Going to Sanibel with 3 young kids - houses on the beach?

We would love to go to this island, and rent a house on a beach. Kids love the water, waves, etc. I have never been to Sanibel. Any suggestions for sites that have some good places? Going in April. Thanks.

Going to Sanibel with 3 young kids - houses on the beach?

Hi Louisd,

Houses on Sanibel can only be rented for a monthly period. You can rent by the week on Captiva. I think Sanibel is better for kids as you have access to more restaurant, bike paths and other attractions.

For Sanibel you would have the option of renting a condo, cottage or stay in a hotel/motel- style resort.

I am an owner at Pointe Santo and as far as condo resorts it is one of the more popular choices for families. Other condo options I suggest include Casa Ybel -which is one of the few places that has a kiddie pool. I also has, along with Pointe Santo, a children%26#39;s activity program. Also look at the 2-bedroom units at Sanibel Inn, and Tortuga Beach Resort.

All are beach front complexes.

Going to Sanibel with 3 young kids - houses on the beach?

Thanks. We actually just want nice beaches to stay near. Don%26#39;t need restaurants, nightlife, etc. How is captiva for that? Also, are their cottages on the beach? in Sanibel

I am not that familiar with the cottages but I know there are a few that seem to get good feedback. Look at Shalimar, White Caps and Beachview to start. All are on the beach and rent weekly.

Captiva is more laid back and the water is a little bluer. Sanibel has more shells and a system of bike paths if your kids would like that.

For a more in depth comparison see:

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g34616-c49694/Sanibel…

Shalimar has 1 bedroom cottages really close to the beach, great area.

Waterside Inn has efficiency and 1 bedroom cottages, also on a nice stretch of the beach.

White caps has I bedroom cottages, same area as Shalimar and Waterside Inn - good reviews, but no pool.

Beachview Cottages - again, great area on west Gulf Drive, pool and there are 2 bedroom cottages available. They book early, word to the wise.

Are you travling with 3 young kids? We have two little ones, I would encourage you to check out some condos that are gulf front - there are 2 and 3 bedroom available with washer/dryers. Also, the bike rentals are at Finnemores and Billy%26#39;s - bike trailors and toddler seats are available for rent. There is also a rental place on the island for bed rails, high chairs, cribs, etc. If you need further info, let us know.

If you are looking for a cottage in Captiva the link below is a cottage that I can recommend. We rented directly from the owner through VRBO and the cottage is lovely. The beach in front of the cottage is beautiful and private. The cottage is located in South Seas Resort, but you are renting directly from the owner, so you do not have access to the main resort pool, restaurants, etc. The cottages shares a smaller pool with neighboring units, has a washer and dryer and a full, well stocked kitchen. The restaurants, shops and activities of Captiva village are all within walking distance of this unit. It would make for a memorable, relaxing family vacation with your children! Enjoy.

http://www.vrbo.com/72457

Check Little Palm and Bamboo Breeze on Captiva - I think Cottages to Castles may rent them. Basic cottage on the beach can be rented weekly. Cute, renovated and right on the beach.