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Florida: Find Your Own Island

• January 29, 2017

Fort Myers Beach is the perfect destination for those who like to look a little further; those who like to wonder what lies just beyond the horizon. And it’s a great place to base yourself if you’re aching to explore some of the region’s 100 stunning barrier and coastal islands. That’s a lot of islands to choose from, so we’re sharing the inside scoop on some of our favourites…
 
Barefoot Brilliance: Estero Island
Long recognized as one of the ‘world’s safest beaches’ because of its gently sloping shoreline, the sand at Fort Myers Beach is particularly soft and white, like powdered sugar – so slip your shoes off! Numerous marinas operate boating and fishing charters and local restaurants benefit from the daily catch, which generally includes red snapper and grouper.
Unmissable Estero: Don’t miss Lovers Key State Park, just south of Fort Myers Beach. Walk the boardwalk over tidal lagoons to the white sand beach.
 
Shelltastic: Sanibel Island
Sanibel is known worldwide for its shell-collecting opportunities and the associated posture referred to as the ‘Sanibel Stoop’. Some shellers attach flashlights to their heads, in an effort to be first in the daily search for top picks, especially high or low tide.
Unmissable Sanibel: The JN ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge is home to many exotic species of birds and plants. Catch sight of an alligator snatching a quick bite or long-legged wading birds stalking their prey.
 
Secluded Sands: Captiva Island
More remote than Sanibel, Captiva offers a laid-back pace, several great restaurants, sunset views and beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for real peace and quiet, Captiva is the island for you.
Unmissable Captiva: Catch the sunset from the Mucky Duck, the British pub at the north end of the island.
 
Sleepy Sophistication: Gasparilla Island
Historic charm, cute shops and great restaurants draw travelers to Gasparilla Island, home of the sophisticated little beach town of Boca Grande, which was founded by the wealthy DuPont family back in the late 1800s. 
Unmissable Gasparilla: Check out the restored Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum. The lighthouse dates back to 1890. 
 
The Quiet Alternative: Pine Island
With its fruit and tree farms, no stop lights and miles of country roads, a visit to Pine Island feels more like you’ve traveled inland rather than out-island. Long and roomy, its lack of natural beaches means less traffic and more affordable dining.
Unmissable Pine: Take a stroll through Matlacha. This colorful fishing village is jam-packed with eclectic galleries.
 
Calling all Castaways: Cayo Costa
If you want to be a castaway, this is your island! With its soft white sand, serene beauty and distinct lack of high rises, Cayo Costa truly is a place to lose yourself. The island is accessible only by private boat or passenger ferry.
Unmissable Cayo Costa: Shelling at the south end of the island. It’s well worth getting up at dawn to have the first pick of sea shells!
 
Located on a secluded private beach at the north end of Estero Island, the Best Western PLUS Beach Resort Hotel is a great base from which to explore the area’s island. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the beachfront location boasts white sand shores, crystal blue waters and lush palm trees, all just minutes from all the attractions in Fort Myers Beach.

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