The Great Bike Tour Everglades, Florida Keys, Key West trip in January leaves out of Fort Myers. We encourage you to take an extra day before or after your tour and plan a visit to Sanibel and Captiva Islands. It is a trip you will be happy to add on to your Great Bike Tour.
How to get to there?
From Fort Myers you can take the Sanibel Causeway toll bridge over to the island. The one way toll fee is $6 at the time of this writing. You can drive the 3 mile causeway consisting of 3 bridges that leave you at the main drag that goes through Sanibel, Periwinkle Way. This area closest to the mainland is more developed. Once on the island you can choose to take the wilder, western route via Sanibel Captiva Road which will continue to Captiva Island
What is there to do on Sanibel and Captiva Islands?
At the top of the list you should visit some of the most pristine beaches that can be found on the Gulf Coast. These beaches are known by seashell hunters, fly- fishermen, and bird watchers. Along Periwinkle Way you will find shops, restaurants, museums, along with other attractions in this busy tourist area.
Visit the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village (950 Dunlop Rd.),or the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum (3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd.). You may even have an opportunity to check out a performance at Big ARTS Sanibel
You can visit the amazing beaches, the 1884 Sanibel lighthouse, rent a bike at Billy’s Bike Shop (1509 Periwinkle Way) and explore the 22 miles of cycling paths, or do a bit of fishing
If you want to get out on the water check out Tarpon Bay Explorers (900 Tarpon Bay Rd.) to rent kayaks or canoes, hire a catamaran or charter a yacht for the day. Captiva Cruises (11401 Andy Rosse Lane) offers piloted tours, with wildlife and dolphin sightings.
Most of Sanibel Island is set aside as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge This area consists of 6,400 acres and is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove systems in the USA. You can walk, bike or drive the 4 mile loop known as Wildlife Drive – or opt to take the 90 minute tram tour. If you want to see more of the blooming tropical plants on the islands you should stop in and see the Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens (845 E. Gulf Dr.)
Protected Habitat Sign in Sanibel Island, Florida
It will not take much to explore the smaller sister island, Captiva. Not much over a square mile, with only 1 palm lined street, makes this island with a small town feel, a place of peace and quiet. More beautiful beaches, live music coming from open air bars, and fresh local seafood served in small restaurants make Captiva Island the place to wait for a romantic sunset.
Panoramic view of colorful sunset on the island of Sanibel. Florida. USA
