Fodor's pick for 5 must do Activities on Sanibel Island

Once again, it is accolade time for Sanibel.

And when travel experts like Frommer and Fodor applaud our little island, we have to share the wealth.

We loved the article on Sanibel, and how could we not with an opening stating: Sanibel—an island situated in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Southwest Florida—is one of America's most precious vacation destinations.

We love the word precious, because it is exactly the word we would use to describe Sanibel, meaning of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly.

We do appreciate that the piece mentions one of the biggest distinctions between Sanibel and the rest of the state, indicating that , thanks to careful city planning, residents have effectively controlled development and encouraged the preservation of the island's ecology.  This has been so since passing the Sanibel Comprehensive Land Use Plan in 1974.

But most of all, we like the "activities" suggested in this article because the emphasis is on the natural enjoyments of the Island.

Rating highest on the list of "must do's" is seeing the island the slow and easy way, on a bike or a segway or even better, on your own two feet.  What ever method you choose to navigate will allow you a special view.

Also on the natural side, the suggestion to do the Sanibel stoop focuses attention on two of the highest values on the Island, the beach and the shells.  As a side suggestion, and a good one, is the mention of Sanibel's Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.  Though there are more shells on display than on the beaches themselves, it is impressive to know that over 250 kinds of shells can be found on the Island.

Another discovery possibility, and one that never every visitor is aware of , is the exploration of Tarpon Bay.  Tarpon Bay, on the north side of the island, is a fantastic place to spend the day. There's Tarpon Bay Beach and an expansive bay on which guests and residents alike can kayak, canoe, or enjoy by pontoon boat or standup paddleboard. Tarpon Bay Explorers is the licensed concessionaire at Tarpon Bay as well as the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. They rent fishing equipment, boats, and bikes. They also offer guided kayak and canoe tours plus breakfast, daytime, and evening cruises on covered pontoon boats.

Their final two recommendations are those probably best known and possibly best loved.  Ding Darling, by car, foot or bike, offers an undisputed incredible view of bird life and encompasses the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the country.  And, of course, the Center for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife is on the must list.  The CROW complex features a state-of-the-art hospital manned by veterinarians and volunteers. At CROW's Education Center, get in on interactive games like "Be the Vet," in which participants try to diagnose an animal's medical issue.

While we think there are many more must do's on Sanibel, we see this list as an excellent start!