VACATION RENTAL: http://www.Shorewood2C.com - Welcome to Sanibel Island, Florida! As you leave Fort Myers and begin to cross the Sanibel Causeway, gulls, pelicans and terns herald your arrival - flying alongside your car, and you may possibly be greeted by jumping dolphins below in the water. Here, mother nature has created a masterpiece of soft white sugary sand, soothing gulf breezes and abundant natural beauty. From the renowned and historic Sanibel Lighthouse, which beckons you to the shell strewn Gulf of Mexico beaches, to the meandering canals, Sanibel possibly has the best weather in the world. But it's the beaches... garnished with tossing palm trees and whispering pines, it's miles and miles of beaches appeal to even the most finicky of beach enthusiasts. Sniabel Island offers the best shelling in North America simply because of geography and the shape of the island. The term "Sanibel Stoop" and "Captiva Crouch" refers to the many visitors bending over and collecting their bounty of seashells. In fact, The non profit Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum features more than 30 exibits of mollusks from around the world, and are devoted to shells in art and history, shell habitat, rare specimens, fossil shells, and more. There is a hands on play area for children as well as videos and games. Miles of white beaches are located throughout Sanibel and nearby Captiva island. Most beaches have nearby parking, restrooms, showers, grills, picnic tables and of course, miles and miles of sand. Some beaches have gentle waves perfect for little children - others have a bigger surf to slash and swim in the sun kissed Gulf. Enjoy miles of scenic bike paths and walking paths that meander along the gulf and wind through wildlife habitat and quiet neighborhoods. Sanibel is a barrier island sanctuary where over 67 percent of the lands on the island are protected.The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is second only to beaches as the island's top attraction, and is one of the top 5 most visited refuges in ...