Barrier Islands

The Barrier Islands of Southwest Florida: Sanibel, Pine & Captiva

The scenic drive across a three-mile causeway over San Carlos Bay is a fitting introduction to the breathtaking tropical beauty of Sanibel Island, one of Southwest Florida's best-known destinations. From the large shade trees of family-friendly Lighthouse Park Beach through to the tranquillity of Turner Beach, the white sand and gentle surf offer complete refuge from everyday hustle and bustle. Travelling under the canopy of palm trees and Australian pines along Periwinkle Way, visitors find plenty of reasons to stop and browse the charming shops and art galleries.

Sanibel Island

Water currents carry more than 400 varieties of shells from all points between the Caribbean and the coast of Florida, making the beach between Sanibel and Captiva one of the most renowned shelling locales worldwide. Both excited beginners and seasoned shell collectors delight in discovering beautiful nature-made treasures. After engaging in an afternoon in the "Sanibel stoop" position, a visit to the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum will help you identify your island finds. Each March, Sanibel celebrates its bounty with the Sanibel Shell Fair, a tradition that has endured for more than six decades. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge allows visitors to enjoy the island's exotic array of animal species while biking, hiking or driving through 5,000 lush acres of mangrove forest, submerged sea grass beds and marshes. The refuge is an important roosting area for migratory birds and the best bird watching months are from December to March.

One of the best and most popular ways to explore the island is by bicycle, and several bicycle rental shops are happy to oblige with equipment and suggested touring paths. Twenty-five miles of paved biking paths run parallel to the main roads.

The Sanibel Lighthouse, built in the 1880s, is located on the eastern tip of the island. Flanked by two hip-roofed keeper's dwellings, it soars almost 30 metres into the air. The coast guard proposed deactivating the automated lighthouse in the 1970s, but local residents and historians have kept it alive. Now, the biggest threat to its existence is erosion. The lighthouse and keeper's dwellings are not open to the public, but visitors are welcome to tour the grounds.

Just a short drive north is the island of Captiva, dubbed by Dr. Stephen Leatherman, America's foremost beach authority, as the most romantic beach in the United States. This tranquil and pristine tropical setting is the perfect place to relax, sink your toes in the sand and let your cares melt away in the warm sunshine. Things just move more slowly here, and the most favoured activity is inactivity. White sand beaches and gentle surf are the background for coconut palms full of chattering native birds. Spend at least part of your holiday just strolling the beach, collecting seashells and reading or napping on the soft sand.

If you just can't stand to be still for long, hop on a jet ski, go parasailing, join a fishing expedition or explore underwater reefs while snorkelling or scuba diving. Sail to the secluded out-islands, or rent a kayak or catamaran and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the water at your leisure. Cruise Pine Island Sound or the Gulf of Mexico on a dolphin watch and wildlife adventure or sunset tour enhanced with live entertainment. A short boat ride to secluded Cayo Costa State Park Islands reveals undeveloped beaches perfect for shelling and bird watching. And don't miss a trip to the renowned Bubble Room, known for their eclectic décor, family fare and spectacular mammoth-size cakes. The cobble streets are just as busy at night, with lighted outdoor cafes with live musicians - the perfect setting for a midnight stroll.

Closer to the mainland, Pine Island is a unique vacation spot. The largest island on Florida's west coast, it has managed to escape the dense population, concrete paving and high-rise construction found in many parts of the state. Just don't come expecting miles of pristine beaches--mangrove trees line this island's scenic shores. Dubbed Florida's Creative Coast, Pine Island provides inspiration for artists, authors and musicians who revel in its quaint, small-town charm. Telephone poles are just some of the unlikely objects these artists-in-residence use as their canvases.

Artsy types aren't the only ones instinctively attracted to this Utopic destination. Many exotic animal species, including more than 20 pairs of bald eagles, call this magical island home. Osprey, egrets, heron and lovely roseate spoonbills enjoy the fish-filled waters surrounding this unspoiled retreat.

While these birds may be the best fishermen on the island, plenty of visitors attempt to compete. Boca Grande Pass, just north of the island, is the site of some of the best tarpon fishing on the globe. Anglers also hook their fair share of snook, redfish and snapper. Matlacha is a historic fishing village and artist community located at the island's mainland gateway. Matlacha Bridge, known as the "most fishingest bridge" in all of Florida, hosts eager anglers dropping lines in the water at all hours of the day and night.

Pine Island Center is the heart of the island, offering shopping, a museum and sports fields. Head to Bokeelia at the southern most tip to check out the tropical fruit farms, an 18-hole golf course and several marinas that offer access to nearby, uninhabited keys. The Randell Research Center, a Florida Museum of Natural History program, offers a tour of the Calusa Heritage Trail. The Calusa Indians lived in South Florida for centuries and their archaeological mark remains in giant shell mounds. Take a Calusa Ghost Tour, beginning at the research center, and canoe among the ancient outer islands as you listen to tales of the Calusa Indians some say still haunt the area.

Whichever island you find yourself on at mealtimes, savour delicious local seafood as a speciality. Shrimp, blue crab, yellow snapper, oysters and spiny lobster just start the list of mouth-watering possibilities. Lunch might have you bellying up to the bar - snack bar, that is - for clams on the half shell or a mound of Cajun fried shrimp. If dinnertime has you seeking out something a little less casual, dine at one of the islands' many waterfront restaurants. Savour that morning's fresh catch served in a wide range of dishes, or go for something more exotic, such as gator tail or frogs' legs. Wherever you decide to dine, a jacket and tie is never required. And no matter where you find yourself at the end of the day, the sunset will be spectacular. That's the promise waiting for you on Florida's barrier islands.