vacation to Ft. Myers from 1/31/09 - 2/1/09 (Sanibel, Captiva: spring break, hotel, shop)

[dc1225]

hahahaa, thanks all!

[dc1225]

guys what is the deal with ft. myers/captiva/sanibel? can someone tell me? are the like right next to each other, etc...thank you.

[Roadrunner69]

By water yes they are close to each other, but by road you have to go over two different bridges to get to them. It only takes about 10 to 15 min. on a good day between the two bridges.

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by Roadrunner69

By water yes they are close to each other, but by road you have to go over two different bridges to get to them. It only takes about 10 to 15 min. on a good day between the two bridges.

so i can just hop on a boat? what is there to do in sanibel or captiva? are these two areas better than the ft. myers beach?

[Lulu101]

I'm so jealous that your going to be vacationing in SW Fla.

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by Lulu101

I'm so jealous that your going to be vacationing in SW Fla.

Not after you see the bill...

[outsider1]

Originally Posted by dc1225

so i can just hop on a boat? what is there to do in sanibel or captiva? are these two areas better than the ft. myers beach?

Ft. Myers Beach means hordes of tourists, murky water, trash, drinking establishments, noise, traffic and stuff like that. You pay extra for everything. There are parking and beach access fees. You might need to head there first to find yourself the one with loose morals. Then the two of you can proceed further offshore.

Once you cross the causeway to Sanibel you're in a different world. Quiet, serene kind of place to escape from the hustle and bustle of life. The crossing fee by car was $6 or $7 when I was there last, not sure about the boat though. Also there used to be a trolley that took you there for a buck each way. Some occasional local may greet a tourist with a frown if given a good reason. Commercial development is extremely limited, the whole place is reserved for peace and quiet. A good place for fishing, swimming and shell-picking.

Captiva is as good if not better(seemed like much better fishing) than Sanibel. There used to be a service that took you there from Pine Island(that's in Cape Coral on the other side of Calusahatchee river) for something like $5. By the way, if you want to see how all sorts of tropical fruits grow, visit Pine Island. There's a community of artistically as well as agriculturally-inclined folks that do that sort of thing.

There's also a nice state park by Bonita Springs that should be within 15 to 40-minute drive depending on where you're in Ft. Myers.

[dc1225]

Originally Posted by outsider1

Ft. Myers Beach means hordes of tourists, murky water, trash, drinking establishments, noise, traffic and stuff like that. You pay extra for everything. There are parking and beach access fees. You might need to head there first to find yourself the one with loose morals. Then the two of you can proceed further offshore.

Once you cross the causeway to Sanibel you're in a different world. Quiet, serene kind of place to escape from the hustle and bustle of life. The crossing fee by car was $6 or $7 when I was there last, not sure about the boat though. Also there used to be a trolley that took you there for a buck each way. Some occasional local may greet a tourist with a frown if given a good reason. Commercial development is extremely limited, the whole place is reserved for peace and quiet. A good place for fishing, swimming and shell-picking.

Captiva is as good if not better(seemed like much better fishing) than Sanibel. There used to be a service that took you there from Pine Island(that's in Cape Coral on the other side of Calusahatchee river) for something like $5. By the way, if you want to see how all sorts of tropical fruits grow, visit Pine Island. There's a community of artistically as well as agriculturally-inclined folks that do that sort of thing.

There's also a nice state park by Bonita Springs that should be within 15 to 40-minute drive depending on where you're in Ft. Myers.

did you stay in Sanibel/Captiva? or make a day trip? Im staying in FMBeach

[outsider1]

Made trips to both when I was staying in Cape Coral. FM Beach is an easy gateway to Sanibel. And it's a much more convenient and less expensive option for lodging and dining.

[yachtcare]

Originally Posted by dc1225

did you stay in Sanibel/Captiva? or make a day trip? Im staying in FMBeach

Staying on Sanibel/Captiva can usually be about $500.00+ per night. Of course this is expected to be quite a slow year, so you may be able to do better.
Not sure of your age range, but I find there's really very little to do on Sanibel/Captiva, unless you like to sit on a quiet beach, with middle age to elderly folks, or spend lots of $$ on expensive shops and mom/pop type eateries, or upscale bistros. As mentioned, the true "tourist" experience is on FM Beach, it is lined with hotels, restauraunts, bars, live entertainment, and souvenir shops. Plan a day trip to Sanibel/Captiva, it's definatly worth seeing while you're here. A $6.00 toll across the causeway(one way).A tour of "Ding" Darling national park is nice if you're into nature. And the sunset from Blind pass beach is something everyone should experience at least once in a life time. But the beaches on the islands are just that..beaches, NO bars, eateries, shops...NOTHING but sand and water. The party is on FM Beach.