The Sanibel Lighthouse
The lighthouse stands on Point Ybel Light, or so it is known by the locals. This is perhaps the most photographed spot on Sanibel. The 104 foot light tower was requisitioned as early as 1833.  Fifty years later, the government declared the east end of the island a lighthouse reservation and in 1884 the lighthouse was completed.

  The Sanibel Fishing Pier
Situated at the east end of Sanibel and near the lighthouse, the Sanibel fishing pier offers plenty of opportunities of fish to catch.  T-shape allows for plenty of anglers while a covered portion lets you take a break from the sun.

               

J.N. "Ding Darling" Wildlife Refuge

Open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset, except Fridays (a wildlife vacation from people). This 5,000 acre sanctuary offers hiking, biking, & canoe trails. The 5 mile wildlife drive features more than 200 species of birds, many of them threatened or endangered, alligators, turtles, river otters, armadillos & more! Closed Fridays for auto access;  hiking & biking welcome.

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
 Exhibits in the Great Hall of Shells illustrate the role shells have played in ecology, medicine, literature, religion, art architecture, and as a source of food. Daily slide programs inform visitors about the lives of mollusks, their habits and habitats. Open Tuesday - Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM
   

 

 You won't find a shortage of fabulous restaurants on Sanibel & Captiva. They range from the casual Lighthouse Cafe with infamous breakfasts to my favorite, Traders Cafe. Other favorites include The Thistle Lodge, Lazy Flamingo, Sunset Grill and The Riviera just to name a few. Contact me today for a complimentary copy of The Dining Guide.

 

 The barrier islands of Sanibel & Captiva are situated just off the coast of Southwest Florida facing the Gulf of Mexico. The islands lie near the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River in Lee County, bound on the North and East by Pine Island Sound and historic San Carlos Bay. Sanibel encompasses approximately 12,000 acres with 2/3rds reserved for preserve land and Captiva at about 600 total acres.  Sanibel is connected to the mainland at Punta Rassa by a modern causeway and is in close proximity to the new Southwest Florida International Airport located in Southeast Ft. Myers. 
Population on the islands very greatly due to the winter vacation season. About 6,400  residents reside year round on Sanibel while about 500 are on Captiva. It is estimated that more than a million tourists visit both islands each year.
Recent News     Sanibel & Captiva Island were rated in Life Magazine's "Top 10 Getaways", appearing in the January 13, 2006 issue.  Noted for its unspoiled beauty, sugar-white sand and unobstructed gulf views.  The magazine writer indicated Sanibel as "perfectly positioned for you to enjoy its riches".  West Wind Inn was the magazines best winter value on the island.

Sanibel Causeway is scheduled for completion in January '07.

2005 Sales Statistics   
Prop.Type Location # Sold Total $old Avg.$  SP/LP Avg.DOM $ +/-
             
SF Bay 7 $16,420,000 $2,345,714 94% 558 -$751,786
Bayou 7 $10,285,000 $1,469,286 95% 175 $567,786
Canal 67 $75,332,119 $1,124,360 94% 178 $265,848
Gulf 13 $40,701,250 $3,130,865 91% 256 $152,365
Inland 48 $34,070,500 $709,802 95% 127 $194,479
Near Beach 111 $86,414,000 $778,505 96% 153 $175,600
River 1 $890,000 $890,000 99% 38 $0
Multi - 6 $3,320,000 $553,333 97% 160 -$95,000
1/2 Dplx. - 6 $3,319,000 $553,167 98% 50 $39,549
Condo 1 Bdrm 31 $13,974,250 $450,782 96% 102 $39,157
2 Bdrm 180 $131,830,880 $732,394 96% 158 $113,503
3+ Bdrms 20 $29,508,500 $1,475,425 93% 178 $380,425
Commercial   25 $21,873,500 $874,940 91% 315 $357
Vacant Land   68 $33,877,400 $498,197 95% 236 $138,694

 

                
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
               

 

Marcel Ventura, GRI
Toll Free: 877-7MARCEL
E-mail: Marcel@MarcelVentura.com

 Let me find you your own little piece of paradise! E-mail me today!