iStock_000010790469_MediumWhether you are a Southwest Florida resident, or simply vacationing in the Sunshine State, Sanibel Island is your go-to location for all things fun. Your friends at West Wind Island Resort have the inside scoop on the best activities that will create spectacular memories, without hurting your wallet! If you are making plans for your stay on Sanibel Island, don’t miss out on these cost-effective activities that will help you truly experience the beauty of Sanibel.

Beaches
While this may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sanibel Island, we cannot resist bragging about the white sandy beaches that lie only steps away from the West Wind Island Resort. As one of Southwest Florida’s many beautiful features, you can hit the beach for a beautiful day in the sun. On Sanibel Island, you will find a variety of beautiful beaches that are available for you to enjoy, including the Causeway Beaches, Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Park, Tarpon Bay Beach, Bowman’s Beach and Blindpass Beach.

Fishing
Whether you are fishing by land or sea, fish are always found near the islands of Sanibel and Captiva. On Sanibel Island, you can fish right off of the beaches, from the pier or even at Tarpon Bay within J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. A great experience for the whole family, you can teach your children the basics and enjoy the great outdoors. Revel in the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico and get into the relaxed, island state of mind. If you already own a fishing license, all you will need for a day of fun is a fishing pole!

Shelling
Did you know that Sanibel Island was listed as one of the 10 Best U.S. Shelling Beaches by Travel + Leisure? Holding a countless array of seashells, from large conch shells to delicate coquinas shells, the shelling beaches of Sanibel Island offer guests a fun experience for young and old alike. The best shelling locations can be found along the Gulf of Mexico, from the Sanibel Lighthouse to the northern end of Captiva Island. Here you will encounter an abundance of shells of all shapes and sizes. Take home a beautiful memento of the beaches, which will be accompanied by the fond memories of your trip to Sanibel Island.

Snorkeling
What better way to enjoy the Southwest Florida experience than by jumping right in? Grab your snorkel and hit the water, where you can explore the underwater world of Sanibel Island and discover aquatic wildlife. A perfect activity for snorkelers of all experience levels, you can swim amongst the colorful fish that abound near the island or look for shells to add to your collection.

shutterstock_267549449Farmers Market
The Sanibel Island Farmers Market is a fun outdoor activity for you and your family to enjoy during your stay on Sanibel Island. Available on Sundays from October through April, you can enjoy a great Sunday outing, where you can peruse a variety of vendors offering local produce, great food and other products. The market is pet friendly for well-behaved dogs, so if you brought your pet on your vacation, you will be able to bring them along as well!

Sanibel Lighthouse
If you wish to explore historical destinations, the Sanibel Lighthouse is the place to start. While the lighthouse is not open to the public, you can visit and snap a photo of the landmark, and then explore the history of the island in the surrounding Old Town Sanibel, or relax on the nearby beach.

J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
A must-see for nature lovers, the J.N. “Ding” Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge features animals in their natural habitats. Stop by the Visitor & Education Center and the Bailey Tract for free, or pay a small fee to explore other areas, such as the Wildlife Drive or Indigo Trail. With the land teeming with wildlife, you will earn more about the unique creatures that are indigenous to Southwest Florida.

When you don’t have to worry about financial aspects of the adventure, your thoughts are free to simply enjoy your experience! Whether you wish to hit the beautiful beaches of Sanibel Island, or you are looking for a fun-filled day in the sun, let us help you make your experience extraordinary! Just steps away from the beach and a short distance from the island’s many popular attractions, West Wind Island Resort is the ideal home away from home during your next vacation. Book you stay with us today, and start planning your getaway today!