Sanibel Holiday Guest Blogger Raves of First Visit

My name is Nikki and my husband, little boy and I just got home from a first trip to Sanibel Island. When Sanibel Holiday listened to how excited we were about the trip, they asked if I was willing to author a post on their blog. I am thrilled to be doing this as I would like to tell the world about this hidden gem (well, maybe not hidden, but certainly not over populated!)


I am a naturalist by profession, and the thing most endearing to me about the Island is the reverence for nature. Animals are protected and treasured on the Island. Signs in several languages tell motorists to slow down. Lights are not allowed at night to protect nesting turtles. The whole Island economy and culture revolves around its being, largely, a nature preserve. There are so many ways to be “in touch” with nature on this beautiful barrier island from gathering shells along the shore to visiting C.R.O.W. to witness the wonderful rehabilitation work going on there.


One particularly wonderful experience was with Tarpon Bay Explorers. As nature lovers, we LOVED the experience and are very interested in hands on learning. We were so curious to learn as much as we could about the fauna, ecosystems and animals. It was so refreshing to see how much respect there is for the land, sea and all its critters. Even the people were respectful and full of joy!


The 1st 1/2hr of the tour was a touch tank and introduction to sea life in the area- very informative. Then outside to the tour boat to hopefully see a manatee or dolphin or birds, etc. This was an educational and very responsible tour. They are "dolphin safe" and don't interfere with the animals like some tour boats do (scout for manatee/dolphin and then bring a boat full of people to see them). Our guide, Wendy, was incredibly knowledgeable.


Of course, aside from nature, there were several aspects to our holiday that enhanced the stay enormously. The house we stayed in through Sanibel Holiday was just perfect for our little, nature loving family. It was spacious, nicely supplied, very comfortable and, best of all, equidistant between the Gulf and the Ding Darling Nature Preserve. We also loved the places to eat, from the simple and quick to the more complex. We especially liked The Blue Giraffe where we celebrated our son’s fifth birthday. We returned there several times. And, of course, the beach was a big draw for all of us. The water was calm and reasonably warm, perfect for even a just –turned five year old.


Sanibel Island was, for all of us, life changing…or at least vacation changing. We got such pleasure and satisfaction out of this trip; I can’t imagine us going anywhere else!