About 12 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest point, Sanibel Island is located just off of the Florida shoreline, about 20 miles from Ft. Myers. It is connected to the mainland by a 3-mile long causeway. To the north is of Sanibel Island is Captiva Island measuring about 4 miles in length and only half a mile in width. It is connected to Sanibel via a short bridge.
If one had to figure out what a perfectly designed vacation destination would look like - one would probably come up with something very similar to Sanibel Island and the adjacent Captiva Island. However the islands themselves were not planned, they are natural. What was planned is the development of the islands with environmental concerns ranking high on the priority list.
The result of this careful planning is impressive. About two-thirds of the Sanibel Island, on the northeastern side, are occupied by the JN 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge - the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in America. A carful mix of residential and commercial development occupies the remaining land, including the crescent shaped stunning white beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
Visitors to Sanibel Island will find accommodations ranging from upscale resorts to privately owned Bed and Breakfasts, a host of restaurants and dinners and numerous shopping opportunities. They will also find stunning natural beauty and great weather yearlong.
About 12 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest point, Sanibel Island is located just off of the Florida shoreline, about 20 miles from Ft. Myers. It is connected to the mainland by a 3-mile long causeway. To the north is of Sanibel Island is Captiva Island measuring about 4 miles in length and only half a mile in width. It is connected to Sanibel via a short bridge.
