Category Archives: Sanibel Island vacation rentals

Our Journey Back to Paradise – Update 2

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Our Journey Back to Paradise

Our Journey Back to Paradise - Update 2 Sanibel Strong SquareWelcome to our second update on the progress at Blind Pass Condominiums.

We are thrilled to report that things are moving along on Sanibel. Many areas have water, electric and waste water service. A few restaurants have reopened in the last couple of weeks. And a lucky few residents have even been able to move back into their homes. That said, most homes, hotels and other vacation properties have much work ahead!

We’re making progress at Blind Pass, too. Our staff, board and contractors are working with the City of Sanibel to be sure everything is in place to get these services up and running for the entire complex. In the meantime, the crews have continued to move things along at Blind Pass. Piles of debris have been removed by the city. The condos have been mostly cleared of debris and the workers are in the process of removing the walls for the first floor units and stripping them back to the studs. This will allow them to begin replacing the walls!

See below for news on the Clubhouse — it’s going to come back better than ever! And our terrific staff is working hard to make things happen, from our manager Tom’s help with contractors and overseeing work on site to Tayla and Taylor refunding deposits and doing so may other things: taking photos for owners, helping keep things organized and even finding our Big Blue Chair! It’s a great team and we’re so appreciative of all they are doing to help Blind Pass recover!

While the recovery process has many steps, we are grateful for each new major step that we take at Blind Pass and on the island as well! We can’t wait to share more in our next update — and we continue to look forward to the day we’ll be welcoming you back to Blind Pass again. We hope your Thanksgiving was terrific. At Blind Pass, while we have faced many challenges, we also have much to be thankful for!

With gratitude ~ The Blind Pass Board of Directors and Staff

Progress in the Clubhouse

Our Journey Back to Paradise - Update 2 019 2022 10 27 Tom1So many of you have stopped by our clubhouse over the years, to say hi, to sign out a kayak or to get a puzzle or book… The Clubhouse has been cleaned out and the walls have been removed down to the studs. As we continue to work on this space, we’ll keep you updated. We are looking forward to having you stop by when we re-open! Plus we’ll have a fresh selection of books, puzzles and games to borrow while you stay. Here’s a picture of Tom, standing where his desk used to be!

 

Refund Update

Our Journey Back to Paradise - Update 2 3rd Refund UpdateOur refund process is still moving right along – the office staff has been diligently working on this project. At this point, we are issuing refunds on deposits through March 2023. Rest assured that cancellation fees are being waived. Although we do not have an estimated date for re-opening, our Blind Pass Team is already hard at work to make our beautiful island home better than ever as we rebuild. Read more about our refund updates here.

 

Our Big Blue Chair!

Our Journey Back to Paradise - Update 2 002 2022 10 27 Girls by Chair1If you visited Blind Pass Condos in the summer or fall this year, you must have seen our new Big Blue Chair! The manager, Tom, built and painted this just for Blind Pass. So many of our guests have had fun taking photos on our Big Blue Chair. We were beyond excited to see that it survived Ian. The chair will be back in place when we reopen so you and your family can get a photo with the chair that survived Ian!

Some New Re-Openings

Our Journey Back to Paradise - Update 2 Jerrys Sanibel 1Jerry’s celebrated its reopening with a ribbon cutting in October! And in true spirit of helping one another on Sanibel Island, both Jerry’s AND Bailey’s (along with their stores’ shared supplier) made a donation to F.I.S.H. for $20,000. Some other restaurants are also open now: Cielo, Captiva Pizza and Traders. Read more.

 

Thank You to the Crew

We have a huge crew of people working at Blind Pass Condos. They have helped to tarp roofs, secure windows, clean up, clear walkways and repair the clubhouse. This devoted team has been working tirelessly since day one. Our wonderful community of owners and guests have donated to a workers lunch fundraiser – this has been a great way to say Thank You from afar. Read more about our fundraiser here.

Photos Around Blind Pass

OUR JOURNEY BACK TO PARADISE CONTINUES…

We are committed to sharing our story as we continue on this journey. Our guests, friends and Blind Pass families are a source of inspiration to all of us. Thank you for the support, the kind messages, the sweet stories and uplifting notes. We appreciate all of you and look forward to keeping you informed. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter, we’ll continue to share our updates and progress along the way. Thank you!

Sign up for the Blind Pass Newsletter here!

 

Our Journey Back to Paradise – Update 1

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Sign up for the Blind Pass Newsletter here!

Our Journey Back to Paradise

Our Journey Back to Paradise - Update 1 Grounds 1 e1667327906907

One of our tiki-signs still stands!

We so appreciate the outpouring of thoughts and well wishes we’ve been receiving from you – our past guests, friends and families who have been staying at Blind Pass for generations, visitors who’ve just gotten to know us and even people who haven’t yet stayed with us at Blind Pass. As you know, Hurricane Ian has caused catastrophic damage to Sanibel Island and Blind Pass Condos. You’ve seen the images on TV and online and have likely heard stories from friends who live in the area.

We are all devastated by the impact this storm has had on our island home. But Blind Pass is already hard at work on our path to rebuilding.

We’ve created this new newsletter to provide you with regular updates on our progress and journey along the way as we work to bring back the little slice of paradise that we all love so much.

We’ve received so many messages asking about how our staff are doing and wanted to share the good news that all of our staff and owners at Blind Pass Condos are safe and accounted for. Our staff have seen some of these personal messages and are touched by your heartfelt concern. As you know, Blind Pass Condo guests are family to us. We see the same families over and over again each year. We know that staying at Blind Pass Condos is a tradition and our staff is an important part of that. Our entire staff team is still on board at Blind Pass to help us with a variety of needs along the path to rebuilding.

We continue to be grateful that our staff and our Blind Pass owners are safe. And we thank you for the outpouring of kind thoughts that you’ve shared. Your continued support and messages of concern have truly been a silver lining.

Watch this space for photos as we rebuild, stories from our journey and news on timing for re-opening once we get close to that wonderful date! The Blind Pass community is dedicated to rebuilding our island home so that it brings us all the same joy, inspiration and connection to family and friends that mean so much to all of us.

With gratitude ~ The Blind Pass Board of Directors

We’re Temporarily Closed

Blind Pass Condos ClubhouseDue to damages to the property, our complex is temporarily closed. We don’t have an estimated date for re-opening yet, but are committed to moving forward. And we’ll share our progress along the way. Here’s a photo of the Clubhouse after Ian. Read more here.

Reservation Questions?

Our Journey Back to Paradise - Update 1 Refund updateOur refund process is moving right along – we’ve issued many over the past week and are diligently working on this project. Rest assured that cancellation fees are being waived and that we are processing as many as we can during the day. Read more about our refund updates here.

Thank You to the Crew

We have a huge crew of about 30 people working at Blind Pass Condos. They are helping to tarp roofs, secure windows, clean up, clear walkways, repair the clubhouse, document damages and salvage what is possible for our wonderful community of owners. This devoted team has been working tirelessly since day one. Thank you!

Photos Around Blind Pass

Our Journey Back to Paradise Continues…

We are committed to sharing our story as we continue on this journey. Our guests, friends and Blind Pass families are a source of inspiration to all of us. Thank you for the support, the kind messages, the sweet stories and uplifting notes. We appreciate all of you and look forward to keeping you informed. Make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter, we’ll continue to share our updates and progress along the way. Thank you!

Sign up for the Blind Pass Newsletter here!

Where Sanibel Island Located?

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Have you heard of people taking vacations to Sanibel Island but you’re not sure where it is? Allow us with Blind Pass Condominiums to share with you our location and why it’s a great area of Florida. Staying in one of our Sanibel Island vacation rentals will allow you and your family some time to reconnect. Let’s look below and learn a little about where Sanibel Island is located.

Where in Florida?

map of florida showing where sanibel island

Sanibel Island is in Southwest Florida on the Gulf of Mexico and about 20 minutes southwest of Fort Myers. We are on a barrier island of the mainland and our quaint island is about 12 miles long and only about 3 miles wide. You will notice that a good portion of the northern side of Sanibel Island is habituated by the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We promise that our island is the perfect spot for spending your family vacations on for years to come.

Shelling Capital of the Southeast

Seashells many sea shells shelling foreground on Sanibel Island, Florida during day on Gulf of Mexico shore and bokeh background of colorful blue water ocean

Another big reason that Sanibel Island is a great place to visit is because we are known as the shelling capital of the Southeast. You will notice that our white sand beaches and crystal-clear water will help you find some unique shells you may not find anywhere else, except for the Caribbean. And it’s only natural for our island to have a museum dedicated to shells called the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum. We promise that once you visit the museum, you won’t want to visit any other imposter museum again.

Sanibel Island is the perfect island to sneak away from life back home, enjoy the island life and live it up looking for unique shells. If you haven’t booked your vacation to stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums, give us a call today. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you explore our beautiful island here in Southwest Florida!

Escape to Sanibel Island before School Starts this Fall

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Beach and sand, water and ship, bird and blue sky, seagull in water, Sanibel Island, Florida

Can you believe that the summer is halfway over, and school will be back in session soon? We can’t either, and we thought that you might need a last-minute vacation beforehand. Staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums will allow you and your family to sit back and relax all week. Let’s look below at why you should escape to Sanibel Island before the kids head back to school this fall.

Weather

Three pastel colored beach chairs on sand overlooking a turquoise sea.

One of the biggest reasons why many families love to vacation to Sanibel Island just before school starts or fall is the weather. The sun shines just about every day, with an occasional shower in the afternoon. The high during the day is around 92°, with a low of 75° at night. The days will bring plenty of blue skies, a few clouds, and a forecast of paradise here on Sanibel Island in August.

Explore the Resort

Father and daughter playing tennis on outdoor court. Family with tennis racket and ball at net in sport club. Coach teaching young kid. Child learning to play. Training for kids. Children exercise.

Another great thing that you can do while staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums has to offer you. We offer all of our guests everything that you need to relax and enjoy your vacation. Head to the pool for the day or take a short walk over to the beach and enjoy the relaxing waves of the Gulf. Play a little tennis with the family as we provide the racquets and tennis balls. If you’d like to enjoy a little bit of nature, then we can help you as you can do little fun kayaks and canoes for you to use for free. Think of all the fun things your family can do without having to leave Blind Pass!

While you can do many other fun things on your next trip to Sanibel Island, we wanted to share these. If you haven’t booked your last-minute vacation to stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums, give us a call today. We can’t wait to hear how relaxing and fun your vacation was here on the island!

Famous People who Vacation & Live on Sanibel Island

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sanibel island beach with chairs

Did you know that a lot of famous people like to vacation to and live on Sanibel Island? Sanibel Island has become quite a hot spot for celebrities to come and spend their time with family and friends each year. The island has such a serene and peaceful vibe to it that we can only recommend that you spend time with us at Blind Pass Condominiums.  Let’s look below at a few celebs that you may spot while on vacation or that have a home here on Sanibel Island.

Celebrities on Vacation

Some of the celebrities that have been seen enjoying Sanibel Island while vacationing with family or friends are.

  • Eric Clapton
  • Former Vice President Mike Pence
  • Johnny Depp
  • Tom Cruise
  • Matthew McConaughey

Celebrities that Own on the Island

Many celebrities have decided to make Sanibel Island as their second residency or a vacation home for many good reasons. One is that when you first arrive on the island all of your worries just melt away. Or we’d like to think this is true.

  • Williard Scott – NBC Weatherman
  • Joe Perry – Aerosmith Guitarist
  • Tom Hanks
  • Robert Rauschenberg had lived on Captiva Island before he passed away in 2008.
  • The parents of Chris Walken owned a home on Captiva Island

While there are many other celebrities who have vacationed or own a home here on the island, we wanted to mention these with you. If you haven’t had the chance to stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums yet, then give a call today. Who knows, you may spot a celebrity or two on your next vacation to Sanibel Island.

Don’t Wait to Book Your Vacation Rental on Sanibel Island

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Sanibel Island Condo Rentals-Sanibel Island

 

Did you know our condos are booking up very quickly for the upcoming year?  Don’t wait to make your selection as they are filling up fast! Blind Pass is also known lovingly called the Tropical Gem of Southwest Florida. As just one of the many barrier islands within the Gulf, Sanibel is characterized by clear skies and warm balmy weather for the most part of the year! If your looking for for the best time to visit us at Sanibel Island, there isn’t one! This is because the island is a gorgeous place to visit throughout most months of the year, it just all depends on your own preference for activities.

In addition, Blind Pass takes the Covid 19 virus very seriously and we have added extra precautions to make sure you and your family are safe! Providing a clean environment for incoming guests has always been a commitment and priority for Blind-Pass.

did you know? Sanibel Island condo rentals

  1. Did you know we take the Covid-19 Virus seriously with our cleaning measures?
  2. We fog the entire unit after a guest leaves and before our new guests come in!
  3. We have an entire list of key steps our employees must follow in order to insure your continued safety in regards to this virus. This includes frequent handwashing, cleaning all knobs, door handles and any frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  4. From December to April is From December-April, Sanibel has the best weather the entire year with cooler days and less rain, when compared to the summer months
  5. You can take a free guided walk at  Sanibel Island’s Gulfside City Par for a guided exploration of the Perry Tract. You will learn about the ecosystem and don’t forget to bring a bag to hold all of the shells you collect in the Shell Capital of the World!
  6. You can visit the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It provides a rich educational experience for kiddos and adults alike and is perfect for bird watching!
  7. Bowman’s beach is one of the most popular beaches to visit when visiting Sanibel Island and by booking a condo rental at Blind-Pass, you have direct access to the famous Bowman’s beach. Other visitors whom DO NOT stay at Blind-Pass, have to deal with parking issues and its quite a hike for them to make it to the beach. There is a quarter mile or so walk from the parking lot to the beach, in which you’ll cross a wooden bridge over freshwater.
  8. You will find the most unique shells on the beaches on Bowman’s Beach and the locals are proud of it!
  9.  You can visit the iconic, Sanibel Lighthouse! It is one of the most picturesque spots on the island. The lighthouse can get quite busy at time with other visitors, so make your plan accordingly.
  10. Biking is a popular way to get around on the island! It will allow you to explore the untouched spoiledness of all Sanibel Island has to offer! There are many bike rental to choose from on the island. 

As you can see, Sanibel Island has tons of things you can do while you visit with us at Blind-Pass. Also if you want to get an overview of our properties and what it has to offer check out this short video.  

Be sure to check our condos for rent in Sanibel Island Florida. 

Events You Don’t Want to Miss this November on Sanibel Island

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Events You Don’t Want to Miss this November on Sanibel Island

Are you and your family vacationing on Sanibel Island next month? If the answer is yes, then you will want to hear about a few of the events that you don’t want to miss. Sanibel Island is the perfect location to escape this fall because the weather is perfect and will want to never leave. Staying in one of our Sanibel Island Vacation Condo Rentals will keep your family close to where fun is happening. Let’s look below at a few of those fun events you can check out this November.

Sanibel Blues and Jazz Festival

Events You Don’t Want to Miss this November on Sanibel Island

Does your family love to listen to blues and jazz music? On Sunday, November 3rd is the 4th Annual Blues and Jazz Festival. Located at the Bailey’s Shopping Center beginning at 12:00 pm is where your family can come and enjoy listening to some great music. There will also be a lot of amazing food from local vendors that will make you want more. Some of the bands that will be there at the festival is Johnny Jensen, Marty Stokes Band and More. What a great start of your vacation here on the island with the family.

Taste of the Island

Taste of the Island is a festival that will be celebrating its 38th year of serving local food to the guests. On Sunday, November 10th at 12:00 pm is where you and the family can head to for some treats this year to help support the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW). This event was originally held in late April or the beginning of May but recently moved to November because of the cooler weather. A few of the local vendors that you can get some food from are The Clam Shack, Sanddollar Restaurant, The Fish House Restaurant and many more. Admission to this event is $7.00 per person and children under the age 12 are free. This is one event you don’t want to miss.

 Sanibel Art Festival

Events You Don’t Want to Miss this November on Sanibel Island

Going on vacation to Sanibel Island during the month of November is filled with fun events, and this even is one you don’t want to miss. The Sanibel Masters Art Festival is being held on Periwinkle Way and will be on November 29th and 30th. All proceeds will go to help The Sanibel Community House and BIG Arts this year. The hours that you and your family can shop and attend the event are from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Before heading home from your amazing vacation to Sanibel Island, head to the festival to grab some gifts to give as Christmas gifts, or to remember your family vacation to the island.

There are many other fun events happening on Sanibel Island during the month of November, but these are the few we wanted to share with you. If you still haven’t booked your Sanibel Island Condo Vacation Rental for your next trip, now is the time. We hope that you and your family have a wonderful vacation staying with us next month!

Relax and Unwind on Sanibel Island After a Few Days at Walt Disney World

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Relax and Unwind on Sanibel Island After a Few Days at Walt Disney World

Are you and your family headed to Walt Disney World this fall to enjoy the fall festivities? We understand that when you go on vacation to Disney you will normally need another vacation from your vacation. So why not head to Sanibel Island for a few extra days to relax and unwind after your action-packed vacation to sunny Orlando? Staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums will keep you close to the beach where you can relax and let the kids have fun in the white sand. Let’s take a look below at how you can relax and unwind on Sanibel Island after your visit to Walt Disney World.

Relax on the Beach

Relax and Unwind on Sanibel Island After a Few Days at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is only 3 hours away from Sanibel Island and for many parents, you need a vacation after your vacation to Walt Disney World. Staying for a few days with us on Sanibel Island can allow you and your family can relax on the beach. For many who visit during the fall months, not only can they still enjoy the beach, but you get the golden hour sunshine that is still warm. Allow the kids to play on the white sand building sandcastles while you relax in a chair close to the water enjoying a good book. Even if you are spending a few days with us, you will be able to unwind on the beach as a family.

Collect Seashells

A favorite thing that our guests love to do head over to Bowman’s Beach to hunt and collect seashells. Sanibel Island is known for being the seashell capital of Florida and we even have a shell museum too. Grab the kids, a couple buckets and go hunt for the shells you want to bring home with you. And a little hint for your family is if you wade in the water a little and dig, you will find some of the most beautiful shells ever on the island. Just enjoy the time spent on the island as a family making new memories.

Explore the Island

Relax and Unwind on Sanibel Island After a Few Days at Walt Disney World

When on vacation to Sanibel Island you and your family must go explore the island. There are so many cool things on the island that you can take advantage of such as shopping, visiting the Sanibel Lighthouse, going fishing and trying out local restaurants. Many locals love to grab a treat with their families at Pinocchio’s Italian Ice Cream, Gramma Dot’s Restaurant and The Mad Hatter Restaurant. There are so many different options of what you should do while on vacation to Sanibel Island.

No matter what you find to do while on the island, getting to relax and unwind after your vacation to Walt Disney World is what every family needs. If you still haven’t found a perfect Sanibel Island vacation rental, we at Blind Pass Condominiums would love to have you stay with us. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you come to the island to relax and unwind before heading back home to reality!

Celebrate the 4th of July on Sanibel Island

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Celebrate the 4th of July on Sanibel Island

It’s hard to believe that the 4th of July will be here in just a few short days. For many families, spending the holiday weekend at the beach is a tradition. Staying in one of our Blind Pass Condominiums, you will be close to where the relaxation and fun will happen. This year will be one of the best 4th of July’s that you can have because you will be on island time. Let’s look at some of the fun activities that are happening for July 4th, 2019 below.

Independence Day Parade

Celebrate the 4th of July on Sanibel Island

One thing that makes every holiday the best are the parades that families can sit and enjoy. Don’t miss our Independence Day Parade on Sanibel Island as this year’s theme is “Seas the Day”. Starting at 9:30 am, your family can grab a spot along the parade route which begins at Island Inn Road and ends on Casa Ybel Road. What a way to start off the holiday weekend by attending this fun parade for everyone of all ages to enjoy!

July 4th Celebration at Jerry’s

After the parade, your family won’t want to miss the 4th of July Celebration going on over at Jerry’s Shopping Center. From 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, your family can enjoy the activities that will be set up fun for everyone. There will be a water slide, dunk tank, inflatable bounce house for the kids, a slip n’ slide and more. What a great way to come and enjoy the day spending time together which is what a family vacation is all about.

40th Annual Road Rally

Head over to Timbers Restaurant on Tarpon Bay Road from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm for the San-Cap Optimist Club’s 40th Annual Road Rally. This has been one of the longest-running 4th of July events on the island and is fun for everyone. For more than 40 years, families and teams have to figure out clues while following a road course around the island. There will be prizes for the correct time and mileage and for the most correct answers to the quiz. Plus, some of the other prizes will be given for best decorated cars and the team who is coming from the farthest location. All proceeds from the rally helps fund the local Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club’s 6 college scholarships.

4th of July Fireworks Display

Celebrate the 4th of July on Sanibel Island

This year the city of Sanibel will be sponsoring the fireworks display for the 4th of July. After you have spent the day at the beach or at one of the events listed above, come enjoy our fireworks display. To see the display the best, head over to the Sanibel Causeway Islands and the bayside of Sanibel Island. Celebrate with a bang this year and see the lights in the sky. Don’t miss this as it’s fun for the whole family!

If you don’t feel like spending the day at any of these events listed above, then spend the day sitting on the beach and soaking up the rays. If you still haven’t made your reservations for your 4th of July getaway or vacation, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you join us for this festive holiday!

Spend the Day Exploring Clam Bayou in Our Free Kayaks

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Kayakers and other small boat enthusiasts are sure to appreciate our close proximity to Clam Bayou and the free use of kayaks we provide to guests of Blind Pass Condominiums. Book your stay now and let us know in advance, if you can, that you’ll be using the kayaks.

Spend the Day Exploring Clam Bayou in Our Free KayaksClam Bayou – which is very old inlet – is a part of the Dinkens Bayou area just south of Blind Pass. The entire area is dynamic and always changing. Clam Bayou has been open to the Gulf off and on through the years. In 2016, Hermine, which was a Tropical Depression when it came by here and later became a hurricane, sent sufficient wind and waves to make a small pass to the Gulf of Mexico.

“This is reminiscent of the old days when both sides of Silver Key were open to the Gulf,” said nearby resident Doris Hardy, president of the ‘Ding’ Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge. “Fishing boats would enter Clam Bayou. We saw sting rays and there were more blue crabs and Gulf critters, for lack of a better word.”

Spend the Day Exploring Clam Bayou in Our Free Kayaks
“This has resulting benefits,” Evans said. “The opening brings in Gulf water and allows some flushing within the bayou. This removes some organic matter in the bayou and allows for an influx of creatures. This influx will provide some additional food in the bayou and will allow for marine life to pass freely between the bayou and the Gulf.”

Maps also note the presence of Old Blind Pass next to Clam Bayou. That, Evans said, is indicative of how things change along the shore. The present Blind Pass where Sanibel meets Captiva has been open and closed through the years. It is in its present spot today only because of human efforts to keep it there.

This entire area provides for a wonderful day of exploration by kayak, canoe and other small vessels that should not be missed no matter what time of the year you visit!