A Sanibel Island vacation may seem different, but once you learn the facts of this intriguing island you will wonder why you haven't been there before. This beautiful island located on the Gulf coast of Florida is just a offshore from Fort Myers. Sanibel Island is a barrier island with beautiful sandy beaches. The city takes up the entire island with the bulk of its population located on the east end.

Sanibel and Captiva became one island over 6000 years ago. It was originally inhabited by the Calusa tribe that eventually dominated the majority of southwest Florida. Soon after the European settlers arrived the tribe collapsed.

The first map indicating any type of harbor appeared in 1765. The name of the harbor, (Puerdo de S. Nivel has many different explanations including the possibility of evolution from the name "San Nibel". The point at Santa Ybel hosts the Sanibel Island Light. The name of that too is merely a matter of conjecture. Guesses as to the naming range from the names of queens to the names of mistresses.

The first settlement of modern day Sanibel was established in 1832. It was abandoned in 1849 because of lack of interest and population. The implementation of the the "homestead act" in 1862 caused a resurgence of interest in the island. The community remained very small until a causeway was established in 1963. After the causeway came to be, the population surged. It was necessary to put restrictions in place as to development to preserve the ecological benefits of the island.

A Sanibel Island vacation will take you across the inter-coastal waterway and two small captivating islets. The shrimp like shape of the island establishes Tarpon Bay on the north side. Because of the orientation of the island, east-west rather than north-south, it is a prime collecting area for an enormous variety of sea shells. It is considered the best seashell collecting area in the United States. Visitors come for a Sanibel Island vacation from around the world specifically for the shelling opportunities. Being a barrier island and having an unusual orientation provides the beaches with an abundance of shells and beautiful beaches. Sanibel is part of a plateau that reaches far into the Gulf of Mexico. The plateau is an excellent shelf for the shells that are gathered.

Wild life refuges also abound on the island. In 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation was formed. It's sole mission was to preserve all of the natural resources and wildlife habitation that surround the islands. Research into fish populations, shellfish re-population, sea grasses and mangroves takes place at the Marine Laboratory on the island.

Your Sanibel Island vacation must include a visit to the "J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Hosting about one million visitors each year, it covers over 5200 acres and thrives to preserve, maintain and restore the haven of indigenous wildlife. It is one of the most visited wildlife refuges in the United States. With homes for more than 220 different species of birds there is sure to be much you haven't seen before your Sanibel Island Vacation. It is possible for the visitor to bike, walk, kayak or drive throughout the area. It is a wonderful experience that should be experienced by many. The conservation efforts of the island are applauded and appreciated by those who visit.