Sanibel Vacation Rentals

Sanibel & Captiva Islands Christmas Luminary Trail & Open House

Christmas Luminary Trail & Open House  Nature and  Outdoors Sanibel and  Captiva Islands
Sanibel Island, FL

 December 03, 2010  and December  04, 2010

Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Update

There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill-related oil products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region. There is no indication that the rest of the state will have impacts from weathered oil products within the next 72 hours. At this time, there are no beach closures and Florida’s state waters remain open to recreational fishing.

Recent projections by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirm the sentiments of a leading local expert that there is a minimal likelihood of oil from the Deepwater Horizon/BP oil spill impacting the Beaches of Sanibel and Captiva on southwest Florida’s Gulf coast.   There  is  less than 1% chance of oil  reaching  Sanibel Island and Captiva Island    However, in  the event that Sanibel Beaches are closed due to the oil spill, we will refund your money for any time that the beach is officially closed.

Pointe Santo Sanibel Island Vacation Fall Specials

During September and October, we are offering a very special rate.  During September, the pool is closed for maintenance; therefore, we are offering a special discount for Pointe Santo A-3 , E-3 and E-6.  This fall is a wonderful time to visit beautiful Sanibel Island,  enjoy the white sandy beaches,  and dine at the many excellent restaurants.  The special rate for September for Pointe Santo A-3 and E-3 is $1,000 and for E-6 is $1,200.  For October, the fall rate for Pointe Santo A-3 and E-3 is $1,300 and for E-6 is $1,500.  There is also a 11% Florida state tax.

Current Photos of Sanibel Beach by my Sanibel Friend

For up to date photos of the Sanibel Beach, shells, birds,  turtles,  etc., check out my Sanibel friend’s blog  about her lazy life style:    http://sanibeltoots.blogspot.com/

Sanibel Museum and Historical Village Circa 1898-1927

When visiting the Islands, put the Sanibel Museum and Historical Village on your itinerary.  Located next to Big Arts on Dunlop Road, this  small but mighty statement about life on Sanibel offers history buffs and the layperson a perspective of Sanibel, the farming community.  Sanibel provided the Northeast with fruits and vegetables, especially during the winter months.  Later, as other farming communities on the mainland began competing, Sanibel became a shelling and wildlfe preserve for tourists to enjoy during season.

The seven buildings located in the  Historical Village are original residences and businesses moved to this location from 1983-2004.    The Packing House, used for archives, is the only replicated structure.  Interiors of each building are decorated with period furniture,  many are antiques donated by families of the original homesteaders.

Come see the original schoolhouse from 1896, a fishing cottage dated 1898, and a grand old 1913 Cracker House.  The original Bailey’s General Store and the Post Office are from 1926-1927.   The Sears Roebuck kit house from 1925 also is on site.

Docents conduct tours and will answer questions, or a printed guide is available for self-guided tours.  Plan on spending an hour or more as there is much to see.

Open November through April  10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and May to August 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.  Special group tours are available Sunday through Tuesday and can be arranged by calling 239-472-4648 or 239-472-9075.  Donations of  $5.00 per adult are appreciated.

J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Concession and Guide Services – Tarpon Bay Explorers at the J. N. “Ding” Darling Natinal Wildlife Refuge offers the best wildlife viewing and educational tours including Tram Tours of Wildlife Drive, guided kayak tours along the Commodore Creek Water Trail or to the Rookery Islands and private fishing charters. Also, the Sea Life and Nature Cruise (aboard a 26-passenger {handicap accessible} pontoon boat) is the perfect way to see Tarpon Bay with no paddling required.  This tour includes a 30-minute Touch Tank Exploration and is great for all ages to see and learn about the creatures that live above, at, and below the bay surface. There are also Breakfast and Evening cruises!  A full-day eco-adventure in the Florida Everglades is the newest offering by the Everglades Explorers.  This tour includes an airboat ride, a boardwalk, a wilflife drive, and much more.  Tarpon Bay Explorers also rent kayaks/canoes, motorized fishing canoes, fishing tackle, bicycles, and more.  Check on their website  for more more information and to make reservations:   http://www.tarponbayexplorers.com

Sanibel Island Things to Do

Captiva Cruises have some new ones in addition to their standards.  The Science at Sea cruise and the Sailing Under the  Stars both are fun (www.captivacruises.com)

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation  (SCCF)  has a lot of activities involving butterflies, turtles, native plants, and other indigenous things and activities.  One of their new ones is the Caloosahatchee Oxbow and Riverlore Cruise.  It will take you back in time. (www.sccf.org)

 Big Arts always has something going on that is enjoyable and worthwhile.   Check out their website at www.bigarts.org and click on calendar.

Biking is always a joy on Sanibel.  The island has miles of trails that are safe and interesting.

A Wonderland of Nature in Sanibel Island

Watching manatees and dolphins in Sanibel Island is a wonder to behold. This is just one of the many sights of nature you will experience during your Pointe Santo Sanibel Island vacation.

Sanibel Island Arts Organization Joining Forces

$1 Million Gift Endowment Insures Live Theater on Sanibel Island.
Two Sanibel arts organizations announced their intention to join forces.
The Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater will become part of the BIG ARTS