Captiva Florida

With over 20 miles of soft sandy beaches, Captiva and Sanibel Islands are without a doubt the perfect location for the ultimate family vacation. Each new lap of the waves uncovers thousands of the most amazing seashells. All along the waters edge people can be found bent double picking through the sand for just one more treasure. Locally this is known as the Sanibel Stoop and you are sure to be bitten by the bug!

After a long day of building sand castles with the kids, swimming in the warm and clear waters of Florida's Gulf of Mexico, the spectacular west facing beaches are the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail and watch the sun set. With an uninterrupted view of the Horizon the sun appears as an orange glowing ball of fire before it seems to slip silently down into the water taking your cares with it.

For the more active members of the family there are bike rentals and 26 miles of trails to enjoy. The area has fantastic water sports. With windsurfing and kayak rentals there is bound to be something for everyone. There aren't many places in the world where you can take an afternoon sailing lesson and end the day with a game of follow the leader with a school of dolphins. The Dolphins love to play in the wake of the sailboats and literally chase them back to the dock.

It isn't just Dolphins that you are likely to find on or around these beautiful barrier islands. Manatees can often be seen leisurely cruising the waters, and it is quiet simply an Ornithologists paradise! With its subtropical climate, pristine beaches and unspoilt wetlands, the area is home to many unusual birds. One of the top destinations for bird watching is the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. On your 5-mile drive through the refuge you will also be sure to see Alligators. Don't forget to stop at the viewing spots along the way, climb the tower for a phenomenal view, or take a kayak ride for that up close and personal experience.

The Area is also home to many wonderful and unique restaurants. There is something for everyone, every taste and every budget. From the quirky Bubble Room with its truly unique decor and delicious bubble bread, to the Green Flash with its phenomenal sunset views and signature cocktails and the beach side bar The Mucky Duck, where you really should ask for a table by the window.

There are many wonderful places to stay, ranging from small hotels to private homes, many with screened pools and beach front locations. Or you could stay at one of the spectacularly luxurious resorts like the South Seas Plantation. You are bound to find a place that suits your family and this will be a vacation that you all talk about for years to come. In our busy hectic lives it is so refreshing to find a place that allows the whole family to just enjoy being together and experiencing the rejuvenating effects of sun, sea and sand.

The area is blessed with a fantastic climate and the wonderful lush landscape is a testament to that fact. Sunshine is abundant and with winter temperatures usually above 70 and summer temperatures remaining in the 80's to low 90's, this is a fantastic year round destination. Access to the Islands is by the Sanibel Causeway, a toll Road. The toll is currently $6 but the return trip to the mainland is free. However you may find you never want to return!