Paradise Found: Sanibel Island Resorts

by Celeste Izon

Planning a trip to paradise? You'll need reservations, airline tickets and a passport, right? Not necessarily. North American travelers in search of paradise may be in for a little surprise: Sanibel Island offers the perfect tropical escape, and you don't even have to leave the United States.

Thousands of people flock from around the world every year to enjoy vacations at many Sanibel Island resorts. The numbers are increasing so quickly, that the island has earned consideration as one of the world's perfect vacation destinations.

There are Sanibel Island resorts catering to all types of travelers. Some are made for families, others for romantics, adventurers, and golfers. You can find the perfect Sanibel Island resort, no matter what your soul is craving.

There are many elements that, alone or combined, make Sanibel Island resorts the perfect holiday choice:

First-class Accommodations

Some of the finest, most comfortable accommodations can be found on Sanibel Island. Travelers can choose from a long list of options, each offering relaxing spots with panoramic view of the island's legendary white sand beaches. Some resorts are geared to providing family-style fun. Others set the mood for romance. Every one offers a host of complimentary services and amenities.

Searching for Shells

Sanibel Island is one of the most unique barrier islands in the world. Other barrier islands run north to south, but Sanibel Island has an east-west orientation. This unusual condition brings an abundance of seashells that literally line the pristine sandy white beaches. Hours can be spent exploring the coastline and gathering seashells. Remember that it's illegal to take living creatures from the beach or waters. Take only the empty shells, and leave the living ones behind.

Bird Watching

There are incredible bird watching sites in close proximity to all Sanibel Island resorts. One of the best is the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This famous reserve is home to different species of native and exotic birds, including pelicans, egrets, herons and sandpipers. There are also exotic mammals, reptiles and many other creatures to be discovered. Bring your binoculars and a camera, because you never know what you'll see on Sanibel Island. This area truly is paradise to every animal lover, so take advantage of the incredible opportunities waiting for you.

Biking

Above all else, Sanibel Island resort vacations are made for fun. That's why the island boasts well-maintained bike paths that cover about 25 miles of shopping districts and back roads. Sanibel biking paths twist and turn through friendly neighborhoods, beneath shady tree canopies, across wooden bridges and along the island's peaceful waterways. Many resorts offer bike rentals or loans, so grab your set of wheels and take yourself and your family on a fun up-close island tour.

When you want to explore a tropical paradise or just laze in the sunshine, there's no need to spend hours (and thousands of dollars) traveling to some far-off locale. Sanibel Island resort vacations offer the best of everything, just miles from Fort Myers, Florida.

About the Author:

Writer Celeste Izon is a freelancer for several popular web magazines, on recreation travel and sports store subjects. Don't reprint this exact article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article.