Biking on Sanibel Island - Riding a bike is the best way to explore the island. Start at the Sanibel lighthouse, the public beach, and head north. The island is 11 miles long by 2 miles wide. You can venture off the main road that runs the length of the island, into one of numerous side roads that feed into the island’s small neighborhoods. This is where the beauty of Sanibel can be experienced. You can ride your bike along the sand filled roads while following the scent of salted air, as it leads westward to sea. The 22 miles of bike paths are lined with floral palms and over hanging trees that are filled with cranes, turtles, and small lizards. Vibrant flowers provide a visual stimulation as the cool sea breeze provides comfort from the hot Florida sun. Just when you are hot enough and the image of the swimming in the ocean serves as a motivation to continue onward, the road ends. What lies ahead of you, for as far as the eyes can see, are the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Desolated and isolated from the main land, Sanibel offers a moment of clarity as you rest on the 15 miles of bleached white sand staring off at the horizon.

Kayaking and Canoeing on Sanibel Island - Geographically, Sanibel Island is a kayaker’s paradise. The west side of the island faces the Gulf of Mexico, were rip currents and boater’s wakes offers a challenging adventure. The east side faces San Carlos Bay, calm and docile the waters are great for beginners who are not comfortable in the open waters. Small inlets created by mangrove trees provide an off the beaten path journey into an untouched Florida landscape. Roughly half of the island is zoned for conservation and cannot be developed on. The channels and manmade canals bring life into the areas that are home to thousands of animals and plant life. Beyond the main island there are numerous small islands throughout the area that are easily accessible by kayaks. Untouched by man’s development, kayakers can paddle to the shore of these virgin islands. The shallow waters of the Bay, a clear turquoise blue with a hint of green, conjure the images of the Caribbean off the coast of Florida.