History of Sanibel Island, Florida

Sanibel Island, Florida, is the larger of the two "sister" islands, the other being Captiva Island. Its unique south-west orientation makes Sanibel Island ideal for collecting gorgeous sea shells, and the cooling gulf breezes are always there for comfort. Twelve miles of beautiful beaches, great fishing and golf, yummy "Floribbean" and seafood restaurants and superb vacation rentals make up this historically rich barrier island. The native Calusa Indians were the first residents of Sanibel Island., dating back as far back as 2,500 years. In 1513, the first official visitor was famous explorer Ponce de Leon, who named the island "Santa Isybella" after Queen Isabella. Later, legend says the island became a haven for pirates, most notably Jose Gaspar. Gaspar is rumored to have buried his stolen treasure on the island, and kept his female prisoners captive on Captiva Island, while eagerly awaiting for there ransom money to be paid. "The Buccaneer Coast" began to draw the attention of many influential people after the Seminole Wars were under control. Charles and Anne Lindburgh vacationed here, and Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist J.N. Ding Darling actively campaigned for federal protection of the island's fragile yet beautiful ecosystem. Today, careful consideration of the bountiful nature still takes precedence in every decision about growth and development on Sanibel Island. With that said, you will still find plenty of resorts, vacation rental villas, condos and homes for your perfect island getaway on beautifully preserved Sanibel Island.

History of Captiva Island

Captiva Island, Florida, is the sister to larger Sanibel Island and can be accessed by crossing a small bridge at Turner Beach. The "main drag" on Captiva Island will take you past colorful cactus, bougainvilleas and all types of tropical foliage, plus a five mile stretch of white sand beach until you come to "downtown" Captive Island - which resembles a village more than a metropolis. Just like its sister, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island is proud of its ecological preservation efforts as well as its heritage. Captiva Island was first home to the Calsua Indians, and then Ponce de Leon stumbled upon the area while in search of the "Fountain of Youth". Pirates, most notably Jose Gaspar, commandeered the island to hold his female kidnap victims while their ransom was being sought. Throughout the 19th and early 20th century, the island became a warm and welcome getaway for the rich and famous, like Charles and Anne Lindbergh and President Teddy Roosevelt. Today the island still holds the attention of vacationers year 'round with its nature preserves, white sand beaches, world class shelling opportunities, plus golf, fishing, boating and all manner of just relaxing in the Florida sunshine. The vacation rental options are not outdone by the amenities, and you will find everything from beach condos to resort villas to luxurious private homes available for your island stay. You will find Captiva Island to be captivating, even without the pirates or ransom.