How to Live on an Island....Sanibel Island That Is!

"I think that there’s no truer place than an island. Whether it’s a sandbar or a bubble-up of volcanic rock or a jut of tropical coral, an island stands only by some whim of fate, given a chancy foothold among the chaos. When I go to an island, I know that I’m in that state of grace in which anything can happen.”
— from How to Live on an Island, by Sandy Gingras

There is a popular book for Islanders called How to Live on an Island, written by Sandy Gingras. Whether you live on Sanibel or simply visit here often it is likely you have seen it around. How to Live on an Island gives it's readers an opportunity to reflect on the simpler things in life and acts as a gentle reminder to enjoy them.

Island living takes practice. It's not easy to slow down in today's hectic, fast paced world but Sanibel (and Sanibel Holiday) make it easy. We often hear at check-in that people actually feel their blood pressure go down once they pass the toll booth. As you drive down Sanibel's picturesque main drag, Periwinkle Way, you finally realize after a long days travel that at last you are on a well deserved vacation!

One of Sanibel's most attractive features is it's slower pace. With this in mind, we feel there are several things that visitors to Sanibel MUST do to have an authentic island experience:

Dine out at any one of the eclectic eateries that abound on the island. They offer something for everyone including fresh local seafood, fine European cuisine, boardwalk style hot dogs, homemade ice cream and decadent desserts. Some of Sanibel Holiday's favorites are Traders, Timbers and the Mucky Duck.

Leave your car in its parking space and explore the island on two wheels. Biking is the preferred mode of transportation on Sanibel. Twenty-five miles of bike paths wind their way alongside the main roads, allowing you to easily get from one end of the island to the other.

Be sure to visit the "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and see the many species of birds and animals that call Sanibel home. Bird watching is a national past time and there is no better place to do it than Sanibel Island!

Grab a good book from the Sanibel Island Bookshop, a comfy beach chair and an umbrella then stroll down to the Gulf and spend the day reading. You may even see some dolphins frolicking close to the shore. (Don't forget your sunscreen!)

Take a kayak tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers. There is nothing more peaceful and serene than kayaking with a naturalist through the mangrove forest. Learn about Sanibel's unique back-bay ecosystem while surrounded by the wildlife that Sanibel is famous for.

A Sanibel sunset is the perfect ending to a perfect day! The best way, in our humble opinion, to witness this majestic moment is on a sunset cruise with Captiva Cruises. The Sunset Serenade Cruise offers live music and a full service cash bar.

At Sanibel Holiday our goal for our guests is the perfect island experience. This of course starts with helping pick the perfect accommodation for you and your family but we don't stop there! Allow us to make recommendations and even reservations as part of our concierge style services to help make your vacation unforgettable!