Imagine . . .
Your own Private Tropical Estate
Captiva-Sanibel Island Information and History
Located south of Tampa/St. Petersburg on the Gulf of Mexico.
2002 Money Magazine voted Captiva-Sanibel Islands among the best places to vacation in the world.
Both islands have long been known as one of the best places in the world for shelling.
Captiva also has a laid back easy lifestyle, breathtaking sunsets and some of the warmest winter temperatures in the country.
Truly a romantic history
Famous explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is believed to have discovered Sanibel Island – which he named “Santa Isybella” after Queen Isabella -- in 1513 while searching for his “Fountain of Youth.” He and his Spanish seamen battled the hostile Calusas for years, and Ponce de Leon eventually suffered a fatal arrow attack at their hands in 1523, at which time he retreated to Cuba and died.
The Pirates Paradise
Legend has it that the barrier islands soon became a haven for infamous pirates. “The Buccaneer Coast” attracted the notorious Jose Gaspar to the region in the early 1800s, where it was rumored that he buried his stolen treasure on Sanibel, and then built a prison on “Isle de los Captivas,” or Captiva Island, where he kept his female prisoners “captive” for ransom. Gaspar himself was captured in 1821 by the U.S. Navy, but wrapped himself in chains and jumped overboard off his ship, rather then face imprisonment - taking with him the secrets of his treasure.
Wealthy industrialists from the north, such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, discovered the balmy climate and fishing paradise of Fort Myers, they also made their way to Sanibel -Captiva Islands for rest and relaxation.
Today Captiva Island remains a secret tropical vacation destination for couples, families and celebrities alike.
Captiva Island Current Weather Link:
http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/USFL0068_f.html
Want a peak at Captiva - Tween Water's Resort's Live WebCam
http://tweencam.tween-waters.com/twcam/twcam.html
Our Favorites for all things Fishing:
Jensen's Marina - (239) 472-5800
http://www.gocaptiva.com/fishinginfo.htm
Live Bait, Tackel, Maps, Rod Rental, Boat Rental
Fishing Guide
Captain Jim Burnsed (239) 472-1779
Island Recreation
Captiva Island Cruises - nature, sunset and lunch cruises
http://www.captivacruises.com/
Cruises to other Islands; Cabbage Key, Useppa, Boca Grande, and Cayo Costa.
New Moon Sailing - sailing lessons and charters
Captiva Island Bike Rentals:
Billy's Rentals - on-line ordering - will deliver bike’s, kayaks, sunfish and windsurfers, etc.
Yolo Jim's - parasailing, golf carts, in-line skates and JetSki rentals, in Captiva Island ’s village.
http://www.yolowatersports.com/Home_Page.php
Golf is available at your choice of two 18-hole courses, the Dunes and Beachview, on nearby Sanibel Island .
Sanibel Rec. Center - Fitness Facility for Adults and Children from Boot Camps to play pool
Daily, weekly and annual memberships for families or individuals
Follow the "This week at the Sanibel Recenter" link at: www.MySanibel.com
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum - for all ages.
Bailey's Movie Theaters - Sanibel
Tanger Outlet Shops - Fort Myers
Area Information
Sanibel and Captiva Island are known be some of the world's best places for finding seashells.
http://www.sanibel-captiva.org/
Sanibel is a leader with it's wildlife preservation -- including the island's bald eagles, tortoises, manatees, dolphins, and alligators. About 1/3 of the island is reserved for wildlife and protected from development.
A few attractions
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum - http://www.shellmuseum.org/
Everglades Day Safari - http://www.ecosafari.com/
J.N. "Ding" Darling Nature Reserve - http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/
Ding Darling Nature Preserve, Sanibel Island - Bike, kayak or take a guided tour.
Sanibel/Captiva Conservation Center - http://www.sccf.org/
Sanibel Lighthouse and wildlife refuge - http://www.nps.gov/history/maritime/light/sanibel.htm
Both Captiva and Sanibel have many fine shops and restaurants
Fort Myers is a short drive with an abundance of shopping, entertainment and outlet shops
Airport Information
45-minute drive from the Ft. Myers airport (RSW - Southwest Florida International Airport)
2.5 hours from Miami International Airport (MIA)3 hours from Tampa International (TPA) or St Pete/ Clearwater (PIE),
4 hours from Orlando International (MCO)
Hire your own Personal Chef
We have an excellent Chef that we are proud to recommend. Both provide a wide variety of menu options and very flexible in accommodating your dining preferences and budget
My Blue Windows
Personal Chef
Christian Vivet
Website:
Island
Restaurants
Bubble Room
(239) 472-5558
Cheeburger Cheeburger
(239) 472-6111
Gasparilla's Grill
(239) 472-2323
Green Flash
(239) 472-3337
Hungry Heron
(239) 395-2300
Island Cow
(239) 472-0606
Keylime Bistro
(239) 395-4000
Lazy Flamingo
(239) 472-6939
Mad Hatter
(239) 472-0033
Matzaluna's
(239) 472-1998
Mucky Duck
(239) 472-3434
RC Otters
(239) 395-1142
Sunshine Cafe
(239) 472-6200.
Starbucks Coffee
(239) 472-7672
