Why Sanibel? (Orlando, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach: spring break, rent, condos)

[Firststop]

I've visited FMB several times, but I have never been to Sanibel. If we don't rent a car, is there other ways to get there like the trollies? Also, can you tell me what you like about it? Thanks!

[hiker45]

At Sanibel, we had a great time kayaking at Tarpon Bay. It also has good biking trails. That's it.

FMB has more places to eat outside with nice views (Junkanoos, Nervous Nellies, Bonita Bills, Doc Fords, Pinchers, plus others).

The south part of FMB has MUCH more wildlife than Sanibel. The trolley also goes to Lovers Key.

The sand on the Sanibel beaches is kind of gritty. Not as soft as FMB.

[hiknapster]

Sanibel is less commercialized. Actually, that's an understatement. The residents, mostly very affluent, have kept tight control on how things look, what comes in. If you like that sort of look, something along the lines of Martha Vineyard, as opposed to the very commercialized Fort Myers Beach, than it will be for you. It's the sort of shabby chic that folks from a certain socio-economic background often prefer.

Frankly, I'd take Sanibel over Fort Myers Beach any day, but I'm thrilled that not everyone else is enamored of it.

Getting around Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Captiva and Sanibel is going to tough without a car. Florida is very car-centric. Even in places like Orlando, a much more populated area, the buses are often inconvenient, and often crowded and not particularly pleasant for tourists.

There is no trolley or bus that goes to Sanibel or Captiva.

http://www.rideleetran.com/pdfs/SystemMapWeb.pdf

Do yourself a huge favor and rent a car.

[Angelala]

I have been to both and I would take Sanibel over Fort Myers beach any day as well. Sanibel Island (I go to Bowman's Beach) is a place of serenity and relaxation and FMB is commercialized and more fast paced.

[hiker45]

Originally Posted by Angelala

I have been to both and I would take Sanibel over Fort Myers beach any day as well. Sanibel Island (I go to Bowman's Beach) is a place of serenity and relaxation and FMB is commercialized and more fast paced.

We went to Bowman's Beach and didn't like it at all. My wife and I like to walk on the beach, but Bowman's was too soft above the high-tide mark and there was too much slope down near the water. It was not enjoyable for walking. In addition, the sand was too gritty and, except for one gull, there was no wildlife.

[hiker45]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

Do yourself a huge favor and rent a car.

If you rent a car, you can drive to one of our favorite places - Bunche Beach. The beach itself is very short, but if you go at low tide you can walk WAY out on the sand bars where you can find lots of interesting sea creatures - if you know how to look for them.

We went there on a short guided tour and the leader was great at finding things in the sand. He even found two large horseshoe crabs mating in the sand. Yes, we had the decency to leave them alone.

We found a baby blowfish in one of the tidal pools and I caught a male fiddler crab with my bare hands. Don't laugh. The claw on those little suckers is pretty impressive.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by hiker45

If you rent a car, you can drive to one of our favorite places - Bunche Beach. The beach itself is very short, but if you go at low tide you can walk WAY out on the sand bars where you can find lots of interesting sea creatures - if you know how to look for them.

We went there on a short guided tour and the leader was great at finding things in the sand. He even found two large horseshoe crabs mating in the sand. Yes, we had the decency to leave them alone.

We found a baby blowfish in one of the tidal pools and I caught a male fiddler crab with my bare hands. Don't laugh. The claw on those little suckers is pretty impressive.

That just goes to show how different everyone is. I hate Bunch Beach. It's not commercial, at least, so I'll give it that. And I imagine it is great for someone looking for wildlife but it certainly isn't a good beach if you want to sunbathe or walk. It's not really taken care of. It also has a lot of no-seeums at dusk. Nasty.

By the way, back in the day it was the only beach that blacks could go to. The locals call it (insert nasty word) Beach.

ugh.

But it is not known for being a nice beach.

But I could see why someone that is interested in such things would like it.

[nhkev]

FMB seemed a little honky tonk to me. there are a lot more beach bars, spring break location type place. it is on a main strip and pretty lively.

Sanibel is more of a laid back island feel. when on Bowmans beach there are no condos or traffic behind it. I usually have pretty good luck walking a little down the beach and find a nice secluded spot to fish. It is more about the sound of the waves and the smell of the beach. much more relaxing and peaceful.

If I were a teenager to age 27 I would probably find Sanibel boring and prefer FMB.

I think it is party vs paradise

[Izmack]

Yep - they are two completely different experiences. A comparison would be some Jersey shore towns (think Seaside Heights and Snookie before Hurricane Sandy) versus the Outer Banks, only one can savor both within a 45 minute drive in SWFL.

Originally Posted by nhkev

FMB seemed a little honky tonk to me. there are a lot more beach bars, spring break location type place. it is on a main strip and pretty lively.

Sanibel is more of a laid back island feel. when on Bowmans beach there are no condos or traffic behind it. I usually have pretty good luck walking a little down the beach and find a nice secluded spot to fish. It is more about the sound of the waves and the smell of the beach. much more relaxing and peaceful.

If I were a teenager to age 27 I would probably find Sanibel boring and prefer FMB.

I think it is party vs paradise

[hiker45]

Originally Posted by hiknapster

I hate Bunch Beach. It also has a lot of no-seeums at dusk. Nasty.

WOW, you can say that again!! And again and again!!!

After we finished our guided tour in the evening, the leader said he wanted to get back to his car before the bugs started biting. We didn't know what he was talking about, so we stayed a little past susnset and then walked back to our car. Those little bugs about ate us alive!!