Sanibel and Captiva - Captiva Cruises - Adventure Saturday # 9

Ahoy everyone!

Here's a glaring example of taking for granted where you live. I've lived in this little slice of heaven known as Southwest Florida for 13 years and had never been to the beautiful islands of Sanibel and Captiva before this summer.  How does that even happen?  Easy.  You figure, "Hey. I live here. I can go anytime."  Before you know it days turn into weeks, into months, into years.  This is one of the reasons Adventure Saturdays began in the first place, to enjoy and appreciate this place in which I'm so fortunate to live.

So for a few days this past summer, a friend and I got so spend some time out at Sanibel and Captiva. A few days were certainly not enough. 

First, I have to say this.  If you're planning on staying over night at Sanibel, I recommend either Tropical Winds Motel and Cottages or their sister property Anchor Inn and Cottages.  After a little booking snafu, the management team there really went out of their way to make things right.  Truly, their efforts to accommodate us were beyond spectacular and they've gained a life long customer in me for it.  The next time I need a little retreat from the real world and plan on staying at Sanibel, one of these two establishments is where I plan to go.  We ended up staying at Anchor in one of their adorable little cottages that just added to an already wonderful weekend.

Here's some of what we enjoyed whilst there...

The beach of course.  Even though it rained everyday, we were able to get out for a little bit between dry spells. Sanibel is world renowned for it's beaches and shelling.  You'll find some of the most beautiful, unbroken shells there.  Even though I'm not much of a sheller, I did want to poke around a bit to see if I could a few good ones but didn't have the time to explore as much as I wanted to.  However, it gives me a great excuse to make the time to back. 

We also went on a couple of cruises via Captiva Cruises. Our first cruise was to Cabbage Key we enjoyed a "Cheeseburger in Paradise"at the Cabbage Key Inn. Supposedly Jimmy Buffet Stayed here, had a cheeseburger, and the song was born.  Kinda cool, me thinks.  The island has no paved roads, no cars, no convenience store and is only accessible by boat. It does offers nature trails, an observation tower, and plenty of solitude if you're into that sort of thing.  While it was definitely and interesting experience going out there and eating at the famed restaurant (which is covered in dollar signed dollar bills from visitors) , I have no desire to return.  My burger was good but not great and the same can be said for the key lime pie.  Really, the island's only real draw is it's connection to the Jimmy Buffet song.  I wouldn't have mind a little more time to explore the trails out there, but oh well. The best part about Cabbage Key is the boat ride there and the dolphins that chased us.

Cheeseburger in Paradise - Cabbage Key Inn

One of Cabbage Key's inhabitants. 

The next day we went out with the same tour company and went on a Dolphin and Wildlife Cruise.  We had some really good dolphin encounters on our way out to Cabbage Key so we were hoping to get a repeat show.  While there were a few dolphins out, they weren't nearly as engaging as their brothers from the previous day.  Perhaps the fact that it was later in the day and a storm was heading in had something to do with it. It was still fun though.  The tour guides on both cruises were funny and  were ready with all kinds of interesting facts about the area and the wildlife.

 Aside from shelling, there are a few other things I'd still love to do out there,  Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge for one, along with a few few more cruises.  These will be saved future Adventure Saturdays. Looking forward to returning someday!

Sanibel Lighthouse

Little Ol' Me

"Life is for deep kisses, strange adventures, midnight swims, & rambling conversations."

~M