Sanibel Island: A Place of Sanctuary

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(SANIBEL ISLAND, FL) -- Imagine a place where the environment is in perfect harmony. A place where development, commerce, transportation, entertainment and nature co-exist without colliding.

That place is Sanibel and Captiva islands - two little islands tucked hidden away on Florida's southwest coast near Fort Myers.

Historians believe Sanibel and Captiva formed as one island 6,000 years ago as storm-shaped sediment rose from the sea. Native Calusa Indians were the first-known residents arriving 2,500 years ago.

Explorer Juan Ponce de Leon is credited with discovering Sanibel Island, which he named "Santa Isybella" after Queen Isabella in 1513 while searching for his "Fountain of Youth."

The barrier islands soon became a haven for pirates. "The Buccaneer Coast" attracted the notorious Jose Gaspar in the early 1800s. Rumor has it he buried stolen treasure on Sanibel and built a prison on "Isle de los Captivas," or Captiva Island, where he kept female prisoners "captive" for ransom. The U.S. Navy captured Gaspar in 1821. But he wrapped himself in chains and jumped overboard rather than face imprisonment.

Pioneer settlement on Sanibel centered on Point Ybel, now considered "Old Town Sanibel." As wealthy Northern industrialists, such as Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, discovered the balmy climate and fishing of Fort Myers, they also made their way to Sanibel Island. In the late 1880s, the beautiful Casa Ybel Resort - originally known as "The Sisters" -  began its tradition of gracious hospitality.

Settlers planted grapefruit, watermelon and vegetable farms. Inventor Clarence Chadwick converted most of Captiva into a key lime plantation. The Chadwick plantation is the site of the 330-acre South Seas Resort.

Famous Americans continued to seek a tranquil retreat on the islands including Charles Lindbergh, Teddy Roosevelt, poet Edna St. Vincent Millay and Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist/environmentalist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling.

During the first half of the 1900s, the Sanibel and Captiva reputation as sanctuary islands attracted more and more visitors drawn by its beaches, shelling, fishing, and wildlife. Travelers arrived via a half-hour ferry ride from Fort Myers.

Builders completed the Sanibel Causeway in 1963. Land-use restrictions first enacted in 1974 continue to guide growth and development helping Sanibel and Captiva share characteristics found on other carefree island destinations such as Abaco, Aruba and the Seychelles.

Locals talk about the islands as if they were a secret, providing a vibe that makes a Sanibel and Captiva visit feel like a major gathering of family and friends. With the new causeway built in 2008 this hidden gem is becoming better known and more accessible. Before the opening of the new causeway, relatively few visited the area where golf has begun to gain a foothold.

The Sanctuary Golf Club, recognized by Audubon International as a cooperative sanctuary for its environmental conservation efforts, is one of just three courses on the island. The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club as well as Beachview Golf & Tennis Club also provide opportunities to hit the links.

The private Sanctuary Golf Club sits next to the J. N. "Ding Darling" National Wildlife Refuge. Every hole is secluded. The Arthur Hills-designed course is the centerpiece of a residential community that includes tennis courts, fitness center and an elegant clubhouse that houses dining and social activities.

The course meanders through 6,657 yards of nature preserves and lakes, providing panoramic views of the Pine Island Sound and mangrove forests. It boasts seven sets of tees that range down to just over 5,100 yards.

Wildlife sightings are as common as picturesque sunsets, including exotic birds such as bald eagles, osprey, roseate spoonbills and white ibis along with alligators and gopher tortoises. One club guest likened the experience to Leopard Creek in the famous South African game preserve of Kruger Park.


The low-density Sanctuary development epitomizes the lifestyle of Sanibel with luxurious yet understated homes of all sizes and style. According to some recent real estate data, the average price of a home on Sanibel Island was $1.286 million, almost double the value of a home in 2002. The median price was $920,000. The average price of a condominium was $683,000, with the median price being $617,000. On adjacent Captiva Island, home values were much higher, with the average price being $2.275 million for single-family homes and $1.3 million for condominiums.

When it comes to real estate, though, one of the more appreciated elements of Sanibel and Captiva is the limited amount of it. And the fact there are no high-rises, let alone mid-rises, due to rare and sensible land development regulations that limit densities, building height and other quality of life.

For entertainment, locally owned Doc Fords Sanibel Rum Bar and Grille is one of the top dining experiences on the islands and the owners are longtime island residents. Meanwhile, a popular way to top off any Sanibel-Captiva evening is with the smooth sounds of Danny Sinoff at Ellingtons Jazz Club and Restaurant.

Of course, there is no better entertainment than the simple natural beauty of the islands, best enjoyed by a peaceful kayak trip through the 2,000-acre J.N. "Ding Darling" National Wildlife Refuge. This, in a nutshell, is what makes Sanibel and Captiva the truly special resort-style destination.

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