Now that you have arrived here on the Island, the next thing to do is to go enjoy the beach. You may be asking yourself what is the best way to do that.
Well, the first thing to do is wake up in one of our “home away from home” condos or homes. Brush your teeth and hair. Come out to your full kitchen and fix yourself a cup of coffee and enjoy it on your lanai.
Next thing up: time to put on your bathing suit, favorite flip flops, cover up (or shirt), hat and sunscreen. It is best to apply your sunscreen about 20 minutes before you go out in the sun (SPF 30 or higher) and remember to reapply every 30 minutes or so.
Before heading out stop by your storage locker or lanai to pick up chairs, umbrella and beach toys. Don’t forget to grab your beach towels, a good book, phone / camera and headphones.
Take a short walk out to the beach and set up, for a full fun sunny day. You have many options now that you are out here. Shelling, walking, running, sand castle building, swimming, fishing, bird watching and / or people watching.
The best time to shell on Sanibel is as the tide is going out. You may have to dig a little to find the good ones. Keep looking as they are out there, you may even find an elusive Junonia shell. If you get a little further out in the water (20 – 30 feet) and shuffle your feet through the sand you may even find live sand dollars and star fish. But just remember to leave the live shells, this is a City of Sanibel ordinance.
You will see many birds on our shores. Anything from Sea Gulls to Pelicans and Eagles to Roseate Spoonbills. Sit and wait long enough and you will see most of them, as they walk by and even wish.
Speaking of fishing, you can fish in several places on the Island. You can fish right off the shore, off the pier near the lighthouse or off a boat. Please check with the city or bait shops on the island about licensing. If you are lucky you can even see people fishing for big fish, such as sharks or tarpons or even catch one yourself.
Now that you have had a full day at the beach, it is just a short walk back to your “home away from home”. Relax, shower and plan for your fun-filled Sanibel evening.