Finding the right place to stay will determine how much you will enjoy your vacation. Sanibel and Captiva Islands offers many different types of accommodations which should fit just about any budget and number of people. Not every place will be right for everyone, so make sure that the property you choose is right for you. I've broken down the ways to make reservations into four different types. Each one has its own special benefits.

Resorts are just that. Properties with multiple units ranging in number from less than 20 to over 100. Property sizes vary greatly on the island so you should be able to find exactly what you want. The benefit of booking directly with a resort is that you will receive specific information on their services, rooms, and locations. At many of the resorts on the islands, you will make your reservations with the same person who will be checking you in.

Rental Agencies usually represent a large number of properties on the islands. These units are mainly Private Condo's and Homes that have a contract with the agency. The Agency rents, manages, and takes care of the units in most cases. While you have the drawback on not talking to the owner, or a person working on the property, there are many advantages to using an agency. They will usually represent many units, and therefore, have a good chance of finding something on your dates. Many of the agencies on the island also have affiliations with Island businesses which allow them to rent you bikes, beach equipment, VCR's or just about anything you may need. They will also have some kind of Vacation Insurance available at an additional cost. Many may even be able to help you with your plane reservations.

Private rentals are individual accommodations owned and rented by their owners. The location can be anywhere on the Island. Making a reservation with the owners is even more personal that at a Resort. You are talking directly to the owner, who not only owns the unit, but has probably decorated it. They can be a great source of information about not only their property, but the island as a whole.

Condominiums are like above, except you are contacting a central office that rents for the owners of a particular complex. You get the best of Private rentals and Agencies. Most condominiums have a Condo Association, that set rates and rules owners must follow. This means in many cases that beyond decor, each unit will be similar to the next.

CAMP GROUNDS, as the name implies, are for those who like "roughing it" in a tent or camper.  We are currently only aware of one campground on the islands, so we will list it here rather than dedicating an entire page to campgrounds.

Periwinkle Park

1119 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957 (239) 472-1433

Each type of accommodation has it benefits and drawbacks, but I hope that the above breakdown will help you in your choice.