If you happen to be someone who doesn’t look forward to cold, ice, and snow each year, the opportunity to spend your winter on Sanibel and Captiva Islands instead is one you won’t want to miss! Here, there’s plenty of sunshine to go around, easy access to the waves, and gorgeous Gulf Coast views to savor. Whether you only have a few vacation days to spare or you’re lucky enough to make it an extended getaway, wintering on these barrier islands promises to be inspiring.
Mark Your Winter Getaway with Warm Temperatures
Feel free to leave your worrisome thoughts of snowfall and icicles far behind when you spend your winter on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Travelers who head this way this time of year will be treated to daily highs in the 70s and evening lows that typically don’t dip lower than the 50s. As an inviting bonus, winter here comes with low humidity levels too, giving travelers even more reasons to enjoy their time exploring the great outdoors during their stay.
Maximize Your Fun Under the Sun This Winter
There’s really something for everyone to enjoy in the winter on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. This is true no matter how long you have to enjoy your stay here, or what your travel interests might entail. If you happen to be someone with a passion for wildlife, you’ll want to set aside time on your itinerary to head over to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge at least once. It’s a great winter destination to observe everything from alligators and manatees in the water to a variety of migratory birds overhead.
For those winter visitors who prefer to pedal their way through a stay, the fact that Sanibel Island and Captiva Island have a combined 25 miles of paved trails to check out is sure to thrill! These trails run seamlessly along shorelines, through nature preserves, and even into local neighborhoods, giving you an authentic feel for island life along the way.
You won’t want to end your winter getaway here without spending a morning shelling on the sands of Sanibel Island, while kayaking the waters around Captiva Island at sunrise can be equally mesmerizing. Both Sanibel Island and Captiva Island offer winter visitors access to guided fishing charters as well, when you’re looking forward to casting a line alongside a pro and reeling in everything from snook and sea trout to redfish.
Plan On Enjoying a Peaceful Winter Stay
By all accounts, winter is defined as the peak travel season on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island alike. However, the beauty of spending winter on Sanibel and Captiva Islands is that the crowds here are far from the high-energy groups you’ll find at other travel hot spots across Florida this time of year. These islands are loved for their leisurely stretches of shoreline and wide-open waterways to explore and enjoy a winter getaway at your own preferred pace. Overall, you can look forward to relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying an exceptionally peaceful getaway in this direction, even during a time of year that typically sees the highest number of travelers.
Add Some Holiday Cheer to Your Lineup of Activities
If you’re lucky enough to be making your way to Sanibel Island and Captiva Island this winter over the holidays, it’s a great chance to attend a few of the festive local events. When you’re hoping to increase your holiday spirit this winter, consider checking out the annual Captiva Holiday Village for yourself. This family-friendly event often includes candlelit décor, a boat parade, an appearance by Santa, fireworks, and plenty of great holiday music and food to go around.
Book a Relaxing Getaway Today
When you’re looking forward to an unforgettable winter away on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, the team at Dream Vacation Rentals is here to help you find just the right accommodations to match. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting and exciting property options available to book that come with private boat docks in place, gorgeous views, private pools, easy access to the sand, and so much more!