Sanibel and Captiva Islands are exquisite treasures basking in the sun on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. Small, friendly communities blessed with the natural grandeur of endless white sand beaches, acres of protected tropical wilderness and wildlife, and surrounded by the glistening blue waters of the Gulf ... the crown jewels of Florida!

A short drive from the Southwest Florida Regional Airport, and Paige Field for the private jets, your valuable time is yours to enjoy with friends and family in your island home.

The extaordinary opportunity to own the ultimate in island living awaits ... don't miss it. Call Jane Reader Weaver at 239 472 1302, or email Jane for pricing and information.

Early History

Sanibel and its sister island Captiva are part of a chain of barrier islands skirting the southwest coast of Florida. Most of these islands are parallel to the shoreline. Sanibel, however, is crescent-shaped and extends further into the Gulf, creating a haven for fish and wildlife sheltered in the bays behind the island.

Only about three miles across at its widest point, Sanibel boasts more than 12 miles of Gulf of Mexico beaches. According to geologists, Sanibel and Captiva were formed as one island about six thousand years ago. Sediment from the Caloosahatchee River was carried into the Gulf of Mexico and shaped over the years by hurricanes and tropical storms. It is believed that people have lived on Sanibel since its formation.

Sanibel & Captiva Today

Vacationing on Sanibel and Captiva Islands allows you to step back in time and visit Natural Florida. Prudent, consistent conservation programs and an emphasis on living in harmony with nature have always been a part of the culture of these beautiful islands. The entirety of Sanibel and parts of Captiva were declared a national wildlife refuge in 1945 and land use restrictions enacted in 1974 still guide development and landscaping.

Six thousand acres of mangrove, bay and estuary now compose the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, named after Jay Norwood Darling, a conservationist, illustrator and cartoonist whose conservation-related satire appeared in numerous publications. As enchanted visitors explore the five-mile wildlife drive by car, bike, or on foot, they see any of 200 species of birds, often at close range. Visitors have the option to explore the refuge via nature trails, an observatory tower, canoe or kayak – one thing for certain: whatever their choice - it's an encounter with Natural Florida they will never forget.

Sanibel beaches are still ranked third in the world and first in North America for the number of varieties of shell species. The East/West orientation of the island is often credited with the outstanding, seemingly unlimited supply of beautiful treasures. If you love shelling, you will love a visit the Bailey Matthews Shell Museum during your stay.

Captiva Island is linked to the northern tip of Sanibel by a short bridge and offers spectacular white sand beaches, luxury homes and a unique blend of restaurants and shops set amongst the lush tropical foliage.

Residents of Sanibel and Captiva work hard to preserve the beauty and wildlife of the barrier islands. People choose to live and vacation here for clean and non-commercial beaches, quiet, beautiful surroundings and subtropical climate. Where else can you experience the comforts of home combined with world-class dining and night life, exotic shopping opportunities and a robust menu of art, theatre, and music events that rival those of the largest metropolis - yet still see dolphins, manatees, ospreys and bald eagles. The seabirds that skip along the shore may be just out of reach, but Captiva and Sanibel are profoundly accessible and easy to find.