The Southwest part of Florida, along the beautiful coast of the Gulf of Mexico, is a wonderful place for sun and relaxation. After going there for several years, I realized that almost no one is originally from the area. It has grown in population just over the last 30 to 40 years. Many of the current residents of Sanibel and Captiva Islands came from the mid-west. However, you will find residents that were originally from Boston, Los Angeles, Texas, England, Germany, and a hundred other places. In fact, it is amazing how many people you meet that came for a visit and never left. Another large group have vacationed there for a few years and decided to make it permanent.

There are a wide variety of accommodations on the islands that cover everything from basic to the highest level of luxury. For my wife and I, and many others, Jensen’s two waterfront properties are the absolute best of all choices. They have multiple units to fit your particular preferences. I’ve mentioned details in previous articles that you can access on our website ACWOMAN. COM.  You can also get a great feel from Jensen’s own website at GOCAPTIVA.COM.

While staying there, one of our greatest pleasures is using their water taxi service to a destination, or their new pontoon boat the Summerwind for a pleasure cruise. Jensen’s can also take you by boat to a unique small island called Cabbage Key, their unique restaurant and inn are located on one hundred acres of tropical vegetation. They are accessible only by boat, helicopter, or seaplane. You can learn more at their website cabbagekey. com. Other times we book a trip with one of their world class guides, usually for a 2 or 3 hour trip.

Although all the guides can do great shelling trips with you, one of our personal favorites is Captain Mike Fuery. When it comes to shells you would have a hard time finding someone more knowledgeable. Shelling is his specialty and you can contact him directly at 239-466-3649. In addition, you will enjoy his extensive knowledge of local history and wildlife.
If it is fishing that you love, you can’t get any better guide than Captain Jimmy Burnsed. He is part of a whole family operation that offers a wide variety of trips. However, his fishing knowledge and ability are the stuff of local legend. When they have fishing contests in Florida, it’s not unusual to find Jimmy Burnsed’s boat in the prize money. You can learn more from their website Sanibelcaptivafishing.com.

Lamar Williams is another outstanding guide with a great knowledge of fishing and shelling. But, if it’s stone crab season he’s the guy that can tell you all you need to know about this local delicacy. Also, he can usually find you some dolphins that will be more than willing to chase the wake of the boat, while repeatedly jumping the waves with apparent delight. This is an experience you will never forget. You can contact him through Jensen’s at 239-472-5800 or directly at 239-340-1506.

If you want to fish from land it’s a nice privilege you can have for simply staying at the Jensen’s. You can fish off the dock at their Twin Palms Marina, where the big fish love to congregate around the pilings. Or, you can surf fish on the beach right out your door, if you stay at Jensen’s on the Gulf. They have all the equipment, tackle, bait, and fish stories you might need right at their own marina.

Finally, if you would like to be off by yourself in a quiet place of beauty, you could rent a canoe or kayak from Tarpon Bay Explorers, nestled within the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, www.tarponbayexplorers. com. You can paddle peacefully among the waterways through the many mangroves. Also, you can sit still and watch large mullet leaping out of the water on a regular basis, and beautiful birds of different species are easy to observe!

If any of the guides I recommended are already booked, they or the Jensen’s will refer you to another guide you can trust. So, consider