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Sanibel Island Attractions and Activities

Sanibel Island Weather

When the weather up north turns cool, birds and bird watchers flock to Sanibel Island, famous for its large wildlife and bird refuge. Occupying almost a third of the island, the J.N.(Ding) Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge is home to many rare species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Anyone interested in the inner workings of our fragile ecosystems will not want to miss it. Seashell collecting is another big activity on Sanibel. Grab a bucket and scour the beach for colorful conchs and mollusks. Then head out to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. It's not open for tours but can be viewed from an adjoining park area. The island is extremely laid-back and lounging on the beach with a juicy novel is as good a plan as any.

Sanibel Island, located in southern Florida, has a climate that is "subtropical and humid"[18] with temperatures ranging from 60°F (16°C) in midwinter to around 90°F (32.2°C) in the summer.[19] January through April (peak tourist season on the island) have the coolest temperatures ranging from 75°F during the day to a cool 55°F at night, there is very little rainfall on the island during these months.[20] The summer heat and humidity on the island, which has been recorded as high as 100°F, is cooled by the ocean seabreezes from the Gulf of Mexico, and by almost daily afternoon and evening rain showers, which is responsible for much of the island's rainfall. June is when the Island gets most of its rainfall.[19] The area is prone to being hit by tropical cyclones and hurricanes, the hurricane season starts in june but most of the activity occurs in September and October. However, local communities have "adapted to cope with these occasional storm threats."

Thunderstorms and lightning are common summer occurrences in Florida. They are lovely to watch – from inside. At the first rumbles of thunder, seek shelter immediately. Never stay in the water during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike far beyond the center of a storm.

History of Sanibel & Captiva Islands, Florida

Sanibel and Captiva formed as one island about 6000 years ago. The first humans in the area were the Calusa, who arrived about 2500 years ago.[8] The Calusa were a powerful Indian nation who came to dominate most of southwest Florida through trade and their elaborate system of canals and waterways. Sanibel remained an important Calusa settlement until the collapse of their empire, soon after the arrival of the Europeans. In 1765 the first known appearance of a harbor on Sanibel is labeled on a map, listed as Puerto de S. Nivel. An official Spanish map from 1768 identifies the island as Puerto de S. Nibel (the "v" and "b" being interchangeable); thus, the name may have evolved from "San Nibel". Alternately, the name may derive, as many believe, from "(Santa) Ybel", which survives in the old placename "Point Ybel", where the Sanibel Island Light is located. How it would have gotten this name, however is a matter of conjecture. One story says it was named by Juan Ponce de León for Queen Ysabel (Isabella) of Castile; the island may indeed be named for this queen or the saint whose name she shares, either by Ponce de León or someone later. Another tale says it was named by Roderigo Lopez, the first mate of José Gaspar (Gasparilla), after his beautiful lover Sanibel whom he had left behind in Spain. Like most of the lore surrounding Gasparilla, however, this story is apocryphal, as the above references to recognizable variants of the name predate the buccaneer's supposed reign.

Sanibel is not the only island in the area to figure prominently in the legends of Gaspar; Captiva, Useppa, and Gasparilla are also connected. Sanibel also appears in another tale, this one involving Gaspar's ally-turned-rival Black Caesar, said to have been a former Haitian slave who escaped during the Haitian Revolution to become a pirate. According to folklore, Black Caesar came to the Gulf of Mexico during the War of 1812 to avoid interference from the British. In the Gulf he became friends with Gasparilla, who allowed him to set up on Sanibel Island. Eventually the old Spaniard discovered Caesar had been stealing from him and chased him off, but not before his loot had been buried.

Legendary pirate's dens aside, the first modern settlement on Sanibel (then spelled "Sanybel") was established by the Florida Peninsular Land Company in 1832. The colony never took off, and was abandoned by 1849. It was this first group that first petitioned for a lighthouse on the island. The island was re-populated after the implementation of the Homestead Act in 1862, and again a lighthouse was petitioned. Construction on the Sanibel Island Lighthouse was completed in 1884,[9] but the community remained small. In May 1963 a causeway linking Sanibel and Captiva to the mainland was opened, resulting in an explosion of growth. The City of Sanibel passed new restrictions on development after it was incorporated; these were challenged by developers, to no avail. Currently the only buildings on the island taller than two stories date before 1974, and there are no fast food or chain restaurants allowed on the island except a Dairy Queen, which was on the island before the laws were enacted. A new causeway was completed in 2007; it replaced the worn out 1963 spans, which were not designed to carry heavy loads or large numbers of vehicles. The new bridge features a "flyover" span tall enough for sailboats to pass under, replacing the old bridge's bascule drawbridge span. The original bridge was demolished and its remains were sunk into the water to create artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Sanibel and Captiva Islands feature a history rich in intrigue and adventure. From native Indians, to Spanish explorers, infamous pirates and brave pioneers, the islands have many a fascinating tale to tell.

Historians believe that Sanibel and Captiva were formed as one island about six thousand years ago, as sediment that rose from the sea after being shaped by centuries of storm activity.

Dating as far back as 2,500 years, the native Calusa Indians were the first-known residents of the island. The Calusa skillfully transformed the waterways around the island into abundant riches of food and tools. Whelks, conchs, clams, oysters, and other seafood were used for food, and their empty shells were crafted into tools. The Calusa proved to be skilled builders and craftsmen, perching their huts high atop shell mounds to provide protection from storm tides. Some of their shell mounds, which were also used for ceremonial, ritual and burial sites, remain intact today.

Famous explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is believed to have discovered Sanibel Island – which he named “Santa Isybella” after Queen Isabella -- in 1513 while searching for his “Fountain of Youth.” He and his Spanish seamen battled the hostile Calusas for years, and Ponce de Leon eventually suffered a fatal arrow attack at their hands in 1523, at which time he retreated to Cuba and died.

The Spanish were unsuccessful in establishing any kind of permanent settlement. However, their infiltration introduced European disease and slavery to Sanibel, and overcome by yellow fever, tuberculosis, and measles, the Calusa population all but became extinct by the late 1700s.

Legend has it that the barrier islands soon became a haven for infamous pirates. “The Buccaneer Coast” attracted the notorious Jose Gaspar to the region in the early 1800s, where it was rumored that he buried his stolen treasure on Sanibel, and then built a prison on “Isle de los Captivas,” or Captiva Island, where he kept his female prisoners “captive” for ransom. Gaspar himself was captured in 1821 by the U.S. Navy, but wrapped himself in chains and jumped overboard off his ship, rather then face imprisonment.

Indian raids from the Seminole Wars kept settlers and fisherman at bay and discouraged any permanent settlements on Sanibel for several decades. Although Florida was admitted into the Union in 1845 as the 27th state, it was only after the country’s Civil War that increased military activity was able to secure the area and deem the island safe for settlers. In 1870, the U.S. Government ruled that Sanibel would become a lighthouse reservation and, on August 20, 1884, the Sanibel Lighthouse was first lit, and remains a working lighthouse to this day.

Pioneer settlement on Sanibel centered around Point Ybel, which is now considered “Old Town Sanibel.” This area near the lighthouse was once the center of island activity, where most of Sanibel’s early pioneers passed through. By 1889, there were 21 houses and 40 families living on Sanibel. In 1892, with a population nearing 100, Sanibel built its first schoolhouse, which visitors can now see displayed at the Sanibel Historical Village.

As wealthy industrialists from the north, such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, discovered the balmy climate and fishing paradise of Fort Myers, they also made their way to unbridged Sanibel Island for rest and relaxation. In the late 1880s, the beautiful Casa Ybel Resort – originally known as “The Sisters” – began their tradition of gracious hospitality to travelers seeking sun, sand and sea.

In 1928, the Kinzie brothers constructed docks at the east end of Sanibel, and ferry service provided transport to the island for the next 35 years. Sea captains and farmers quickly started to homestead the island. In addition to “Old Town,” a village developed at Wulfert (near today’s “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge) where settlers planted grapefruit, watermelon and vegetable farms. Inventor Clarence Chadwick converted most of Captiva into a key lime plantation; today, Chadwick’s plantation is the site of the 330-acre South Seas Resort.

Agriculture took a hard hit with the hurricanes of 1921 and 1926; the first of which split the island in two, the latter which featured a 14-foot storm surge that completely flooded all low-lying areas. Island agriculture never recovered, but in its place, a new source of revenue emerged: hospitality.

Famous Americans continued to seek a tranquil retreat on the islands. Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, frequently visited; in fact, Anne wrote her famous “Gifts from the Sea”” while vacationing on Captiva. President Teddy Roosevelt and poet Edna St. Vincent Millay also came to visit.

Activities and Attractions

The water sports available at Sundial Beach & Golf Resort rival the best in the world. Hop on a sailboat or kayak in search of bottlenose dolphin, Florida manatee, or sea turtles. Here, you can design your own Florida Gulf Coast resort vacation. In addition, the Cycles and Sails hut, located by the main pool, provides guests with a variety of non-motorized vehicles for on and off the water.

Cruise with a marine biologist and naturalist on a wonderful Sealife Encounter Cruise, which provides hands-on learning for all ages. Watch dolphins play, marvel at onboard aquariums, and stop at a deserted island for netting and discovery - all just minutes from our sun-kissed Florida Gulf resort. Experience the island's natural beauty from the water with a Captiva Cruise, offering out-island luncheon excursions to the neighboring islands of Cabbage Key and Useppa. Or choose from shelling, dolphin watch, romantic sunset, and private sailboat cruises. The helpful concierge at our luxurious Florida Gulf beach resort can handle all the arrangements for your family.

If the Gulf waters are calling your name there's swimming, fishing boating, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and windsurfing along the 14 miles of beach on Sanibel. Take a Gulf cruise for spotting the dolphins and manatees, or simply walk the beach for some of the best shelling in North America.

Fish with the pros aboard the Miss Paradise from 9am until noon for jack, macker.

BIG ARTS celebrates its 30th season with an extraordinary line-up of performances and educational programs. Whether your interest is in dance, the visual arts, classical, jazz or popular music, children’s summer camp, lectures, award-winning film or theater, or in attending a class or workshop -- BIG ARTS has something for everyone!

The Conservation Foundation’s Nature Center encompasses 260 of the over 1,800 total acres owned and managed as a preserve for Florida wildlife, and offers a unique insight into the island’s ecosystems. Visitors can walk 4 ½ miles of trails, climb an observation tower, and experience a butterfly exhibit. Inside the Nature Center, a marine-life touch tank, an alligator jawbone, a mangrove diorama, and other exhibits showcase island habitat. The foundation also operates a nature shop, bookstore and native plant nursery, and conducts estuarine research. Guided trail tours, shoreline discovery walks and many other programs are available. Price is $3 for adults; members and children 17 and under are admitted free. Additional charges may apply to other programs. Hours of operation vary with the season: October through May, weekdays, 8:30am to 4:00pm; June through September, weekdays, 8:30am to 3:00pm; and Saturdays from 10:00am to 3:00pm, December through April

This collection of late 19th- and early 20th-century buildings brings early Sanibel back to life in a beautifully serene setting. Dedicated to the pioneer families of Sanibel and Captiva, the Village includes “Uncle” Clarence Rutland’s home, Bailey’s General Store, “Morning Glories” (a Sears/Roebuck catalog home), Miss Charlotta’s Tea Room, the 1926 Post Office, the Burnap Cottage, and the latest addition – the island’s original schoolhouse -- transplanted in late 2004 from its former Periwinkle Way location where it served as a theater for years. All of the buildings are furnished with items from the early 1900s. A handicapped-accessible boardwalk and shell paths take visitors past a pioneer garden, antique Model T truck, and a replica of a packinghouse with farm equipment. The Village relates the history of the islands beginning with the days of the Calusa Indians up to the mid-1900s. The Historical Village and Museum is open November through mid-August, Wednesday through Saturday, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, although summer hours may vary. Closed mid-August through October. Donations of $5 per adult are welcomed. School children and younger are free.

Perhaps the most photographed structure on Sanibel, the Sanibel Lighthouse was first lit in August 1884. In 1972, the U.S. Coast Guard announced it would extinguish the light, but then abandoned the plan when faced with public outcry. The Florida Coast Guard continues to maintain the lighthouse, which is not open to visitors, but the City of Sanibel now manages the surrounding property, including the keeper’s quarters, fishing pier and beach access.

Eventsl & Festivals

To honor the birthday of "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge's namesake, the Refuge will host nature photography workshops, wildlife and environmental speakers, a Youth Day and other special events throughout the Sanibel community. The celebration culminates on the 24th with a family festival featuring free hot dogs and free narrated tram tours through the Refuge. Visit www.dingdarlingdays.com for more information.

Enjoy family fun with carnival games, live music and entertainment, raffle prizes, and lots of free food and drink as the Bailey brothers show their appreciation to Islanders and customers. From 1pm - 4pm in the Bailey Center parking lot.

Well worth the drive, this competition attracts the premier sandsculptors in the country. You won't believe what they can create. Historically located on Estero Island's south end, with parking well-marked. Fantastic for all ages - don't forget your camera !!!!!

Travel through more than three miles of lighted paper luminaries to visit stores, shops and restaurants completely decked out in their best holiday lights and finery while enjoying refreshments and live music. Truely a great evening! The fun starts at dusk and ends approximately 9p.m.

Lighted paper luminaries, stores decorated with holiday lights, refreshments and music all combine to kick off the holiday season! The Village is the place to be from dusk until approximately 9p.m.

Travel through more than three miles of lighted luminaries to visit stores, shops and restaurants all completely decked out in their best holiday finery and lights while enjoying refreshments and live music. Truely a great evening! The fun starts at dusk and ends approximately 9:30pm.

Lighted paper luminaries, stores decorated with holiday lights, refreshments and live music all combine to kick off the holiday season! The Village is the place to be from dusk until approximately 9.

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