Blog

When compiling a list of the best beach towns, the omission of Sanibel Island would be truly incomplete. We wholeheartedly agree with Southern Living for recognizing the undeniable allure of this exceptional destination, ranking it proudly at No. 6 in their esteemed “The 50 Best Beach Towns in the South 2025” list. This prestigious recognition also positions Sanibel as the top-rated Florida beach town on their list, a testament to...

In 1999 Fran Peters realized a dream of hers when she founded Island Vacations of Sanibel and Captiva. Over the next few decades, Fran and her team grew Island Vacations into one of the premiere vacation rental companies on Sanibel. The company drew plaudits, won awards, and set new standards in customer satisfaction.  Early in 2022 My wife and I were introduced to Fran by a mutual friend because Fran...

When you’re choosing a vacation destination or a time to take your trip, the weather is probably a big concern. After all, the weather in the area will determine what you’ll need to pack and what you can do when you get there. If you’re thinking about booking one of our Sanibel Island rentals for your next trip, you’re in luck! While the island does have distinct seasons, Sanibel Island...

One of the Islands’ most trusted vacation rental companies, Island Vacations of Sanibel & Captiva, Inc. has been sold. Gulf Coast Vacation Rentals, a division of Gulf Coast Property Management, acquired the long-standing company to add to their portfolio of vacation rental services along with property management, association management, home watch services & real estate investment services in early June of 2022. Founder, Fran Peters, made the decision to sell the...

We’ve collected the below information for our guests to make your Thanksgiving holiday with Island Vacations the best experience possible.   Church Services Captiva Chapel by the Sea – Outdoor Thanksgiving Eve Service 11580 Chapin Lane 4PM   Saint Michaels All Angels Episcopal Church Thanksgiving Day Service 2304 Periwinkle Way 10AM   Saint Isabel Catholic Church – Daily Mass 3559 Sanibel-Captiva Road 8:30 AM   Restaurants with Thanksgiving Specials (Advanced...

PART of what makes Sanibel the destination to find beautiful beaches and a vast amount of exotic wild life is our Mangroves

  Today, We’re Thankful For You! Our Guests, Owners, Family & Friends… As Thanksgiving arrives for guests, owners & the team at Island Vacations, we pause to reflect on the friendship & support you have given us over the past year. On Sanibel, we have much to be thankful for, and it is because of you that everything we do is possible. This past August we entered into our 20th...

  Things are heating up on Sanibel Island. Our team is busy taking reservations & making sure properties are ready to host summer arrivals every Saturday! Whether it be from the feel of the bicycle path asphalt under the toes of wandering pedestrians or the smell of a beach side BBQ, there’s a sense of ‘sizzle’ in the air. You can definitely tell it’s summer time on our small little...

You can tell it’s November. The island is rusting back to life. It’s the time of year when people’s thoughts begin to turn to Sanibel Island & warm weather Island Vacations. Whether you are one of our repeat guests or staying with Island Vacations for the first time, we hope you find this information helpful. The Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market The Sanibel Island Farmer’s Market happens every Sunday from 8...

Fall is always the quietest time of the year on the islands. It’s also one of our best-kept secrets. Businesses have been spruced up during the summer months, the sky becomes a cerulean blue, the humidity drops and the beach beckons with its offerings of shells and long, slow, intimate walks. Over the past few years, we’ve had more and more people tell us they visited us during the fall...