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 Island in the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors, new and old, are experiencing vacation sensations at all hours! Babies play in the wake of the shore during the day & long-time lovers sip fruity cocktails while they gaze into the beaming rays of the sunset and await the ‘green flash.’  What do all of our guests have in common, young and old? At the end of the day, they all make their way to one of Island Vacations cozy, homes away from home, after creating memories that will last a life time and traditions that will trickle through to generations next.

We’ve collected some definite ‘good time’ must do’s for your upcoming visit with us over the next couple of months. Check out the list below for details on all things ‘Sanbibelian’ this summer:

• Ding Darling ‘Indigo Trail Walk FREE Summer Program‘ – Naturalists lead a tour identifying and discussing the ecosystem’s plant and animal species. Fun for all ages! Don’t forget to bring your sunscreen, water, and bug spray. Meet at the flagpole in front of the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center.
• VIP Teen ‘After Hours’ at Sanibel Public Library, Tuesday’s – Incoming sixth through twelfth graders are invited to V.I.P. After-hours gatherings on Tuesday evenings in June and July from 6 to 7 p.m. Creating a guitar pick and cupcake decorating are just a few of the planned activities.
• Marine Biologist Guided Beach Walks at the Island Inn – The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum offers guided beach walks throughout the entire year! In addition to daily walks at the Island Inn, we also offer summer monthly guided excursions at Bunche Beach with world-renowned Marine Biologist Dr. José H. Leal. Our scientists are enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge and hope to inspire you to look at our beaches and shelling in exciting new ways.
• Family Beach Walk FREE Programs – Come join guided exploration of the refuge’s Perry Tract. Learn about this vital beach ecosystem. Don’t forget to bring your shell bag, a water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray!
• FREE Wildlife Wonders Program – What makes a bird a bird? Why is a manatee a sea cow? Is it a crocodile or alligator? Find the answers to these questions and more as you join a refuge staff member in learning about the refuge’s unique ecosystem. Program located in the Visitor & Education Center. Subject will change weekly, depending on the presenter.
• Sanibel 4th of July Holiday Weekend Activities
  • 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. – Free Pancake Breakfast
    Sanibel Community Church, 1740 Periwinkle Way
    Info (239) 472-2684
  • 9:30 a.m. – Independence Day Parade
    “Preserving the Red, White, and Blue”
    Parade Route begins at Tarpon Bay Road on Periwinkle Way to Casa Ybel Road.
    Info (239) 246-2981
  • 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. – July 4th Celebration at Jerry’s
    (After Parade) Jerry’s Shopping Center, 1700 Periwinkle Way
    Water slide, food, & refreshments. Info (239) 472-9300
  • 12 p.m. San-Cap Optimist Club’s 38th Annual Road Rally
    Timbers Restaurant, 703 Tarpon Bay Road
    Info (239) 472-0836
  • 9:00 p.m. – Fireworks Display (Rain or Shine)
    The City of Sanibel is sponsoring the fireworks display this year. Fireworks will be launched from the north end terminus of Bailey Road. Best viewing of the fireworks display is from the Sanibel Causeway Islands and the bayside of Sanibel
  • Fireworks Cruise – Adventures In Paradise presents the Sanibel Fireworks Cruise! Enjoy the Sanibel Island fireworks from the water on our Fireworks Cruise! Complimentary soft drinks, bottle water and snacks! Feel free to B.Y.O.B! Listening to tropical music, we will cruise the tranquil waters of San Carlos Bay, by “Bird Island”. Watch the Sunset and then catch a great view of the Sanibel Fireworks!
• 4th OF JULY HOLIDAY SIDEWALK SALES
  • The following retailers and shopping centers have obtained an annual Retail Holiday Sidewalk Sales permit and may be holding special sidewalk sales over the holiday:
    • Olde Sanibel Shoppes, 630 Tarpon Bay Road
    • Tahitian Gardens, 1975 Periwinkle Way
    • Village Shops, 2340 Periwinkle Way
    • Periwinkle Place, 2075 Periwinkle Way
    • Huxter’s Liquors, 1201 Periwinkle Way
    • Gene’s Books, 2365 Periwinkle Way
    • Sanibel Sea School, 455 Periwinkle Way
    • Heart of the Islands, 1616 Periwinkle Way
    • Eileen Fisher, Inc, 2055 Periwinkle Way
    • Whitney’s Bait & Tackle, 1554 Periwinkle Way