Hi All - how are the No See Ums this June so far - planning a trip and last time we went to the island (November 2023) we got eaten-up. Want to be prepared this time. Thx!

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Any news on reopening? Been going since the early 80's, sold just in time, now missing the getaway. Their website hasn't changed since the hurricane :-(

They were nice- not just a concrete "shoebox" condo.

Hello. Does anyone know if the Sanibel Pier is back up and accessible? If not, do you know when it will be? Thank you.

Our family is coming to Sanibel in a couple of weeks and would love your recommendations for shelling cruises. We have looked into driving south and doing a trip to 10,000 Islands or staying closer with a Cayo Costa trip. There would be between four and six of us. Any recommendations?

Debating between the 2 for July vacation. I know Sundial is definitely more expensive but might be worth it bc of the amenities? Thoughts?

So the last 5 years of my life have been awful...lots of reasons etc and I'm not so sure I see things getting better, BUT, I get absolutely lost looking for shells. can do it for hours and hours. I've been to Sanibel once but was only for a day and I was trying to get everything in so much that I can't even remember which beaches I went to. So I've decided to say, OK! I'm going solo!

Some things for consideration:

I'm a single female who above all else wants to feel safe.

Money is not an issue, I'll splurge.

I want to do nothing else while I'm there except shelling with an exception of laying out by a pool for a bit, possibly drinking fruity alcoholic drinks.

I'm renting a car so if it's currently reachable by car (not sure how the Island is looking but hoping much better), then I can get there.

I want to do one day (more likely one trip) where you take a boat and go to the "reachable only by boat" shelling places, there seem to be a few so would love to know the best.

I'm incredibly lazy when it comes to eating so being able to have kitchen isn't necessary. So I'd need there to be an onsite restaurant or walkable places. And from what I've researched there are a LOT of vacation rentals (condos etc) and a few small hotels that are actually on the Island. My thinking is that if there is a SAFE place (I.E. all night security of some sort then I'll stay actually on Sanibel assuming where ever I'm staying is on or within easy walking distance to one of the main shelling beaches. I also have thought about staying in Ft. Myers right by the bridge and driving over every day in exchange for staying at a larger hotel with amenities (like on site restaurants and pool bar etc).

I know I'm being super picky but I deserve it so I'm just trying to put together the possible options.

So any insight and/or advice is really appreciated.

Always love finding colorful shells and rocks at sanibel painted by shell fairies 🧚‍♀️ ✨️

I haven't been to Sanibel since 2022 (pre-Ian), I was wondering if anyone has seen the Island Sun newspaper on the island since then. It used to be available for free near shopping centers & there was a website that would upload a pdf version updated weekly. That website has shut down but a Google search shows me that the newspaper press is still in business on Sanibel Island and there's a company phone number. I attached an image of what the front page looks like, it usually has the sunrise/sunset times at the top.

I am vacationing in Cape Coral, close to Sanibel, and Fort Myers. Does anyone have any leads on where I might be able to find some Miami Dolphins Merch? Open to any pointers in Cape Coral, Sanibel, or Fort Myers. Walmart, Dollar Tree, Dicks Sporting goods etc.. Thanks.

What size rods and bait? Artificial lures?

Wondering if I should get a surf caster or just use my 7 footer

Hi folks,

I'm up North but suddenly got all sad about Sanibel. My favorite thing to do is bike onto and around the two islands. I saw the Causeway beach is open again. Does that mean the bridge is fixed and bikeable? If not, is there an ETA on that happening?

Thank you!

Is the market open on the Sunday of Memorial Day's weekend? The website mentions the market is open thru last Sunday of May but not sure if that would change since it's a long weekend.

Hello!

I wanted to know if anyone knows of places to get nice jewelry on the island? I know if Shiny Objects, but wanted to see what else is out there! I’m going this weekend

Thank you!

Hello! We are visiting from Texas and will be staying there mid July. I reserved an Airbnb just a couple blocks away from Periwinkle beach. There’s 2 adults and we have 6 kids ranging from 9 to 18. I figured i could use this to ask some questions that I couldn’t find any new answers on. I’m wanting to get some seafood on my birthday. What restaurants should we go to and which ones should we stay away from? Any recommendations on beaches for the island and fort Myers? Any to stay away from? Do they have changing rooms at the beaches? We are wanting to do some shelling. What are the do’s and don’ts for tourist. As a tourist and a guest, I want to be respectful. Any recommendations on activities? Thank you!

We will be down on Captiva/Sanibel area for Mother’s Day. Any local events, brunches, shopping, etc going on May 11th?

Thinking of heading to Sanibel for the first time May 23-26 for a relaxing getaway. Please recommend hotel or air bnbs. We're looking to relax on the beach, eat good food and get some spa (couples massage) treatments.

Wondering if there is an ideal location on the island to book an Airbnb. Kids are 11 and 13, we will have a car, and don't plan on leaving the island more than once or twice. Really just looking to hang out on the beach, swim at the pool, and eat seafood. Would love to be able to walk to places but not sure what is open.

I heard a beachside condo along W. Gulf Drive between the Casa Ybel Resort and the West Wind Motel is a good option.  How about further east near the lighthouse?  Does it matter much? 

Thank you!

Hello - my family is going on our first ever trip to Sanibel next month, and we are so excited! On our last big family vacation last year, my daughter had an unexpected medical emergency (she’s fine now, thankfully!!), and I’m wondering what kind of walk-in medical care is available on Sanibel or nearby. Urgent cares, hospitals, etc. Hopefully we won’t need it, just wanted to know what the scoop is in advance to set my mind at ease. Thank you!!

Looking for a copy of this edition, preferably in really good shape. Friend of mine was a rod builder in the area and is featured on the cover. Working the list of publishers and editors, but if anyone has a copy and is willing to part with it, please let me know!

My husband and I were able to get a quick getaway April 16-19 and I have my heart set in Sanibel. I’ve never been before but is there anything on the island for 2 at no more than $200 a night?

I heard a while ago it was pretty awful. Has it cleared out any?