 Sanibel-Captiva At a Glance
Best Time to Go
Definitely, a year-round destination for fishermen --- grouper, cobia, flounder, and other
fish are hauled in 12 months out of the year. The Boston Red Soxs are islanders during the
month of March; spring training takes place at the City of Palms Park. March also hosts
the annual Fort Myers Shrimp Festival. From April through October you’ll usually find
perfect beach weather. During November, you can catch the annual Ft. Myers Sand Sculpting
Contest --- this event is almost 20 years old. Party animals please note that alcoholic
beverages are prohibited on the beaches from November through May.
Average Weather
January is the “coldest” month, with average daytime highs of 72 degrees. From
April through October the average daytime highs are in the 80s or 90s, with average lows
ranging from the 60s to the 70s.
Transportation
Southwest Florida International Airport in nearby Lee County is served by almost all major
airlines --- it’s an easy 45-minute drive to Sanibel and Captiva Islands. From the
airport, Apple Transportation and San/Cap Airport Shuttle - both at 800-852-7027 - provide
service to all area hotels. Sanibel Taxi, (941) 472-4160, also serves the area. Taxi and
limousine service are available on both islands - there is no other public transport.
Sanibel Island has 26 miles of bike paths; speak to your hotel about area bike rental.
In-Season Costs
Hotel rooms at resorts can be pricey, with $175 being an excellent rate for an in-season
resort room, and occasional special rates in the $80 to $100 range. A large part of both
islands is occupied by rental houses and condos, many of which rent for around $2,000
weekly during peak tourist times. Dining out can be expensive with exclusive gourmet
restaurants priced in the $30 to $40 range for an evening meal. However, some casual
dinning options are available in the $10 to $15 range.
Day Trips
Sanibel Island Adventures, accessible at (941) 826-7566, offers day trips and overnights
around the Southwest Florida waters, as does Captiva Cruises, who can be reached at (941)
472-5300. In nearby Fort Myers you can tour the Edison-Ford Winter Home and Laboratory,
Burroughs House, a turn-of-the-century dwelling on the National Register of Historic
Places or the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. Eden Vineyard Winery in Alva, Florida
is the vineyard in the USA that is farthest south. Many area options for eco-tours are
available.
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