Customer Reviews

Sanibel & Captiva: A Guide to the Islands

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have read every book on Sanibel and the gulf coast that I have been able to get my hands on over the last four years. This book is by far the best, most comprehensive, and thorough book on Sanibel and Captiva that I have found. The chapters are easy to read and very informative. The pictures are beautiful, and I love the personal touches with the photographs of people who live and visit Sanibel. I wish I would have had this book before we went to Sanibel the first time! I definitely recommend it to all who will be visiting Sanibel in the future.

We visited Sanibel and Captiva islands for the first time in June 2004. It was everything we hoped it would be thanks to this book. I must have read the book 15 times front to back before we left. I loved the given itinerary- it made organizing our time in order to experience everything so easy and we never felt rushed.

I am a huge fan of Frommer's guidebooks. Since they offer little information regarding the islands, I purchased this book instead which came highly recommended. It was really neat to get an actual islander's point of view but I did occasionally miss the to-the-point opinions of Frommer's guidebooks. The book is occasionally generic when recommending dining options.

However, I have to say that you should NEVER visit these islands without first purchasing this book. It taught us how to appreciate island life and we had a wonderful relaxing vacation. There are descriptions of each shell found on the island as well as each bird, turtle, etc. It was fun to open up the book at the end of the day and find the names of both the shells we had collected and the birds we had seen. Have a great time in Sanibel!!

This book was my "secret" to planning my family's 1st trip to Sanibel. I would have been completely lost without it! We have already recommened it to several friends and family members who are now planning their trip to the island. Very informative, beautiful pictures, easy to read... they even give you a few itineraries of things to do depening on your length of stay! You won't be disappointed!

We are really enjoying this book. There's so much information, and I love the photos. My husband and I have never been to Sanibel or Captiva (we're planning a trip later this year), but reading about the islands is relaxing and helps us escape our stressful jobs.

Our family has been visiting Sanibel and Captiva for more than 30 years, and this book is the most complete guide we can imagine. The writing is so good (I'm a freelance writer myself), the information is well-organized, and the photography is excellent. We bought it while we were vacationing on Captiva and have already recommended it to cousins and aunts and uncles who also fish and shell there.

We bought this book in 2004 after our last trip to Sanibel...I JUST read it earlier this year in preparation for our spring break trip...which we just returned from. This book gave us so much info about the island that the typical tourist wouldn't have a clue about. Little tips and adventures you can take...like taking a ride up Dixie Beach Rd and Woodring Rd. Or how to check out the night time sky and what to look for. There's a comprehensive list of the island's shell, bugs and animals...very informational. The book tells of when to do things...what to watch out for...etc. It's the perfect vacation guide for Sanibel/Captiva Islands. I learned so much, my family kept calling me a Sanibel Guru! Excellent buy!

This is indeed a great guide book for Captiva and Sanibel Islands. We stayed on Captiva in a private house and used this book for dining and shopping recommendations. (Didn't need it for the recreation -- who needs anything more than beach, pool, shells, ocean??!) Weren't disappointed once! We referred to the shell guide more than once.

I usually devour multiple guide books before we go on a trip because it always enhances our vacations immeasurably. For Captiva, the typical (Fodors, Frommers) books were a little sterile. This one felt very local and authentic. I definitely recommend it for anyone lucky enough to visit these beautiful islands! Toast the sunset for me!

This is by far one of the best travel books I have ever used. It kept us busy the whole time- beaches, nature preserves , shelling, accomodations, great great restaurants. everything!!!!! If you go to Sanibel/Captiva this is a must buy!!

Wow! This is a really great book. We're going to Sanibel Island for the first time and couldn't find any travel books that would give us the lowdown on where to go and what to do - until this book! It gives you a "must do" intinerary if you are planning on staying 3 days, 4 days, etc. It also includes tips for shelling: when to go, where to go and a comprehensive guide to help you identify what you find. I really enjoyed this book and it's now packed in my suitcase ready for the trip.

We had the best vacation EVER thanks to this book! Even when our flight was postponed, this book gave us a few options of activities in Fort Myers on the way to the airport. Who would have thought Sanibel/Captiva had so much to offer. The authors share ever bit of important info and more. Have Fun!