Sanibel and Captiva Islands are located about a mile off the Florida coast west of Fort Myers in the Gulf of Mexico. With an irresistible climate, long sandy beaches, abundant wild life and nightlife—including 64 places to eat—and quaint shopping, owning real estate in Sanibel or Captiva real estate may be the next best place to heaven.
Property in Sanibel exudes perfection. During a drive through real estate on Sanibel Island crossing the bridge on Blind Pass, enter real estate on Captiva Island, a barrier island where the famous and wealthy enjoy incredible gardens and enormous homes. Live in Sanibel condo communities, an old neighborhood or enjoy the estate homes with golf and boating amenities in exclusive developments. Renovate a historic cottage in Sanibel, check out the new stilt homes in Sanibel or lay low in a Sanibel stucco house. And enjoy real estate along Sanibel Island’s canals and waterfronts.
Almost 6 thousand people live here—make that 22 during winter—and nearly two million vacationers come each year. It’s an easy trip to fly into Fort Myers and be on the islands within an hour. Crossing via the Sanibel Causeway from the mainland to the islands is like entering a different world.
Visitors flock to classic spots like the Sanibel Lighthouse, which was first lit in August 1884. J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,000-acre sanctuary that offers hiking, biking and canoe trails along with more than 200 species of birds. The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Center has exhibits and several miles of walking trails. The unique Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum exhibits shells in art and history, shell habitats, rare specimens, fossil shells and local shells. Take the Everglades Day Safari ecotour for great bird watching and wildlife photography options. Find alligators, panthers, manatees, reptiles and other zoological and botanical interests in southwest Florida's Big Cypress Preserve and Everglades Outback—well worth the full day tour by riverboat.
This is a subtropical paradise with lush palms and tropical flowers everywhere. Both coasts have excellent beaches with calm surf, which is ideal for sunbathing and swimming. Sanibel's beaches are famous for the incredible variety of seashells that wash ashore including lion's paws, sand dollars and coquinas. And snorkeling in Tarpon Bay, home to an incredible variety of wildlife, will unveil a large ecosystem such as mangrove trees, hermit crabs, egrets, great blue herons, mammoth manatees and dolphins.
Whether you are dreaming of the perfect primary residence, a second home or an investment property, these islands will share the best of sight seeing, nature, entertainment and outdoor sports. Buried beneath the land are layers of island life, from prehistoric times to today. Spend some time learning about pirate legends, Victorian-age tourism, and tribal life. Discover hidden bike paths and long-forgotten hiking trails, and even learn how to spot alligator tracks and spoonbills.
Both islands are accessible, not overcrowded and are the Gulf Coasts best kept secret.
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