In the past, getting to the islands of Sanibel and Captiva was something of an affair. During the latter part of the 19th Century and first half of the 20th Century, the only way to get to these islands was via a ferry service. In 1963, the first causeway was constructed. This brought more visitors to the island and changed the face of these landmasses. Fortunately, the residents of the island enacted building codes which prevented the island’s natural beauty from being transformed into the glass and steel affairs that characterize many vacation destinations.
A map of Sanibel Island will reveal that most of the island’s commercial establishments are located on the eastern side of the island. The northern portion of the island-over 40% of the total landmass, in fact-is a nature preserve. The city of Sanibel technically encompasses the entire island but visitors will find most of the residences concentrated in the east. The rest of the island is delightfully free of the overdevelopment characteristic of many islands. One will not find but a handful of fast food establishment on any Sanibel Island map, something in which the residents take a bit of pride in.
Directions to Sanibel Island encompass no more than taking Highway 867 South all the way to the causeway. The island was fitted with a new causeway in 2007 which involved marked improvements over the old causeway. The new causeway has a large enough span to accommodate the passage of ships. The old causeway was sunk under the waters and now constitutes an artificial reef that is home to myriad ocean life. One can reach Sanibel from Fort Myers in around 30 minutes by using the causeway. One can go the old route and take a ferry to the island should they prefer.
Sanibel Island maps designed for those who are visiting the island on vacation will oftentimes emphasize the various nature preserves. Tarpon Bay, in the north-central portion of the island, is one of the most popular destinations for ecotourism. The population of bottlenose dolphins in this area is larger than in any other place on the planet. It is also home to manatees and over 200 separate species of birds which live in the nearby J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. One can travel from Sanibel Island to neighboring Captiva Island by car just as they can to Sanibel from the mainland.
