Explore Fort Myers, Sanibel & Captiva Island

Nestled on Estero Island along Florida's sun-drenched Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is the real deal: a beach resort with superb sand, warm crystal waters, and something for everyone. Families, couples, fishermen, golfers, nature lovers and anyone with an honest appreciation of the good things in life will love it here. That's because there's plenty of opportunity to relax, and plenty of chances to get active - which is what gives Fort Myers holidays their all-round appeal.

The rule here is that the further south you go along the island towards Lovers' Key, the quieter it gets. 'Times Square' at the north end is where the action is: there's shops, watersports, restaurants, bars, a playground and a real buzz in the air. But meander along Estero Boulevard away from the Square and the pace slackens, giving way to long stretches of immaculate white sand, with families picnicking and couples stretched out under the sun. Stare out from the shore and you may well spot dolphins at play.

That's a clue to the fact nature abounds here in some considerable glory. Fort Myers Beach is encircled by intricate waterways and rivers; and Estero Bay on the island's leeward side is itself an aquatic preserve, home to  manatees, exotic marine life and countless bird species. The result is quality wildlife-spotting pretty much on tap, whether you're out on the water, visiting the surrounding State Parks, or taking a boat trip over to a nearby island.

On top of that there's golf; fishing for grouper and snapper; retail therapy; and plenty of places to sample the local cuisine. Plus there's watersports, of course. You can even strap on a  jet pack and fly above the ocean - proof that there really is something for everyone on Fort Myers holidays...even Superman wannabes.

Edison & Ford Winter Estates

First off light bulb inventor Thomas Edison built a grand winter home on the mainland, then father of the motor car Henry Ford did the same next door. Now you can view their sumptuous estates, complete with grand buildings and tropical gardens - plus if you're here in February, enjoy the dazzling three-week Festival of Light culminating in the famous Grand Parade.

Lovers' Key

Get back to nature at this State Park, which you can reach from Fort Myers Beach by boardwalk or tram. This is a haven for humans and wildlife alike, with hiking trails, picnic spots, canoe trips, shell collecting and boating - or you could just drift away on a quiet beach. Look out for manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits and bald eagles.

Catch A Game

Every year two major baseball teams take over the stadiums in Fort Myers for spring training before the main season begins. The Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins play a series of games in preparation for the main action, presenting the perfect opportunity to catch baseball at its best.

Island Life

There are a collection of lovely islands off this coast, and Sanibel and Captiva Islands are just next door. Take a boat trip to this upmarket enclave to collect shells along the pristine beaches, visit their superb wildlife reserves, drink in the tranquil atmosphere, and watch stunning sunsets as they spread across the sky.

Explore The Water

There's no better way to appreciate the watery wonderland all around Fort Myers Beach than by kayak or canoe. Take a trip with a guide through the winding waterways of Pine Island or on the Estero River, which is part of the 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway. You'll see some amazing wildlife along the way.

Captiva Island does exactly  what it promises to - it captivates. Its long stretches of unspoiled beach and fine, white shell-strewn sand are nothing short of dazzling, and come with the benefit of wall-to-wall sunshine. Laze by the water's edge and watch dolphins at play offshore; walk for miles, feeling the sand slip softly between your toes; or take a leisurely dip in the clear-blue sea. Captiva Island holidays give you every opportunity to re-connect with the good things in life.

This is a place for anyone who wants to spend time in an environment that's both beautiful and serene, where nature puts on a fabulous show. Couples can get away from it all by seeking out the island's secluded spots and feasting on stunning sunrises and sunsets. Families will love the pristine beaches, the warm, gently shelving ocean and the abundant wildlife. And everyone will get a kick out of collecting the shells that the island is famous for, and which stud its beaches like stars.

Hunt For Shells

Thanks to a quirk of currents and gentle coastal slopes, Captiva is one of the top spots for shell hunting anywhere. Do the 'Captiva Crouch' and hunt for conch, coquinas, cockles and other shells along the shoreline.It's said you can expect to find 50 different varieties in just one session - and most of them will be whole, too.​

Sanibel Island

The fantastic beaches and plentiful other amenities of Sanibel Island are just next door and easily reached by road. Stroll in the botanical gardens; visit the shell museum; and be sure not to miss the mangrove estuaries,  cordgrass marshes and astonishing birdlife of the  J. N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Chillax

Come to Captiva and relax. The pace on the island is slow and unhurried, and the irritations of urban life will seem a million miles away. Doze on the beach; see the sky turn pink at sunset; watch a pelican flap past; and feel your stress levels plummet.

Go Island Hopping

There are plenty of options for reaching the other little islands dotted round about. Boats make the run to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island and uninhabited Cayo Costa, all of which are inaccessible by car. Offering a seductive mix of isolation, Eden-like beaches, superb tarpon fishing, and some great spots for a delicious lunch, these islands are hidden gems.

Take To The Water

There are some great cruising options from Captiva's marinas, and an evening trip to catch the romance of the sunset is a must. Off shore and back water fishing trips take anglers off in search of grouper, barracuda, shark, snook and redfish; and kayaking adventure tours allow paddlers to explore the island's shoreline in intimate depth.​