3 Things to do this Summer on your Sanibel Island Vacation

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3 Things to do this Summer on your Sanibel Island Vacation

Do you and your family have a vacation planned to visit Sanibel Island this summer? We at Blind Pass Condominiums can help you with our three things you can do on your vacation. Staying in one of our Sanibel Island vacation rentals will keep your family enjoying your holiday a little more. Let’s look below at what your family can do on your next vacation to Sanibel Island.

Shell Hunting

Sanibel Island is known as the best beach for shelling because of the amounts of shells you will find here. We understand that this is a high activity that anyone can do, including the kids. We have a few pointers on how to see some of the best and most unique shells on the beach. Be sure to get some mesh bags for shelling or mesh beach bags. Then you can comb through the shells you will find on the beach. Also, if you have your swimsuit on, then go on into the water some and dig a little bit. We promise that you will find some unique shells in the water and some of the best. Just have a good time as a family looking for some great shells to take home.

Painting the Shells

Another fun activity that a lot of locals and visitors love to do is painting the shells they find. One way that you can paint the shells is by grabbing some sharpies and having some rubbing alcohol. Color the shells with designs or just coloring them a little bit with different colors. Then you will want to grab a little bit of rubbing alcohol and drip some of it onto the shells. This will not only make a fresh design but will give each shell a unique look to it. Another way you can paint is by using acrylic paint and adding a protective coat onto the shell to make sure the design is sealed in. This is a great activity to do on a rainy day here on the island!

Take a Ride on the Water

3 Things to do this Summer on your Sanibel Island Vacation

One of the best amenities that we offer to our guests is complimentary use of our kayaks and canoes. This is an excellent activity for the whole family to get into as you can see the different wildlife from the water. Be sure to take a camera with you as you float down the Clam Bayou together. The various animals that you may locate on the ride are ospreys, herons, fish, and even a few manatees.

There are many other things you can do this summer while you are vacationing to Sanibel Island. These are just a few that we wanted to mention to you. If you haven’t booked your next family vacation to stay with us in one of our Sanibel Island vacation rentals, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you make new memories this summer!

The Painted Shells on Sanibel Island

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The Painted Shells on Sanibel Island

Have you ever been out on the town and found a painted rock? If you have then you will love finding painted shells on Sanibel Island. Spending time on the island will allow you to enjoy the island life and will allow the kids to hunt for the shells. Staying with us at Blind Pass Condominiums will allow you to stay close to the beach and possibly find your own shells to decorate and hide. Let’s look below at what to look for and how you too can participate in painting your own shells.

How to Spy Them

The Painted Shells on Sanibel Island

Just like the rocks, the painted shells are hidden all over the island for you and your family to find. You may happen to see many that are painted in bright colors and even some that have designs on them. If you happen to go to the general store, you may find a few hidden around there or you may find them around the complex. There is no true answer on where you may find them but just keeping a lookout may help you spot them easier.

What Kind of Designs

The amazing part of finding each shell is not knowing what design may be on it. There are many who will use different kinds of paints to paint the shells just different colors. A few of the designs that have been found are an American Flag with a Bald Eagle on it, a mosaic looking one with a turtle painted on it or even more intricate designs like beach themed ones. Many people love to paint different designs on them at home and bring the shells with them on their vacation to Sanibel Island. No matter what the design, it’s always such a fun activity to find them on each trip you take.

Paint Your Own Shells

The Painted Shells on Sanibel Island

Since you will be vacationing on the best shelling beaches in Florida, why not paint some of the shells that you happen to find. Bring sharpie markers with you and some rubbing alcohol with you. Have the kids color the shells with whatever design they want and drop some of the rubbing alcohol onto them. This will create a unique look to the designs and will have your kids wanting to paint more. There are however some rules that you need to follow to make sure the wildlife is kept safe. Never hide any of the shells at Ding Darling or any other national park. No extra embellishments should be added to the shells such as rhinestones or anything like it and you should just have fun!

While there are many other ways that you can have fun on your family vacation to Sanibel Island, we wanted to share with you the painted shells. Blind Pass Condominiums will allow your family to be close to the beach where you can find all the shells in the world. If you haven’t booked your next family vacation yet, now is the time. We can’t wait to see you and your family as you get to experience the painted shells of Sanibel Island too!

Visit Sanibel Island to Find Amazing Shells

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Visit Sanibel Island to Find Amazing Shells

Have you and your family ever been to Sanibel Island before? If the answer is no, then we have to tell you all about the fun things you can do here. Sanibel Island is known to many as one of the best beaches that you can find shells on the east coast. Staying in one of our Sanibel Island condo rentals will keep you and your family close to the beach. Let’s look below at why you should visit Sanibel Island to find amazing shells.

When to Visit

Visit Sanibel Island to Find Amazing Shells

Coming to Sanibel Island during the winter months is when you will find some of the best shells out there. The months are January, February, and March but honestly you can find some pretty amazing shells year-round. When you visit the island during the winter months as it will be warm weather for you to swim in the gulf or lay out on the beach. But you are able to still enjoy the time spent outdoors finding those beautiful shells.

Which Beach is Best?

Visit Sanibel Island to Find Amazing Shells

It’s hard to say what beach is the best to locate the shells but we have found that Blind Pass is where you can find some of the best shells at. You won’t have to drive to get to that beach because all you have to do is walk to the beach from your condo rental. This is great because it offers you and the family amazing shells that you can’t find anywhere else. The amount of shells that are laying on the beach is incredible and it’s hard to imaging vacationing anywhere else!

Why Sanibel Island

Visit Sanibel Island to Find Amazing Shells

Sanibel Island is known as one of the top destinations that you can shell at in the United States. Here you can go into the water and do the “Sanibel Stoop” or along the beach with is where you will bend down to examine the shells. You will find that many of the locals will take several shells and paint them and hide them around the island. You are able to find many of the shells in the water too and we promise you will find big ones too. Just scoop up some sand in your hands and discover what you can find. But if you happen to find a live sand dollar, please leave it in the water as it’s illegal to take them and you may end up with a fine. Just enjoy what you can find!

There are many other reasons as of why you should visit Sanibel Island, but these are just the few we thought you’d enjoy. If you haven’t already made your reservation to stay in one of our Sanibel Island condo rentals, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family as your come stay with us and go shelling!

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!

Sanibel Island has the Best Fall Sunsets

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Sanibel Island has the Best Fall Sunsets

Coming to Sanibel Island during the fall months has to be the best time to capture a beautiful sunset. Here on the island you will find many different places that you can explore to be able to catch that sunset. Staying with us at Blind-Pass Condominiums will keep your family close to where some of these places are at. Let’s look below at a few fun spots that you can head to capture the sunsets on this beautiful island with the family.

Blind Pass Beach

Not only is coming to Blind Pass Beach amazing for finding some of the most beautiful seashells, the sunsets are pretty amazing too! Spend the day at the beach with the kids while they play in the sand and you enjoy the sunlight for a bit. Then spend the evening watching the sunset on the shoreline and enjoy some time together soaking in the last bits of sunshine. Grab your camera or Instagram the pictures to share with others how beautiful this beach is for sunsets.

Sanibel Island Lighthouse

Sanibel Island has the Best Fall Sunsets

Another fantastic spot that you can head to get a glimpse of the sunset is to head over to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. This is a wonderful place to visit with the kids in the late afternoon just in time to see the sun drift off in the distance on the Gulf of Mexico. Visiting the Sanibel Island Lighthouse is perfect for everyone of all ages in the family and it’s where you can also find shells on the beach as well. Another way you can see the sunset is to maybe do a little fishing off the pier there at the beach. Nothing says being on vacation than doing a little fishing and seeing the perfect sunset!

Bowman’s Beach

Bowman’s Beach is another fantastic spot that your family can head to grab a glimpse of the fall sunset. Known best for being one of the best locations to find shells, this is another great location that is close to Blind-Pass Condominiums. Many locals love to head to Bowman’s Beach during the fall months even after a major storm has passed to find the best-looking shells that they have ever seen. But not only do they love the beach for that very reason but also because the sunsets are perfection there too. Sit back and enjoy your time while you are on vacation with the family and take in the beautiful scenery too!

Sanibel Island has the Best Fall Sunsets

There are many other locations along the island where your family can head to catch the fall sunset, but these are the ones you’d like. If you still haven’t made your fall vacation plans yet, we at Blind-Pass Condominiums still have availability. The weather is still perfect and the water is too, so sit back and relax on your fall vacation!

Fun Beach Activities for the Family

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Fun Beach Activities for the Family

Are you and your family coming to Sanibel Island for vacation? We at Blind Pass Condominiums can tell you all about the fun beach activities the whole family can do. When staying with us in one of our Sanibel Island vacation rentals, you will be close to where the fun can happen. Let’s look below at a few of the fun beach activities for the family.

Let’s Hunt for Treasure

Fun Beach Activities for the Family

This is an activity the whole family will want to get in on. Before leaving your condo for the day at the beach, you will want to take a piece of paper and draw up a treasure map and have a bucket for the whole family. Then you will want to go out onto the beach and hunt for your treasure. The kids can look for different color shells, something blue, driftwood and more. One the map, have a list of the items that they can find and mark them off as you find them. This is a fun activity to do and something that everyone in the family will love doing!

Sandcastle Building

Anytime you visit the beach, one of the things that each child will build is a sandcastle. So naturally this is a fun activity that the family can enjoy building together. To help build their sandcastles you are going to make sure that everyone has a bucket, shovel and shells to build their dream sandcastle. Take a picture of each sandcastle that was built and save it to give to the kids when they become parents.

Play Ball

Fun Beach Activities for the Family

Playing any kind of game on the beach is fun for everyone in the family. Brining a soccer ball on your next vacation to Sanibel Island will allow you to bond even more. Here you can break up into different teams or you can pass the ball back and forth to each other. No matter what you do with the soccer ball, you get to bond a little more with each family member.

Beach Ball Volleyball

Another fun activity that your family can do is play beach ball volleyball. This game is played just like regular volleyball, but instead you use a beach ball. Playing with a beach ball can be completely different than with a volleyball. The ball is much lighter than a regular volleyball and so if there is any wind, it may not go the way you want it to. But no matter what you play with the beach ball, it will be fun either way.

There are many other fun activities that the family can do together while on vacation, but these are the few we wanted to share. If you still haven’t made your Sanibel Island vacation plans yet, now is the time. We hope to see you and your family soon making new memories to last a lifetime!

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!

It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Sanibel Island

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It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Sanibel Island

May happens to be the start of the sea turtle nesting season here on Sanibel Island and that means that the turtles can be seen any day now. Every year hundreds of sea turtles flock to the beaches of Sanibel Island in late spring to make their nests. And when you stay with us at Blind Pass Condominiums, you may have the opportunity to see a nest or two. Let’s look at what you need to know about the turtle nesting season on Sanibel Island below.

When is Sea Turtle Nesting Season?

It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Sanibel Island

While many of the locals love this time of the year, so does many of our guests do as well. Beginning on May 1st every year is the start of one of the most magical times as it is the beginning of turtle nesting season. This is when you will see sea turtles come to the shore on Sanibel Island to lay their eggs in their nest they have built. From the Sanibel Lighthouse to Blind Pass is where you will find most of the turtle nests. Turtle nesting season ends in October every year so while you are on vacation to Sanibel Island during the late spring to late fall months, know that it is turtle nesting season.

Help Protect Sanibel Islands Turtles

It’s Sea Turtle Nesting Season on Sanibel Island

We take protecting our sea turtles very serious as they have made their home on our beautiful island’s shore. We have over 100 local volunteers who check out the beaches every morning in search of new nests.  These volunteers do mark the new nests with flags along the beach, so if you happen to come across some while on your vacation, don’t disturb them at all. Here are a few rules to follow while you are on vacation on Sanibel Island during turtle nesting season:

  • Please stay at least 50 feet from the sea turtles and their nests.  
  • Don’t disturb the screens that are protecting and covering their nests. These screens help keep predators away from their eggs and hatchlings.
  • Please don’t use your lights on your phone during your nighttime stroll along the shoreline. This can cause them to become disoriented while they are on shore.
  • Please clean up after your day at the beach and be sure to bring in all your beach equipment at night time.
  • Please keep the beach clean from any trash that you may have while spending the day at the beach.  We want to help protect our beaches and the new turtles as much as we can!
  • If you happen to find a nest that isn’t marked or you need to report a problem, then please contact the sea turtle hotline at 978-728-3663.

While there are many other things that you can do while on vacation to Sanibel Island during the turtle nesting season, these are the most important ones we wanted to share. If you are still looking to book your next vacation to Blind Pass Condominiums this summer, now is the time to do so!  We can’t wait to see you and your family on your next vacation to our amazing Sanibel Island this summer!

Escape the Snow to Sanibel Island Today

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Escape the Snow to Sanibel Island Today

Are you dealing with the snow, cold, wet weather right now and need a break from it all? Visit Sanibel Island today to escape the frozen north today. Sanibel Island is the perfect option to go on a vacation and enjoy the white sands of the island. If you are staying in one of our 2 Bedroom Townhouses, then there will be enough room for the whole family to join you on vacation. Let’s look at how you can enjoy Sanibel Island as you escape the winter weather back home.

Beach Day

When you are on vacation especially to the beach, you must have at least 2 beach days. Instead of dealing with the white fluffy stuff back home, you can be enjoying our white sand on the island. We suggest that you head over to Bowman’s Beach if you want to enjoy the serene beach life and even enjoy doing a little shelling. Another beautiful beach that you and your family can enjoy would be Blind Pass Beach which is located here near Blind Pass Condominiums. What a great way to spend the day, soaking up the sunlight and enjoy the warmth of Sanibel Island!

Go Bike Riding

Escape the Snow to Sanibel Island Today

For those of you who enjoy getting your daily exercise in every day, then we highly recommend that you go bike riding. If you don’t feel like bringing your bikes with you on this trip, then you can rent a bike or two or as many as you need to accommodate your family. With a variety of bikes that you can choose from, you won’t have to worry about not having one, its which one will you choose? And if you are coming with small children, you can also rent a few things that will go along with your bike rental. Don’t miss out on seeing the island from a different view than the car.

Visit the Botanical Gardens

For those of you who love to see the beautiful Botanical Gardens on Sanibel Island then you are in for a treat. Head over to Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens off of Gulf Drive and enjoy looking at the gardens, plants and nature. You may even find some butterflies there as well as some plants that you can’t find anywhere else but Sanibel Island. You can take a guided tour that is 90 minutes long and will cost $5 per person with reservations recommended. Bring your camera with you to take some beautiful shots of what our nature has to offer you on your next visit.

Explore Lighthouse Park

Escape the Snow to Sanibel Island Today

At the east end of the island you will find Lighthouse Beach Park. This park is very unique in its own way by having a fishing pier on the bay side, outside showers, bike racks and you will find the shell information kiosk. This park is perfect for those who love to explore different areas. Not only will you find the Sanibel Island lighthouse, but you will also be able to enjoy another day at the beach here. With so many options on shelling in the area that you won’t have to worry about not finding the perfect shell to bring home. Bring a shelling bag with you and grab the shells you’d like to take home but not all the sand. If you don’t have one, then pick one up at one of the local stores here on the island. You will be sure to enjoy your visit to this park on your next visit to Sanibel Island!

There are many other adventures that you and your family can enjoy while you are escaping the winter air back home and enjoying your vacation to sunny Sanibel Island. We thought these few listed above would get you started for you get away from life back home and the cold weather. If you still haven’t found a place to stay, then come check out our inventory with Blind-Pass Condominiums today and let’s get your next vacation booked. We hope that you will be able to enjoy getting a tan sitting beachside rather than digging out of the snow!