Friday, December 17, 2010

Best Beaches in Miami Florida

Are you looking for the list of best beaches in Miami? You are not the only one; everybody is looking for the best beaches in Miami. Considering the demand and my personal experience, I have come up with the list of best beaches in Miami to help Miami vacationers to plan their trip. Being crazy about Miami, I visit Miami often and I have been to almost every single beach in Miami. Among all Miami ocean shores and parks, I have found following best beaches in Miami.

South Beach, Miami

South Beach Miami is well known best beach for people-watching. South Beach is crowded with people as it is parallel to world renowned ocean drive. Ocean drive is famous for fine dinning restaurant and shopping. South Beach is busy with people jogging on the path, surfing and swimming in the ocean water. This white sand shore is located right across from the best nightclubs of the Miami.

Haulover Beach

Haulover Beach is renowned, best nude beach in Miami. Haulover Beach offers two sections - North end and South End. North end of the beach is designated nude beach area where you can avoid tan lines by taking nude sunbathing. Apart from the north end, overall beach is people friendly where you can enjoy swimming, surfing and other water activities. Beach lifeguards are always patrolling the beach for the security and safety of the people. Haulover beach is located at 10800 Collins Avenue, Miami

Virginia Key Beach

Virginia Key Beach is known as the best historic beach in Miami. Virginia Key shore offers two North and South entrances. North end of the beach is good for the people who are looking for solitude, away from the crowd. South entrance of the beach leads you to the historic section of the Miami. Yes, in past beach used to be the only beach for "colored" people. It was closed sometimes in 1982 and re-opened in 2008. Beach is located off the Rickenbacker Causeway close to the Miami Seaquarium.

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park

South end of the Key Biscayne is known as Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park. Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park is one of the best beaches in Miami for scenery. Famous Cape Florida lighthouse increases the beauty of the shoreline. You can also enjoy the guided tour of the lighthouse. Not only that, Bill Baggs Cape Florida beach is well known for seawall fishing. Beach is always busy with Miami local and tourist enjoying water activities, especially fishing. Southern tip of the park is famous for seawall fishing in entire southeast region.

Crandon Park Beach

Crandon Park is well known best family friendly beach in Miami. Crandon Park offers almost 2 miles of white sand beach along with cabanas to relax. During weekends shore is crowded with local as well as tourist families engaging themselves in water fun activities. Cabana rental is a good option to relax after a long sunbath on the beach. Beach Amusement park and Crandon gardens have been a center of attraction.

Now as you know the list of best beaches in Miami, get ready to enjoy water activities and soak up the sun in sunny city Miami.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Best Beaches in Spain

We all want something different from a beach. Whether you prefer facilities, peace, privacy or entertainment here are a few Spanish beaches which come highly recommended.

.... to go with children

Look for beaches with fine sand, without stones or pebbles and with wooden walkways to the shore because these are easier to walk on. The best beaches for children are those which have shallow water and only very small waves. In addition, access should be easy and comfortable for buggies and it should have good facilities: foot washers, showers, easily visible danger signs, assistance points, play areas and shady places. If children are small, it is important to check out nearby toilet and changing facilities. To keep them amused, choose beaches with activity centres and supervised courses for windsurfing, swimming or fishing.

La Costilla y El Rompidillo on the Costa Ballena (Cádiz)

Situated between Rota and Chipiona, there are seven kilometres of fine sandy beaches, which are not dangerous and which have all sorts of facilities. The children can be kept amused for hours watching the corrals, small stone walls in the sea where fish, shrimps and crayfish are trapped at low tide.

....in the city

Do you prefer not to lose sight of civilization while you swim? Then city beaches are for you. The best thing is that you don't have to go far to find them - they are separated from the shops and offices by a promenade, from which you can access the sand by means of ramps and steps.

La Concha in San Sebastián (Guipúzcoa).

Queen María Cristina elevated it to the status of "the" place to spend summer, at the end of the nineteenth century and, from that time, it has kept its charm. Framed by its two mountains, Igueldo and Urgull, the beautiful beach is bordered by superb decorative walkway. In the centre of the bay is Stanta Clara Island and lighthouse, which can be reached by ferry in the summer.

....for nudists

If when it gets hot, you find clothes are too much, you'll surely enjoy naturism, which consists, among other things, of living the beach experience in your birthday suit or "how your mother brought you into the world" as the Spanish put it. Well, you can wear a thong if you want. In Spain there are several hundred beaches with a nudist tradition which goes back to the 1960s, the majority with difficult access and unspoilt scenery. As well, there are those which must live with the "textiles" (as naturists call those who don't go nude) in separate zones, including certain remote caves in which there is a natural mixture of bathing costumes and exposed skin. You can also find areas of coast specifically for nudism; authentic naturist centres, equipped with all types of set up (hotels, supermarkets, swimming pools) for those who go around completely naked.

Cala Fonda, in Altafulla (Tarragona).

Also known as Waikiki Beach, it is situated in the middle of a leafy pine grove and sheltered by a vertical cliff which makes access difficult. Precisely because of the complications of getting here (it is necessary to walk more than a kilometre through woods), it has become a complete nudist paradise. There are more than 200 metres of fine sand with clear water and absolutely nothing else.

...for friends of the wild and the natural

The more difficult the paths are to negotiate, the more possibilities you have to have the beach to yourself. These coastal spots well deserve a hike of several hours, but to be remote from civilization as well implies a total absence of infrastructure, so don't forget to carry a good supply of water with you and whatever you need to give you some shade. The locals know the best places and how to get to them, so use your charm to get the information from them.

Los Genoveses, in San José (Almería).

Positioned in the heart of the Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata, you get there by a small earth road, signposted from the town of San José. The small bay of Los Genoveses (so called because in its day, it was an anchorage for pirate ships) opens up to the left of the road and has an improvised parking area. It is a beach of dunes, surrounded by vegetation.

England's Top Beaches

Beaches on England's southern coastline

The southern coast of the country is sometimes called the English Riviera especially the area around Torbay; and the towns of Torquay, Brixham and Paignton.

Torquay was the setting for Fawlty Towers, but there were never any scenes filmed there. It was also the hometown of Agatha Christie, one of the best selling authors of all time. Torquay has been a popular beach destination since the Victorian times. Much of the life of the town revolves around the promenade which overlooks the beach. Torquay has a total of 8 beaches to choose from.

Other attractions of the area include Living Coasts Wildlife Attraction, Babbacombe Model Village and the Kent's Cavern where there is evidence of caveman settlement.

To the southeast of Torquay is the town of Paignton which has many kilometres of fine sandy beaches. Paignton beach and Preston Sands are both popular destinations for water sports including kite surfing and dinghy sailing. Another site of interest is the Torbay Picture House, formerly the oldest operating cinema in Europe built in 1907 though it is now closed.

Located further west near the tip of Cornwall you can find Polzeath which is regarded as one of the finest surfing destinations in Europe. In addition to the beach you can also find the Voluntary Marine Wildlife Reserve which runs events and other activities.

Bournemouth is one of the largest towns on the southern coast and it is very much a resort destination with many fine beaches on 11 kms of continuous golden sands. Attractions to be found here include Alice In Wonderland Family Park, Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre and an Oceanarium to name a few.

In the eastern end of the southern coast, you will have the best chance for fine weather. The biggest destination in the area is Brighton.

Eastbourne is your traditional seaside resort with 8 kilometres of unspoilt blue flag beaches. These beaches are popular for watersports, such as windsurfing and canoeing, as well as swimming. The promenade is a great place to do some rollerblading as well.

You can find 4 top class golf courses in the area and the town is host to a number of festivals throughout the year including the Eastbourne Beer Festival, the Eastbourne Bandstand and the Airbourne International Airshow.

Hastings is close to the site of one of England's most important battles. The Battle of Hastings in 1066 was the last successful invasion of England. Today you can still find the remains of William the Conqueror's first castle. This was also the town where Television was invented by John Logie Baird in 1923. The town has 5 kms of beaches which is also home to Europe's largest beach-launched fishing fleet.

Southsea is a seaside resort town located close to Portsmouth. The beach is stony but still very nice for sun bathing and swimming. Portsmouth has a very important naval history and this can be explored at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which is home of the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860. This town is also the birthplace of Charles Dickens.

Other Top Beaches in England

You don't have to be on the south coast to enjoy England's top beaches!

To the east of London there is town of Great Yarmouth. Great Yarmouth is popular with people travelling out of London and wishing to stay away from the crowded south coast beaches. The area features up to 24kms of beautiful beaches and a whole host of great attractions to keep you entertained when you are not sunning yourself. These include the historic South Quay, Nelson's 'other' column, Elizabethan House Museum, and much much more.

In the east midlands there is the picturesque town of Skegness. Sometimes called 'the laughing coast', this town has an excellent beach and is also the site of the world's first Butlins holiday resort. Also located just up the coast is the theme park Fantasy Island.

Further up the east coast in Yorkshire there is Scarborough. Scarborough is known as England's first seaside resort and it has been a popular destination for 360 years since the 17th century! The safe and sandy beaches as well as picturesque clifftops and a fantastic shopping centre have ensured that Scarborough continues to be a popular destination today.

North of this there is Bamburgh, located half way between Sunderland and the Scottish border. The beach here is quite large and has been used in the past for movies. Other attractions in the town include Bamburgh Castle and the RNLI Grace Darling Museum.

On the west coast north of Wales, the most significant seaside resort is Blackpool, just a few kilometres north of Liverpool. As well as the beach there is a very popular theme park here.

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Cote D'Azur's 5 Best Hidden Beaches

Every year, drawn by the promise of gorgeous weather and beautiful beaches, thousands of travellers from the UK go on camping and mobile home holidays in the Cote d'Azur. Campsites are scattered all along the coast, and the beaches around Cannes and St Tropez are glamorous, fashionable...and usually very crowded! For many people, the hustle and bustle is very much part of the experience of camping in the Cote d'Azur, but some will crave a more secluded beach where they can relax in peace and quiet.

Fortunately, the area also contains many uninterrupted beaches for those who know how to find them or are willing to seek them out. So, if you tire of the crowds while camping in the Cote d'Azur, here are five hidden beaches to relax on...

Port de Crouton Plage

If you are going to the French Rivera with your family, why not find a Cote d'Azur campsite near this beach which is located in Juan-les-Pins. This beach is a real hidden gem, and a perfect place to go with children. The soft sand slopes very gently into the sea, making it safe for children, and the secluded location and beautiful surroundings make it just as enjoyable for adults!

Mala Plage

Despite being only ten minutes away from Monaco, Mala Plage is rarely crowded, perhaps due to the steep ten minute walk it takes to get there. It is almost child free, so it is a great place for couples looking to escape the crowds on their Cote d'Azur camping holidays. There is also a range of activities available on the beach, including jet skiing, snorkelling and diving.

Plage de Passable

The Plage de Passable, located in Villefranche bay, is an outstanding and peaceful place to swim and sunbathe. This sheltered pebble beach is popular with locals in the know, and if you are staying in a nearby Cote d'Azur campsite, you should trust their judgement! There is an excellent restaurant here, and the 4km Cap Ferrat hiking trail is a lovely walk that passes by the houses of the rich and famous who live in Villefranche.

Paloma Plage

In Cap Ferrat, the over-rich and over-trendy crowd gravitate towards the Paloma Beach Club, leaving the public beach relatively uncrowded. Take full advantage of their mistake, and enjoy one of the most beautiful beaches on the Cote d'Azur - gorgeous sand, turquoise water, and breathtaking views out over the bay.

Saleccia

If you really want to beat the crowds, then try escaping the Cote d'Azur altogether - the Saleccia beach is located on the nearby island of Corsica, and it is almost completely deserted and utterly beautiful. If you are camping in the Cote d'Azur you can get to Corsica by taking a car ferry from Nice or Cannes, and the trip is well worth it - this beach really is a local highlight.

Whether you are travelling with the family or as a couple, you don't need to fight the crowds if you want to go to the beach while camping in the Cote d'Azur - if you like peace and quiet with your sun and sand, these five secluded beaches will be just right for you.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Best of Maui, Hawaii - Top 10 Attractions

If Hawaii is your idea of a dream vacation, then Maui ought to be the realization of that dream. For Maui, of all the Hawaiian islands, is the most magical, the most alluring, the most exciting. It has the best beaches, best golf courses, best windsurfing, best weather, and the sweetest pineapples you'll ever taste, Maui Gold!

And on Maui, besides soaking up the sun and sipping a mai tai as the sun sets, what else should one see and do? Well, here's the island's 'Top 10', do-not-miss list.

1. Haleakala

Haleakala is a place almost of pilgrimage. The dormant volcano looms large on the island, more or less at the center of it, and at 10,023 feet, its summit is the highest point on Maui. Besides a visit to the informative Haleakala National Park Visitor Center, you can hike or go on horseback down into the 3,000-foot-deep Haleakala crater. You can also explore ancient lava flows and see silverswords here, which are rare, silvery flower stalks indigenous to the area. But for a spiritual journey, try to go there early and catch the sunrise. There's a park entrance fee of $10 per vehicle, or $5 each for hikers and bikers.

2. Road to Hana

The 'Road to Hana' is singularly the most scenic drive in the Hawaiian islands. It begins just south of Kahului and madly winds down the southeast coast of Maui, some 55 miles, twisting and turning around no fewer than 617 bends! and crossing over 56 tiny, mostly one-lane bridges. The scenery enroute is stunning, with lush vegetation and sweeping views of the ocean at every turn, and scores of swimming holes beneath waterfalls, ideal for a picnic and a splash or two. The principal attractions along the Hana Road are the Keanae Peninsula, a serene patch of green with an overlook with panoramic views; the Keanae Arboretum which incorporates an authentic representation of a Hawaiian rain forest; the 126-acre, tropical Kahanu Botanical Gardens; and the charming, laid-back town of Hana itself, where the centerpiece is the Hotel Hana-Maui.

3. Lahaina

Lahaina, situated on the West Maui coast, is an historic town. It was once the capital of Hawaii, and later on a bustling whaling town. Today, it is the liveliest, most colorful place on the island, filled with restaurants, smoothie bars, souvenir shops, art galleries, and even high-end boutiques; but which, if one is not careful, could easily become that proverbial 'tourist trap'. Still, there's a lot to see and do here: chief attractions include the Whaling Museum, Brig Carthignian, Jodo Mission, the 19th-century waterfront Pioneer Inn, and the jaw-dropping Banyan Tree which was planted here in 1873 and now occupies an acre of land, with a branch spread of 50 yards, supported by myriad aerial roots and 12 major trunks!

4. Ka'anapali

Ka'anapali is Maui's best-known beach resort. Apart from the 'Who's-Who' of resort hotels lining its shore, the white-sand Ka'anapali Beach offers some of the best swimming and snorkeling conditions on the island. But its notoriety has inevitably also made it one of the most visited and therefore most crowded beaches on Maui. There is also a touristy train, the 'Sugarcane Train', which runs between Lahaina and Ka'anapali, offering good views of the area. Another attraction here, just north of Ka'anapali, is Kapalua, with a lovely beach and even lovelier sunsets.

5. Iao Needle

Iao Needle: This is quite possibly the most photographed landmark on the island. Located in the Iao Valley State Park, in a lush valley in the West Maui mountains, the moss-covered stone spire rises 1,200 feet vertically from the valley floor. There are several trails and planks to walk around, with abundant tropical flora and excellent photo opportunities. The state park is accessible from the twin, principal Maui towns of Kahului and Wailuku.

6. Paia

The most colorful coastal town in East Maui, and a former hippie habitat, Paia is a surprising little jumble of eateries and boutiques, and the defacto northern terminus of the Road to Hana. But its chief interest lies in its beach park just outside town, Ho'okipa Beach, the premier windsurfing spot in the islands, where you can watch world-class windsurfers hone their skills and perform in championship events. The town is approximately 6 miles east of Kahului.

7. Makawao

Makawao is one of those gems that most visitors to the island miss. It is a principal town in Maui's Upcountry (Mount Haleakala's slopes), where in an Old West setting of false-front wood-frame buildings, yoga centers and herbalists are juxtaposed with the 'paniolo' (Hawaiian cowboy) culture, offering a unique contrast between two distinctly different worlds. The town is also the locale of the biggest rodeo in the Hawaiian islands, held on the 4th of July. The town is situated 16 miles southeast of Kahului.

8. Wailea Beach Resort

Wailea Beach, situated on the southwest coast of Maui, just south of Kihei, is one of those manicured white-sand beaches, where they rake the sand and arrange beach chairs in neat little rows. But make no mistake, this is a public beach, one of the best on the island, and hugely enjoyable. It is lined with Maui's premier resort hotels - Marriott, Renaissance, Four Seasons, Fairmont and Grand Wailea - which offer some of the best luaus and hula shows on Maui. Sunsets off the coast of Wailea are fabulous.

9. Makena Beach

Makena Beach, also on the southwest coast of Maui, just south of Wailea, lies in sharp contrast to the latter, undeveloped, pristine, less visited. This is also a highly enjoyable beach, particularly if you like being far from the madding crowd.

10. Molokini

If you're crazy about snorkeling, you cannot afford to miss Molokini. It's a partially-submerged, crescent-shaped crater, rising 150 feet from the ocean, just off the southwest coast of Maui. Now a protected marine preserve and seabird sanctuary, it offers some of the best snorkeling and diving conditions in the Maui area. There are charter boats and snorkeling excursions departing for Molokini from the Ma'alaea (just north of Kihei) and Lahaina harbors several times a day. Cost ranges from $70 to $170.

Friday, December 10, 2010

10 Lanzarote Beaches - General

Lanzarote offers a wide variety of beaches including white and black sand, placid and ruffled waters and these are, as you would expect distributed along the entire coast of the island.

Further articles posted by me discuss in more detail the best beaches in each of the seven municipalities (articles 11 to 17) and these form part of a much wider portfolio of information I'm providing to help holiday makers.

So, where is the best beach then?

As my 'home-from-home' is in the south of the island in Playa Blanca in the municipality of Yaiza, I am somewhat biased as to where the best beach is and for me it is without doubt, Papagayo. Judging by the research I've done on the Internet, I am not alone in this opinion, so no matter where you are staying, I would suggest that you should not miss this one out.

Punta de Papagayo (to give it its full name), is located at the southernmost tip of Lanzarote. With a surrounding landscape of volcanic ash, crystal clear water and fine white sand, this stretch of the coast , with several small bays and coves is quite simply stunning. Access is gained by first driving across a dirt track road (quite bumpy), then paying a toll (it's that good, they charge you a small entrance fee), and then walking down the sand banks to the beach as there is no man-made path.

BEFORE you walk down the banks, remember to get anything you need from the one and only cafeteria in this area, as you won't want to keep trudging up and down, trust me, I've done it. The difficulty in getting to the beach is worth it. If you decide to walk along the beach to look at other bays, please bear in mind the fact that some visitors bathe nude at this location as it is permitted. You should not encounter this in the bay by the cafeteria.

If you research this beach on the Internet more widely, you will read statements like 'wild at times' and 'waves can be a little strong at times', so your instinct will, quite rightly tell you to keep an eye on the children.

I want to devote the rest of this introductory article to a day on Papagayo in the Spring of 2005.

On this particular trip, my wife decided to stay at the top of the cliff by the cafeteria, as we were not planning to stay long. I took my two sons down to the immediate bay as the children were pestering me to let them play in the sand and have a dip in the water (as children do). I did what most parents do on holiday - I gave in to their demands for a peaceful life.

My eldest son (who was 11 at the time) decided he'd like to be a little braver than the younger one, who was 6 years old and who stayed in the 'ankles only' region of the sea with me. He wandered out to a point that each wave broke about the chest to neck area and if he jumped up as the wave broke to avoid getting a mouthful of salt water.

All children do this and I'm sure by now, you know what's coming.... well he didn't!

I could see a rather large wave behind him out at sea and began to shout towards him to come back in a bit. He never understood my gesticulations towards him, so I moved towards him (instructing the younger one to go back up the beach immediately and 'stay put'). For once, the younger one did as he was told and as I got closer he heard me and moved towards me. I got to within 5 metres of him before the wave crashed 15 feet above his head!

For what seemed an eternity at the time, I completely lost sight of him. He resurfaced, spluttering, and a good 30 metres away from me, which should give you an appreciation of the waves power. My son waited to see my reaction before bursting out laughing (I think he thought I would be angry with him, as if!). He was covered from head to foot in sand, had drank a pint or more of salt water and despite his brave face, he was clearly shook up and to this day we still recall that wave at Papagayo, but he had learnt his lesson and he lives to swallow salt water another day.

It is worth pointing out that both of my children are very good swimmers, having attended swimming lessons from an early age. Their 'reward' for this, is to be given more freedom when on holiday, particularly in the swimming pools, providing we can still see them. I did not for one moment (you know I really mean that I did) think that he would not come back up, but please take my experience into account if you go to Papagayo as the warning 'strong waves at times' is often dismissed by the occasional visitor.

But don't let this put you off, as this is truly a fantastic location and we still go back on most visits to the island.

I will to bring this article to a close with an important Safety Message - Swimming & playing in the sea is great fun, but be aware of the dangers and act responsibly and look out for Flag warnings.
To this end, you should:

1. Swim parallel to the shore;

2. Swim within your depth (it can often be difficult to swim back to the Beach as currents can be strong);

3. Never swim immediately after eating;

4. Never swim alone or at night;

5. Be aware of local conditions (currents etc), seek advice if in doubt and beware of boats and jet skis if they are in the vicinity and please do not swim in areas allocated for their use;

6. Remember that a Red Flag means "Dangerous Conditions, do not enter the water";

7. Remember that a Yellow Flag means "Dangerous Conditions, exercise caution"; and

8. Remember that a Green Flag means its "Safe for swimming".

Oh... and in case you're wondering, it was a Green Flag at the time of the incident with my son and it was altered to Yellow by the time we got back to the top of the cliff.

Were we unlucky? No we were lucky!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Southwest Florida Beaches Are Some of the World's Best - Choose the Best One For Your Vacation

Southwest Florida is unique in many ways and having some of the best beaches in the world is only the start. Sanibel Island resorts offer luxurious accommodations perfect for the shelling enthusiast and those tuned into nature. Marco Island resorts feature quiet and secluded condominiums overlooking the Gulf of Mexico -- taking you far away from everyday hustle and bustle. Fort Myers Beach resorts have the best of everything, fine resorts with all of the amenities and close to more active nighttime activities.

When planning your Southwest Florida vacation, the first step is decide which of the three resorts fits your image of a perfect destination. This article will take a more in-depth look at them so you can decide which is best for your family.

Fort Myers Beach Resorts - Sun, Sand And More

Named as one of the safest beaches on the Gulf Coast, the shallow calm waters are the primary draw for all of the Fort Myers Beach Resorts. Vacationers from families to partiers are attracted due to the many variety of activities that are close at hand. The northern end of the island is known for its liveliness and attracts both the young and young at heart. During Spring Break, this is a popular place for college students to meet and enjoy the beaches.

The Fort Myers Beach resorts are all within a short driving distance to the new Regional Southwest International Airport located in Fort Myers. The island has an abundance of restaurants, from fast food to fine dining with many Fort Myers Beach resorts having their own signature restaurant. There are many nighttime entertainment options to choose from for those that want the fun to continue after the sun goes down.

Marco Island Resorts - Away From It All

The three and a half miles of sandy white beaches combined with the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico are reason enough for vacationers to choose Marco Island Resorts. Home to many world-class accommodations Marco Island resorts are truly a world away from it all.

Part of the Southwest Florida's Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is the largest. It's also about as far South as you can go before becoming part of the Everglades National Park. Marco Island Beach resorts give new meaning to the term 'away from it all'. As part of the Ten Thousand Islands, Marco Island is surrounded by dozens of uninhabited islands, pristine bays and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico.

An unforgettable vacation awaits -- whether it's a romantic getaway of a quiet family get together. The spectacular views, fine restaurants and beautiful beaches are close at hand for all of the Marco Island resorts.

Sanibel Island Resorts - Shelling At Its Best

Known world wide as one the best shelling beaches, Sanibel Island is truly nature at its finest. Most barrier islands are positioned North to South, but Sanibel Island lies East to West allowing the warm currents from the Gulf of Mexico to deposit mounds of beautiful seashells on the pristine natural beaches. Many Sanibel Island Resorts cater to the beachcomber with shelling stations where vacationers can wash and clean their newfound treasures.

Although most Sanibel Island resorts are located on the Gulf of Mexico, there is so much more to do on the island you may not spend much time on the beach. More than half of the island is JN Ding Darling part of the National Wildlife Refuge, the wildlife refuge of the nation's most visited and famous and home to many rare species of birds and other wildlife. Visitors can take refuge in a guided tour, to move the vehicle or to view up close and personal travel, bike. The reception at the resort 'Sanibel Island, the refuge to provide information on tides and the best time to visit.

The 25 miles of bike paths make it easyget from any Sanibel Island resort to almost anywhere on the island. You'll most likely spot pelicans, herons, seagulls, egrets and other fine subtropical birds as you cycle around the island exploring.

There's a beach vacation destination for everyone in Southwest Florida. Whether you prefer the privacy of Marco Island resorts, the activities of Fort Myers Beach resorts or the Sanibel Island resorts surrounded by nature at it's finest you'll be sure to have a vacation of a lifetime, one that will have returning year after year.