8 Experiences You Can Only Have on The Beaches of Fort Myers &Amp; Sanibel
1. Seeing the best shells in the world
Photo: The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel
Shelling isn’t just for kids — it’s an activity that gives these beaches international recognition. Over 200 local varieties of mollusks (the animal that lives inside that beautiful mobile home) wash ashore each day, constantly replenishing the supply.
Shelling tours and guides are readily available — one particularly solid option being
After the tour, round out your day with a visit to the only shell museum in the continental US. The
2. Trying, and failing, to count all the dolphins
If you spot a fin on these green-blue waters, don’t jump to any conclusions — odds are that fin is a friend. The waters of Southwest Florida are home to the bottlenose dolphin, a playful mammal looking for its next fish dinner. It’s not unusual to see these animals flooding the Gulf and putting on a show for everyone lucky enough to be around. Often a pod will cruise past the beaches, or you can catch them circling the fishing boats, competing for the fishermen’s daily catch.
Pro tip: Stay at one of the four
3. Learning to sail on the calm, scenic waters of the Gulf
Photo:
For those looking to spend more time in the water than on the beach, this is it. The warm Gulf waters are perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, and more — you name the water sport and the Gulf shall provide (in tandem with local businesses that can equip you with gear).
4. Making a seamless transition from developed beachfront to true wilderness
Photo:
You and the bottlenose dolphins aren’t the only ones who like to enjoy these beaches. Slow-moving manatees, neck-stretching blue herons, and about a million tiny little fiddler crabs all scurrying amongst the sandy soil of the mangroves will constantly keep you company.
To ensure it stays that way, The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel protect the animals that inhabit its lush environment via numerous nature preserves and sanctuaries. Barefoot Beach in Bonita Springs,
5. Hopping the ferry to the southernmost point in the continental US
Photo:
The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel are fairly inexhaustible when it comes to vacation options. But if you’re seeking a farther-flung day trip, look south to Key West. It’s a six-hour drive, but thanks to the
Ferries leave Fort Myers at 8:30am and return at 6pm, giving you enough time to experience the southernmost point in the continental US, grab a piña colada, and see if you can spot Cuba 90 miles away. But possibly as good? The ferry ride itself. Note: The cheapest rates are on weekdays if you book in advance online.
6. Finding everything you’re looking for in a beach vacation within a one-hour radius
Photo:
Greater Fort Myers packs in endless things to do, such that you never have to travel far to get what you’re after. This is especially true if you base yourself at the
In less than ten minutes you can be on the Caloosahatchee River — great for boating, kayaking, and freshwater fishing. In just about 20 minutes, you’re beachside at Fort Myers Beach taking in the beautiful view of San Carlos Bay. Twenty-five minutes, and you’re at Southwest Florida International Airport. Clocking in at just over 30 minutes is the middle of Sanibel Island. Take the drive across Sanibel and you’ve landed on lush Captiva Island, with time to spare before hitting the hour mark.
7. Hitting the beaches by day, and MLB Spring Training by evening
Start the day with your morning coffee on a private beach courtesy of the
Each team has tickets available starting in December and they sometimes play several days a week, meaning this is your excuse to go south for the winter and the solution to your holiday gift conundrum.
8. Enjoying the beach just like folks did 130 years ago
Photo:
The
Your room at the
