SANIBEL ISLAND ★★ Sanibel Island Is a Real Shell-Collector’S Paradise

DESTINATIONS

SANIBEL ISLAND ★★ Sanibel Island is a real shell-collector’s paradise. The east-west orientation of the island’s south end acts like a shovel, scooping up the more than 200 species of seashells brought in by the currents. Some beaches are literally carpeted with them. So many people go shelling that the bent-at-the-waist stance has even been dubbed the “Sanibel Stoop»! It was only in 1963 that the island was connected to the mainland by a causeway. Its exquisite scene- ry, blue waters as far as the eye can see and spectacular sunsets make Sanibel an essential destination when visiting southern Florida.

SEASHELLS ON A BEACH © AdobeStock, bettys4240 WHAT TO DO — BEACHES★★ including a children’s There are no washroom pelicans, spoonbills, anhingas, playground. It is also the only facilities. Turner Beach is woodpeckers, herons, egrets LIGHTHOUSE PARK beach with barbecue grills just after Blind Pass Bridge and other beautiful waterfowl. BEACH ★★ where you can cook while connecting Sanibel to Captiva The road is open every day Lighthouse Beach ★ ★ is enjoying the spectacular Island. except Fridays. mostly frequented by families. sunset. 17 200, CAPTIVA DRIVE, It is named for the historic 1700, BOWMAN’S BEACH ROAD, CAPTIVA ISLAND You can also enjoy kayaking, lighthouse found there. SANIBEL ISLAND canoeing, or paddleboarding Swimming, fishing and walks on the quiet waters of the around the marshes are the TARPON BAY BEACH ★ J.N. DING DARLING park (equipment can be rented most popular activities. There Another white sand beach, NATIONAL WILDLIFE on location). The visitor centre are also washroom facilities, perfect for shelling. It has REFUGE ★★ is open every day from 9 a.m. picnic tables and shaded washroom facilities (water This park covering more than to 4 p.m. pavilions. fountains, showers and toilets) one-third of the island was 1, WILDLIFE DRIVE, SANIBEL ISLAND 110, PERIWINKLE WAY, and picnic tables. It is a short created to safeguard and 239-472-1100 SANIBEL ISLAND hike from the parking lot to enhance the pristine wildlife WWW.FWS.GOV/DINGDARLING the beach. habitat of Sanibel Island, BOWMAN’S BEACH ★★ 111, TARPON BAY ROAD to protect endangered and Beautiful Bowman’s Beach ★ ★ SANIBEL ISLAND threatened species, and to BAILEY-MATTHEWS is everything you could dream provide feeding, nesting, and NATIONAL SHELL of for a perfect getaway: it is TURNER BEACH ★ roosting areas for migratory MUSEUM secluded, quiet and not very Turner Beach is one of the birds. Along the wooden Sanibel’s Bailey-Matthews crowded. It is one of the most most popular for shelling. boardwalks you can sometimes Shell Museum has more than 2 popular beaches on Sanibel. Swimming can be dangerous see Gopher tortoises and even million shells in its collection, There are several amenities, because of the swift currents. alligator crossings on the bay including specimens from side. around the globe. It’s the perfect place to identify the AUTHENTIK TIP The park is a bird watchers’ shells you’ve found during paradise! One of the best your trip. Open every day The best time to go shelling is just before low tide, preferably at sunrise. times of the day to view some from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shelling around the full or new moon will increase your chances of finding of the 245 species of birds 3075, SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROAD, beautiful specimens! One of the best places for finding small, colourful shells is around the Sanibel Lighthouse end of the island, while larger is early in the morning, at SANIBEL ISLAND shells are found closer to Captiva.Junonia, Lion’s Paw Scallop and Scotch low tide. From your car on 239-395-2233 Bonnet are some of the rare species you may find, and are highly prized by Wildlife Drive, you may see WWW.SHELLMUSEUM.ORG collectors!

Important: live shelling is prohibited by Florida state law. Make sure that the shells you collect do not have an animal living inside. DO YOU KNOW THE «SANIBEL SHUFFLE»?

It consists of jumping into the sea and shuffling your feet to scare away any small rays that might be nearby, as they can often be found near the beaches. Another popular Sanibel activity! That said, a ray sting can be BIKE TRAILS painful but it is not dangerous.

Biking is without a doubt the best way to explore Sanibel. With its more than 35 km of bike trails, you can get just about anywhere on the island by bike, even places not accessible by car. Bicycles can be rented at Finni- more’s Cycle for a good price.

2353, Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island / 239-472-5577 / finnimores.com

A BIT OF HISTORY…

You will notice that Sanibel is surrounded by many small deserted islands. They create a fantastic natural environment to explore by boat! Sanibel is said to have been the home base of the infamous pirate captain José Gaspar many years ago. Legend has it that he held his female prisoners captive on Captiva Island, imprisoned his beloved Mexican princess Joseffa on Useppa Island, hid his treasure on Gasparilla Island, and made his home on Pine Island... SANIBEL ISLAND HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE © Creative Commons, Pat Williams

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS

J.N. DING DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE © WikiCommons, Quadell

LIGHTHOUSE PARK BEACH © WikiCommons, Noel Benadom DESTINATIONS

NEARBY — CAPTIVA ISLAND ★ SCENIC DRIVE ★ A short bridge at the This scenic route runs along northern tip of Sanibel the Gulf of Mexico for about Island ★ ★ leads to Captiva 10 km. Start on Mooring Line Island ★ . Captiva is home Drive which becomes Gulf to tourist resorts, some Shore Boulevard. Turn left on good restaurants, and more 19th Avenue and then right on beautiful beaches where you Gordon Drive until you reach can add to your collection Gordon’s Pass. You will see luxury of shells. Several companies homes and beautiful beaches. offer tours to explore the Also note the Naples Pier (735 beautiful pristine islands 8th Street), built in 1888, a CAPTIVA ISLAND nearby, such as Captiva symbol of the city and its history. © Creative Commons, Bubba73 Cruises. 11401 ANDY ROSSE LANE, CAPTIVA ISLAND / 239-472-5300 WWW.CAPTIVACRUISES.COM

NAPLES ★ Sometimes overlooked by visitors in favor of the Everglades, Naples boasts many white sandy beaches and the particularly calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The city appeals to a wide range of visitors with its 35 golf courses and its high-end boutiques and art galleries.

DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE PARK ★ This park boasts one of the SCENIC DRIVE most pristine stretches of © AdobeStock, jovannig beach in the world, with 2 km of white sand and calm waters. It’s the perfect spot to build a sandcastle or just relax in the sun. Open every day from 8 a.m. until sunset. 11 135, GULFSHORE DRIVE, NAPLES 239-597-6196 WWW.FLORIDASTATEPARKS.ORG/ PARKS-AND-TRAILS/DELNOR- WIGGINS-PASS-STATE-PARK

OLD NAPLES ★ Historic Old Naples is the place to browse high-end boutiques and art galleries, unwind on the patio of a good restaurant or take a break in the shade of some palm trees. 5TH AVENUE S. AND 3RD STREET S. DELNOR BEACH © Creative Commons, Ebyabe

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see DESTINATIONS WHERE TO EAT — PINOCCHIO’S ORIGINAL THE ISLAND COW ($$-$$$) SWEET MELISSA’S CAFE THE MAD HATTER ($$$$) ITALIAN ICE CREAM ($) The perfect place to start ($$$$) This popular restaurant A must! Pinocchio’s ice cream, the day! The breakfast menu One of the island’s favourite offers American cuisine at frozen yogurt, sorbet and gelato is impressive, with a wide restaurants. A real culinary its best in a cozy, romantic are handcrafted in-house. They selection of pancakes, eggs journey awaits you here. setting! The menu is varied offer many unique and delicious prepared just how you like Chef/owner and artist Melissa and prepared with fresh flavours, some of which are them, sandwiches and even Talmage offers a varied and seasonal ingredients. You inspired by the local beaches, seafood omelettes! You creative menu prepared with will enjoy your experience others by Tuscany, and the frozen will also love the patio, the eclectic ingredients. Open as much for the beautiful treats are always fresh (if they festive atmosphere, the for lunch Tuesday-Friday from sunsets as for the food and make it on Monday, they serve it interesting menu, the great 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and service. Open daily from on Tuesday or Wednesday.) The cookies, the cold drinks, the for dinner Tuesday-Saturday 4:45 p.m. portions are generous: you won’t outdoor games and the live from 5 p.m. 6467, SANIBEL-CAPTIVA ROAD, be disappointed! Open daily from entertainment. Open daily 1625, PERIWINKLE WAY, SANIBEL ISLAND 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. SANIBEL ISLAND 239-472-0033 362, PERIWINKLE WAY, 2163, PERIWINKLE WAY, 239-472-1956 WWW.MADHATTERRESTAURANT.COM SANIBEL ISLAND SANIBEL ISLAND WWW.SWEETMELISSASCAFE.COM 239-472-6566 239-472-0606 *** Hours may vary *** WWW.PINOCCHIOSICECREAM.COM WWW.SANIBELISLANDCOW.COM

$ Inexppensive $$ Moderate $$$ Upscale $$$$ Fine dining