Fall colors paint the Sanibel sky
Seashells, Sunsets, Sea Life, & Serenades
September is a special time on Sanibel Island. It’s perfect for couples, romance, and quiet times with friends.
The sky becomes a more vibrant shade of blue, the Sanibel summer crowd disappears and the warm breezes and the spectacular sunset are all the excuse you’ll need for a romantic evening beach stroll. If you’re lucky, you may come across turtle hatchlings as they emerge from their nests to begin a life at sea. Fall colors on the island are displayed in the sunsets. Toward the end of the month, Grammy award winning Country Music stars arrive in the area to serenade residents and guests. Many of the events are free and all are open to the public. Read on for more information.
Romantic Sanibel Island Beach Walks
It’s the perfect time to stroll the beach and discover the seashells that make Sanibel Island a world-famous destination. Each wave brings with it new and different treasures. Shelling is best at low tide, but who needs a reason to walk the beach? A walk by the shore is a wonderful way to spend some time and reconnect with your special someone or group of friends.
Strolling the beach, a perfect way to spend the day.
Sanibel Island is often thought of as a great family destination or seasonal rental location. Recently we are becoming a sought-out destination for couples looking for a romantic place to get engaged, tie the knot or renew their vows. Many people recall coming to Sanibel as a child and the happy memories call them back as an adult to recapture those memories and begin making their own.
Sanibel Island is a romantic place to pop-the-question or rekindle your romance.
On The Water
When the urge to get on the water hits, choose from kayaks, stand up paddleboards or motorized watercraft. We have protected waters to explore or you can head out to the Gulf. The bay side of the island will provide you with the most wildlife sightings. You’ll see manatees, all types of water birds, dolphins, and a large variety of fish. It’s a great way to explore Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. Get a different perspective of the islands from the water.
Head out for a day of exploring on the water
Sunsets
A favorite evening pastime is watching the sunset. You can do this from your screened-in lanai, if you are staying in one of our Sanibel Island beachfront rentals, or bring chairs to the beach and watch the sun sink into the Gulf. Each sunset is unique and is always an awe-inspiring way to end the day. Bring your favorite beverage to the beach and toast this evening event.
Create your own evening Sanibel sunset celebration.
Turtle Hatchlings
In the spring, sea turtles arrive on Sanibel’s beaches to dig their nests and lay their eggs. In September the hatchlings emerge from the nests and scurry to the sea to begin their lives. The turtles are the reason beachfront guests are asked to close their drapes, remove debris and fill in holes on the beach, and keep exterior lights shaded away from the beach at night. When the baby turtles hatch, they use the light of the moon and stars reflecting off the water as their guide back to the water. Lights from human activity confuse them. They travel in the wrong direction and the outcome can be fatal to them. If you are lucky, you may witness a nest hatch. Please watch from a distance. It’s an experience you won’t forget.
Turtle hatchlings on their way to the sea
Island Hopper Songwriter Festival
The weekend of September 22nd the Fourth Annual Island Hopper Songwriters Festival comes to Captiva Island. It moves to downtown Fort Myers during the week and finishes on Fort Myers Beach Sunday, October 1. Give Island Vacations a call. We have a limited number of properties that can accommodate the unusual stay schedule. Call early to before they are booked. These reservations must be made by phone – 1-800=451-7277. This gathering of Grammy Award Award-winning country music songwriters is a must see for country fans. Most shows are free. You just walk from venue to venue listening to these talented singer/songwriters and enjoy the stories they share that lead up to the song\’s creation! It’s becoming known as one of the best events in Southwest Florida.
Brian Sutherland performs at last year’s Island Hopper. Casual dress is a must!
Sanibel Island in September is a perfect destination for couples looking for a romantic getaway, a quiet, relaxing stay or time with friends. Wrap up your September stay with a weekend of award winning musicians. Visit us in September for a different type of Island Vacation experience.
Island Vacations Kicks-Off Its 20 Year Celebration!
Island Vacations is kicking-off our 20th year in business and we invite you to become part of the celebration! Book a stay with Island Vacations during August 2017 for any date between August 2017 and August 2018*, and we’ll include a colorful, complimentary Island Vacations beach towel in your welcome bag! It’s our way of saying “Thank You for 20 Great Years!” We couldn’t have done it without you!
Island Vacations is locally owned and operated. Fran Petes, owner and president of Island Vacations, started her company with one condo almost 20 years ago. Today, Fran has over 80 quality condo, home, and cottage vacation rentals in her program. Fran and her staff are the perfect group to help you get the most joy during your vacation because they know the islands; they live here. They can direct you to the best places to go and things to do.
*Blackout dates apply – 1 towel per reservation
Sanibel Island vacation rental choices
Island Vacations has a wide variety of properties located throughout Sanibel Island. Looking for a beachfront condo rental? We have them. Do you desire a tucked away cottage or home where you can relax, escape and enjoy the slower rhythm of island life? Island Vacations has the property you’ve been searching for. All units are furnished and have fully equipped kitchens. Bring your bathing suits, flip flops, and toothbrush and prepare for a great time! The monthly rentals are perfect for seasonal travelers. Invite your friends and family to drop in for a few days to enjoy the island surroundings and escape the cold. Each property reflects the owner’s style, so review them online to find the property that fits your needs.
August Activity Suggestions
August is a great time on the island for those who enjoy discovering the natural side of Florida. This is a quieter time; the summer crowd has gone and the island begins to move at a more leisurely pace. It’s the perfect time to head out on a kayak to sight-see from the water or fish along the shoreline. There are so many things to discover offshore. Choose an outing with Adventures In Paradise or a day trip with Captiva Cruises. Discover some of the special things that make Sanibel and Captiva such a unique place to visit. You won’t be disappointed.
Spend the morning walking the beach looking for sea shells, followed by a dip in the pool. Then stop at The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to learn about the shells you’ve collected and perhaps take advantage of their craft classes if that is something you enjoy. Or sign up for one of their daily beach walks with one of the museum’s marine biologists.
Do you love birds and wildlife? The ‘Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is open daily and you can explore it by bike, car or trolley ride (the refuge is closed to cars on Fridays). ‘Ding Darling is located on a migratory flyway and a wonderful destination for birders. August can be a little early for migratory flights, but if you love birds, you should visit. The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife and has an interesting and informative air-conditioned welcome center.
Regardless of your reasons for choosing a Sanibel Island vacation, the evening sunset remains a perennial favorite with guests. No two are alike and they are a favorite source of nightly entertainment with island residents and guests.
Take some time this fall and spend it with Island Vacations of Sanibel & Captiva. See you soon!