When you’re planning a camper holiday in Florida, Sanibel Island should definitely be on your “must see” list. Whether you’re travelling with kids or without, Sanibel Island is truly amazing!
I love Sanibel Island!
Sanibel is just awesome! The endless amounts of rain finally made way for sunshine so we could enjoy this little paradise to the full extent. The first day we couldn’t wait to go looking for seashells. In the morning on Tarpon Bay Beach and in the afternoon on Bowman’s Beach. Both beaches are filled to the brim with the most beautiful shells. In the afternoon the weather is so good we decide to stay at the beach and soak up the sun. The kids are playing happily in the surf while Kev scoops a net through it in search of the best shells. He is occasionally helped by the kids, and with success!
Later we decide to pay J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge a visit. Our tour starts at the visitor center. It turns out to be a lot of fun for the kids, with all kinds of interactive assignments, puzzles and stuffed animals. After that we get into the camper and go on the wildlife loop drive. We see all kinds of colorful birds and jumping fish. In certain area’s you can get out and go for a nice walk in the mangrove woods.
Nothing beats riding a bike on holiday
Being true Dutchies, the next day we rent bicycles! Sanibel has loads of bicycle paths and cyclists get priority everywhere in traffic which really makes cycling a lot of fun. We head out to Lighthouse Beach first to take a look at the lighthouse and of course look for shells again. After that we take a break for some ice cream and have a lovely lunch at Island Cow. This restaurant is situated on the main road and is really worth a visit; delicious food, a cozy atmosphere and good prices. We end the day at the beach again; running through the surf, bathing in the sun and looking for more shells. Life is not so bad out here.
Sea cows and dolphins
Initially we only planned on staying one night but we enjoy Sanibel so much we keep booking extra nights. 1 night turns into 4 and on the fourth day the rain is back. What to do? Sanibel is fairly small and not really suitable for indoor activities. A lovely lady tells us the library is a fun place for the kids so we head down there. I’m pleasantly surprised to not only find books there but a dollhouse too, a stage for the kids to play on, a coloring corner, toy trains, blocks and a little boat for the kids to play in. Before we know it its afternoon already. We do a little shopping and decide to have dinner early because afterwards we’re taking an eco-boat tour over Tarpon Bay.
The tour starts at the “touch tank”, an aquarium with little sea creatures you can touch with 2 fingers. As the biologist chats away, the kids are loving every minute. And I have to say Kev and I are pleasantly surprised by the interesting story we hear. Especially the part about the reproduction of sea shells was rather new to me.
Spotting Wildlife
After the touch tank we get on the boat and we’re in luck!! Three rather exuberant manatees, or sea cows, are swimming in the harbor. Such beautiful beasts! They poke their nose out of the water and making a snorting sound. When we’re on the lake we are treated to dolphins too which is always a beautiful sight. Also, if you’re a bird lover you should really take this tour too.
After this beautiful day we get to bed late and everyone falls straight asleep. Tomorrow it’s finally time to leave the lovely Sanibel. It’s time for our next destination on our camper holiday in Florida but we feel rather sad we’ll be leaving though. We will definitely return here again sometime.
Back to the start
The next morning we leave for our next and final destination on our camper holiday in Florida: Orlando! Are you curious to know what we’ll be doing there…?!
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