-11-19T18:39:00.000-08:00

Every birdie is talking about the fun events scheduled this weekend on Sanibel Island.

Special Island Events for this weekend, November 20th and 21st:

Saturday, November 20th

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Exotic Orchid Sales
The Village Shops, 2340 Periwinkle Way

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Island Seniors' Annual Holiday Bazaar
Center-4-Life, 2401 Library Way

Sunday, November 21st

8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sanibel Island Farmer's Market
City Hall Grounds, 800 Dunlop Road

Noon to 6 p.m. 29th Annual "Taste of the Islands" to benefit CROW
Sanibel Community Park, 2221 Periwinkle Way
There is a $5admission, Children 10 and under no charge.
Food & Beverage Tickets sold on site.

6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration,
A celebration in music, words, fellowship, and sharing with those less
fortunate. Please bring non-perishable food or monetary donation for F.I.S.H.
Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way

A Sweet Sanibel November

2010-11-15T19:22:00.000-08:00

Flower

Sea Turtle

Alligator

Fish

There are a lot of activities going on in November to welcome back our Snowbirds, I suspect. :)

There are several listed in previous posts.

Here's another one if you are looking for evening entertainment:

Florida Repertory Theatre announced Third Thursday Theatre Night, a brand new package for its neighbors on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Beginning on Nov. 18 with the hit comedy, Noises Off, Florida Rep will bring a bus from Sanibel Island to the beautiful Fort Myers River District for a night on the town and an evening of theatre at its finest for just one low price.

The evening begins on Sanibel Island at Sweet Melissa's Cafe (1625 Periwinkle Way), where pre-show dinner reservations are available - though not included in the price. The bus will depart at 6:30pm from Sweet Melissa's, and will arrive at the Historic Arcade Theatre in the beautifully restored Fort Myers River District just in time for the 8pm performance. The $49 per person admission price includes bus transportation and a ticket to the critically acclaimed production of Noises Off. FULL ARTICLE....

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

2010-11-14T23:39:00.000-08:00

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum will celebrate

their 15th anniversary.

On Nov. 20, the Shell Museum will host Family Day, to which the public is invited. In addition to free admission to all Shell Museum guests, three guest speakers will present special programs in honor of the Museum’s milestone.

The first speaker will be acclaimed author Charles Sobczak, who will discuss the Museum’s first 15 years at 2 p.m.

At 3 p.m., storyteller Kate Adams will take attendees “Under the Sea” with a special program designed for children.

At 4 p.m., Dr. Jerry Harasewych of The Smithsonian Institution will present a program titled, “Shells And The Stories They Tell Us.”

One Hundred Bricks in 100 days – help celebrate our birthday and honor Raymond Burr. The one hundred bricks would add to the 1000 already in place.

The garden at the entrance to the Museum honors Raymond Burr, who, prior to his death in 1993, spent many hours on Sanibel as benefactor and fund-raiser for the Museum. He was known around the world as Perry Mason or Ironsides.

You can participate by purchasing a brick for $150. Then, have your name, the name of your business, or the name of a loved one engraved on your brick.

The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For additional information, call the Museum at 239-395-2233 or go to http://www.shellmuseum.org/.

SCCF Wines in the Sanibel Wild

2010-11-04T09:10:00.000-07:00

The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of Sanibel and Captiva native animals and their habitat. With over 1300 acres of protected land including beachland, marshland, estuaries and more.

Residents are encouraged to volunteer, to become a member, to support the Legacy Funds and to support the Annual Fund Drive. Because SCCF is a non-profit organization, surviving on donations only, those donations are tax deductible. Please do your part to help preserve the wonders we've been blessed with.

A SPECIAL NOVEMBER EVENT:

Enjoy at evening of wine, food and nature at SCCF's Wines in the Wild on Saturday, November 13 from 6 - 8 p.m. What better way to celebrate the islands' conservation heritage than to sample wines and hors d'oeuvres while strolling the boardwalks of SCCF's Nature Center? As evening falls, the porch, boardwalks and wine stations will be lit by holiday lights, setting an intimate, yet festive, ambiance. The six wines chosen for the third annual Wines in the Wild will be "Organic, Sustainable and Biodynamic."

“Each was chosen not only because it fits into one of those categories but because of its overall quality,” said Tom Uhler, who is organizing the tasting.

Call SCCF at 472-2329 to purchase drawing tickets or to make reservations for the wine tasting ($75 per person). Reservations are requested. SCCF's Nature Center is at 3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road on Sanibel.

Enter the Wines in the Wild Drawing!
Enter our Drawing even if you can't make the evening event: You don't have to be present to win one of our fabulous food-and-wine-lover prizes. Tickets for the drawing are $20 each or 6 for $100.

Tom Uhler, local wine aficionado and co-chair of the event, will custom design a wine tasting for eight for one lucky winner.
Luc Century has crafted a set of six wine glasses.
Dinner for four from island caterer Leslie Adams is sure to tempt your tastebuds.
Movie fans can have a sweet experience courtesy of the Island Cinema, which has donated tickets and Norman Love chocolates for four.
Relaxation is in store for the winner of a gift certificate for a Swedish massage from the Spa at ‘Tween Waters Inn.

SCCF has many activities on a regular basis that visitors, adults and children, would enjoy. I can tell you that each one of them is interesting, educational, and totally enjoyable!

Sanibel's CROW

2010-11-01T21:44:00.000-07:00

Those of you who have been to Sanibel Island probably know about CROW, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife. CROW is one of the nation's leading wildlife rehabilitation hospitals for tropical native and migratory wildlife, located right here on the island. It is a non-profit veterinary hospital, that provides medical care for more than 4000 injured, sick and orphaned wildlife patients every year, with the goal of returning them to their natural habitat.

CROW provides educational opportunities for students, from near and far, to participate in the rehabilitation process. There is also a Visitor Education Center that is open to the public on Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 4PM during the winter season. For summer hours call (239) 472-3644, EXT: 2. You can enjoy this state-of-the-art facility, with interactive displays and patient videos for only a $5 Admission Donation.

The CROW Visitor Education Center and CROW Hospital are located at 3883 Sanibel Captiva Road. After crossing the Sanibel Causeway, turn right on Periwinkle Way and follow the signs to Captiva. CROW is located just past the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge entrance and just before the Sanibel School, on the left hand side. The Hospital is OPEN FOR PATIENT ADMISSIONS ONLY, 7 days a week from 8:AM until 5:PM, including all holidays. The hospital is not open for visitors.

Since it is the first of November, I thought I would point out some up coming activities. If you will be coming to Sanibel in the near future, you may be interested in these events to help raise funds for patient care, and also learn ways to help our wildlife.

Swing To Save LivesOn Saturday, November 6, 2010,Golf Tournament at The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club, with all proceeds benefiting CROW.

8:30 Shotgun Start
4-person Team Scramble
Men's and Ladies Longest Drive
Closest to the Pin
Raffle Drawing
Putting Contest

$85 per player or $320 for 4-some. Lunch included. To register call: Dunes Golf Shop (239) 472-2535.

29th Annual "Taste of the Island" Fest

CROW will celebrate its 29th Annual "Taste of the Islands." Festival on Sunday, November 21 from noon to 5pm at Sanibel Community Park, 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida. $5.00 admission at gate. The event will be held at Sanibel Community Park located at 2231 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, Florida, and will celebrate community spirit with island style cuisine, an exciting recipe competition that will challenge the island's chefs to come up with a new dish featuring a yet-to-be-named native ingredient, live music and a day of fun while supporting CROW's mission: Saving Wildlife Through Compassion, Care and Education.
"A Night for Wildlife"December 5, 2010. Details coming soon.

Sanibel Paradise Found

2010-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

     Over the years, our family traveled to several highly advertised vacation destinations, but we left each time hoping to find something more. We saw an add about a tropical, island paradise in the Gulf of Mexico near Ft Myers, Florida, and decided to spend a week there. They called it the ‘Shell Island’. We were not as interested in shelling as we were finding a more natural and tropical island atmosphere and an easy, relaxing vacation.
     When we arrived at Sanibel Island, Florida, we knew almost immediately that we had finally found what we had been searching for. There were no high rise buildings anywhere in sight and no traffic lights. A local policeman was directing traffic at the main intersection, as we drove onto the island. It had a very tropical look, which made us think that we might have found what we had been looking for.
     We spent a week in a condo, directly on the gulf shore. There were so many shells on the beach, that we couldn’t keep ourselves from getting right into what they called, ‘The Sanibel Stoop’. Like everyone else, we carried home our shelling treasures. Also that week, we realized how special the island really was. Everything we needed to make our vacation complete was right here on this island. There was so much interesting history. It’s residents had been very protective of its natural treasures, unique ecosystem, and had preserved more than 60% of the island for wildlife.
     After that first visit, we couldn’t get Sanibel out of our mind or hearts. We went back as often as possible, for several more years. Then we had an opportunity to purchase a condo of our own. Being somewhat fearful of making such a commitment, we spent a long time thinking it over before we decided that we would do whatever necessary to make it happen. A few years later, we purchased a condo. A couple more years passed, one condo was sold and another bought in it’s place at Pointe Santo de Sanibel. We liked that location so much more than the others, so when we had the chance, we sold and bought two more condos there.

Time has passed and now our two sons have families of their own. We all enjoy the three, ground level, condos at Pointe Santo, every opportunity we have. They serve as our homes on Sanibel Island when we are there. When we are not, we are pleased to share them with others, so that they can experience all that Sanibel has to offer and enjoy a relaxing vacation in Paradise.