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Things to Do on Sanibel Island
Sanibel Island is well known as a relaxing island getaway for fishing, shelling and sunbathing. But many visitors don't realize that Sanibel is also known for its world class shopping and dining, live theater and art galleries. There's even a first-run movie theatre on the island! To help our visitors, we've assembled a list of the Top 10 Fun Things To Do on Sanibel Island while you are enjoying your stay at The Castaways. Click on any of the links below to jump to that activity.

TOP 10 FUN THINGS TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND
#10. Sanibel Lighthouse at Old Town
The Sanibel Lighthouse, located in Old Town, was built in 1884 and is Sanibel's oldest structure. Old Town is a quaint historical area on eastern Sanibel Island where the island's first settlers made their homes. The Sanibel Historical Society has produced a walking and biking tour that is approximately 2.5 miles long with more than 19 sites to see. Maps are available at the Sanibel Island Chamber of Commerce or at the Sanibel Historical Society.
#9. Bicycling
Known as a bicylist's paradise, Sanibel's 25 miles of bicycle paths are sure to please. Bicycle rentals are available at The Castaways with children's and specialty rentals available at Billy's Rentals on Periwinkle Way. Don't miss the opportunity to bike through the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, which is on this list at #2. Visit Sanibel Trails for a complete biking guide.
#8. Shelling at Blind Pass
Sanibel Island is known as the best shelling spot in the Western Hemisphere. So many shells wash ashore on Sanibel that many visitors come to Sanibel just for the shelling! The Castaways is located at Blind Pass, an area known for its great shelling due to the tidal currents depositing shells on northern tip of the island. You only have to walk a few feet from any of our beachfront cottages to begin your own unique and beautiful shell collection.
#7 C.R.O.W.
The Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife was established on Sanibel Island since 1968. It is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, orphaned and injured wildlife. C.R.O.W. has a complete wildlife hospital at the middle of its 12.5 acre sanctuary. The clinic focuses on education in an effort to prevent injuries to animals caused by human interference. Guided presentations are given year round, Monday through Friday at 11 a.m. It's a great learning experience for adults and kids!
#6 Shopping
Visitors to Sanibel Island are often surprised by the many unique shops that are available. Many of the shops are located along Periwinkle Way in beautifully landscaped plazas. Most shops open at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. There are many local shops that offer unique gifts handmade only on Sanibel Island--a must for souvenir hunters!
#5 Charter Fishing or Shelling Trips
The Castaways Marina has two charter captains that will take small groups on fishing or shelling adventures. Our captains will take you to out-of-the-way fishing holes and shelling sandbars that you'd never find alone. Our guests tell us that these trips are often the best part of their Sanibel Island vacation.
#4 Dining
With more than 60 restaurants to choose from, just sampling the local faire will give you hours of enjoyment. Whether you choose to dine at the four-star Mad Hatter restaurant, located on The Castaways property, or take a leisurely drive to Captiva Island to taste the famous seafood bisque served at The Old Captiva House restaurant at 'Tween Waters Inn, you won't be disappointed.
#3 Live Theater
Sanibel Island boasts a live theater for great evening entertainment. The Old Schoolhouse Theater seats 92 people and was Sanibel's original one-room schoolhouse back in 1896. With only a handful of rows, the entire audience experiences a "front row" seat to all the action in this totally unique, intimate theater. Its nightly performances rival any off-Broadway play and will give you a night to remember!
#2 J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge
More than 7,000 acres of mangrove estuary make up the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge. More than 200 species of birds, plus alligators, raccoons, otters and several other species of wildlife have made the refuge their home. Visitors can enjoy the Ding Darling Center of Education, tram, walking, driving and bicycling tours and several miles of canoe and kayak trails. It's definitely a unique Sanibel Island experience that shouldn't be missed by anyone with a love for nature.
#1 Watch a sunset and the "green flash"
It may sound cliche, but there's nothing more relaxing than ending a perfect day on a tropical island with a beautiful sunset. Visitors often line the beach at sunset waiting to snap the perfect picture to capture the moment the sun dips below the horizon. At the moment the sun disappears, some may be lucky enough to witness the "green flash," a quick burst of green light that illuminates the sun as it sets. Those who want a real treat will relax on the sand and watch the sky slowly transform into a series of breathtaking colors as the earth's shadow fills the sky with a warm purple haze.
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Write to us at:
Castaways Beach and Bay Cottages
6460 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel Island, FL 33957

Visit our sister resorts on Sanibel
and Captiva islands at
www.beachviewsanibel.com
and www.tween-waters.com