A Sanibel Island vacation is truly paradise. Here at Beachview Cottages, we’ll help you make the most of your dream come true with charming accommodations, contemporary style and amenities, pristine and private beaches, plus warm island hospitality (at no extra charge!).

Sanibel and Captiva Islands consistently rank among the top island destinations — for couples and families — in the United States and yes, the world. Acclaimed for our spectacular shelling, Sanibel and Captiva Islands embrace and protect our tropical ecosystems, beautiful wildlife and breathtaking natural environment. As our guests, you benefit from our sanctuary islands status.

The history of Sanibel and Captiva Islands reaches back — some suggest 2,000 years or more — to a time when these barrier islands were inhabited by “mound people” (for mounds of shells), who were later to be known as Calusa Indians. In fact, Calusa shell mounds can still be found at select locations throughout Sanibel and Captiva.

Hundreds of years later, Spanish explorers — specifically Juan Ponce de Leon in search of the Fountain of Youth — “discovered” Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Legend has it that these two beautiful barrier islands likewise became a sort of retreat for the notorious pirate Jose Gaspar, who buried treasure on Sanibel and built a “prison” for his female captives, hence the name “Captiva” Island.

Among these fascinating stories of adventure, there remain elements of truth that await each visitor to Sanibel Island and Captiva Island today — and that is, these islands are truly treasures to be enjoyed, to an extent that begs the question: why would anyone ever want to leave?

As you explore Sanibel and Captiva today, you’ll discover two of the top island destinations in not only the United States, but the world. And while Sanibel may be renowned for its shelling, and Captiva its sunsets, both islands promise pristine sugar sand beaches, abundant blue skies and sunshine, breathtaking natural beauty, amazing wildlife and ocean life, recreation, relaxation and a welcome, easy pace that will transport you far from the stresses of everyday life.

If you’re a first-timer here, you’ll want to make a quick right turn as you enter Sanibel Island to the Sanibel Captiva Island Chamber of Commerce. Here is where you’ll find all the info you’ll need to make the most of your vacation in paradise — resorts, hotels, restaurants, attractions, shopping, water sports and a lot more.

Must-do stops include the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse on the east end. Built in 1883, the lighthouse remains operational and is the landmark around which Lighthouse Beach and the Sanibel Lighthouse Pier have gained popularity for sun lovers and fishing fanatics. For a touch of history, the Bailey Homestead Preserve (part of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation preserve system), Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, and Captiva Island Historical Society are fun and informative trips back in time. And if the performing arts attract you, BIG Arts is where you’ll find everything from musicals to concerts to lectures and exhibits.

Three very unique attractions (anywhere in America!) that promise delight for young and old are the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, and the CROW Clinic (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife). The “Ding” Darling Refuge is, at more than 5,200 acres, the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States, and features a five-mile walk (or drive) trail for exploration of the refuge, home to more than 220 species of birds and wondrous wildlife; kayak trails through the mangroves are another outstanding way to get up close and personal with nature. Nearby, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is the only museum in the U.S. devoted exclusively to crustaceans, and promises both visual and hands-on learning experiences you and your kids won’t forget. And CROW Clinic is a one-of-a-kind wildlife hospital that’s the only certified sea turtle care facility between the Tampa area and Miami, while offering a fun (and fact) filled exhibition and presentation visitor center.

What else can you enjoy? Well, there’s boating, fishing, sailing, parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, shelling, golfing, tennis, biking (more than 25 miles of bike paths), birding and more — one amazing, exciting and fun outdoor adventure after another. There’s no end to the variety of shopping and dining you can enjoy. But, best of all, are the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva — named among the best in the country and the world, by international media but more importantly, by you, our guests, who visit our islands and return again and again a remarkable 75% of the time. Did we mention that every gorgeous sunrise and romantic, poetic sunset is free, too?