Sanibel Appreciate Ideas Family of Five, boys, 8,12,15

We are Flying around APril 5-12th, and looking for a fun place to stay. We looked at SOuth Seas, but for a family of five, it was over 7,000 a week, that is not something we can afford. Half of that would be the top, and then add air fare to the tab.

Like many of those who do research, we like to stay in clean, well mannered, safe, fun places.

We have a budget, but understand a vacation you get what you pay for, trying to be wise.

If you have ideas on where to stay that would be greatly appreciated.

-Beach-enjoy/ boys will want to run around, swim /explore/snorkel/ try outdoor activities.

- Family time is important

SOmewhere we can cook our meals .

THanks

Kathy

Sanibel Appreciate Ideas Family of Five, boys, 8,12,15

Have you looked at Blind Pass condominiums?

http://www.blindpass.org/index.html

It%26#39;s on the west end of Sanibel. The beach is wonderful and the grounds beautiful. There are grills, and a very large pool, along with tennis courts. 2 and 3 bedroom condos and townhouses. We have stayed in a couple units that we found exceptionally nice. The rates during that time frame will be less than a third of what South Seas is asking. We found it to be very family friendly and loved our stays there. I feel it%26#39;s definitely worth taking a look at.

Sanibel Appreciate Ideas Family of Five, boys, 8,12,15

Hi Kathy,

i will let the excllent local info folk comment on places to stay and such but for other suggestions, here are mine:

Kayak trips at the Ding Darling preserva. It%26#39;s an easy paddle, you learn alot and the sights are amazing. i especially recommend the sunset paddle, when you go past the mangrove islands that are rokeries to thousands of migratory birds---and watch them come in for landing, like an airport control tower. We also saw some dolphins. The water is calm and it%26#39;s a nice easy trip.

There are great bike paths on Sanibel, so renting bikes and cycling around is always fun---and an easy way to get to the beaches without parking hassles.

There%26#39;s not alot of snorkeling like the reefs of the Atlantic coast, but I saw plenty of little fish, shells and the odd ray as I swam off the pont near the lighthouse.

If you want to venture offisland for a day or half day, you can go to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, the Edison Ford Museums or Babcock Ranch Wilderness Preserve, all of which are interesting and a different atmosphere than the beach.

That%26#39;s my 2c, I am sure you will get much more. Have a great trip! Oh, and if you want to %26#39;stock up%26#39; on non perishale things before you drive over the causeway, you will pass a nice shopping center with a well appointed Publix just before you start the crossing. I am sure someone can provide the exact address. I got my bottled water and stuff there.

I imagine you want a 2 or 3 bedroom condo.

3 bedrooms - Blind Pass, Sanibel Moorings, Sundial, Kings Crown, Sanddollar, Blue Gulf and Golden Beach. Also look at Cyprina Beach and Shorewood. Coquina Beach has 2 bedrooms, the upper units have lofts - most with 2 twin beds.

2 bedrooms - Sayana, Pointe Santo, Pine Cove, Villa Sanibel, Loggerhead Cay, Sanibel Arms and Sanibel Arms west and Casa Ybel.

There are more than this but it is a good start. Also look at www.vrbo.com and the local rental agencies - Royal Shell and VIP.

THere are two grocery stores on the island, places to rent bikes to tour the 20+ miles of bike trails, kayaking, swimming, boat cruises to outer islands... And of course, world class shelling.

If you have specific things you are looking for in a condo - let us know, we could help narrow it down.

We chose to buy at Pointe Santo for our family of five (three boys). The condos are large and there are usually other kids to interact with. There are children%26#39;s activities for the younger two and there is a beach volleyball net that tends to draw the kids as well. Prices will run in the mid- $2,0000s for a two bedroom.

Thanks! I will check the sites out.

Kathy

eye color