To go or not to go

We are flying in July 19th for 5 nights. I am just a bit leary with the red tide coming in about staying there. Not sure what I need to do, where to go, etc. Any and all advice welcome--thanks ! Ann

To go or not to go

thetripplanner, I personally am unaware of red tide currently affecting Sanibel...

To go or not to go

The red tide bloom is mostly south of Sanibel. It affected Bonita Beach and yesterday Naples. I haven%26#39;t read any reports of seeing red tide on Sanibel, though a few dead fish have washed up with the tide. There was a minor fish kill, nothing like last year, and that affected Bonita and Naples but a few fish made it to Sanibel. Nothing on Captiva%26#39;s beaches. If you%26#39;re staying close to the Lighthouse, call your accommdations as check on condtions - which have been report OK with some daily variations.

Thanks so much !!

We still do not know where we are staying. Either Ocean%26#39;s Reach or Sanibel West Arms. We are trying to find an economical place for 3 adults and 1 5-y/o. Any and all recommendations appreciated.

I just checked the local paper and NBC affiliate online and it%26#39;s Vanderbilt Beach and Clam pass in Collier County, south of Lee [where Ft Myers and Sanibel are] that are getting the red tide at the moment.

GrandmaMac reported earlier this year the Ocean%26#39;s Reach is looking really after the rennovations. Most units where updated with new furnishings. Sanibel Arms West is a much bigger complex on the east end [Lighthouse end]]. I prefer the location of Ocean%26#39;s Reach between Middle and West Gulf Drive near Gulfside City Park [Algier%26#39;s Beach]. If for any reason that specific beach area was affected, then you could easily go up to Tarpon Bay which has public access.

Another well priced, but not on beach, place is Sea Shells of Sanibel. It sits right at the Tarpon Beach access point across the street from the beach. Very good prices and you can just take a stroll across quiet West Gulf to the beach by Pointe Santo.

Someone posted this link on the Fort Myers Beach discussion. They update it every Friday.

floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp…

tripplanner - hope you saw the post that said the parking lot at Sanibel Arms West will be under construction probably for the rest of the summer. It will be noisy. You may want to think about that.

Thanks !!

We will probably look into Ocean%26#39;s Reach--we really want beach view.

We are going to wait until Monday and decide what we are doing. Hate being in limbo.

If Ocean%26#39;s Reach doesn%26#39;t work out, try the Waterside Inn and West Wind Inn [motel like] and Tropical Winds, a pretty modest place well up on the west end of Sanibel.

Another good source would be www.sanibel-captiva.org Click on Where to stay then scroll down the text till you see Daily Vacancy. It tells you who has what open with ease. Looks like Ocean%26#39;s Reach should work out for you.

Have a wonderful trip!

Thanks so much--I am going to check on that web site !

The Tripplanner,

Don%26#39;t be afraid to negotiate a better price being so close to your travel date.

Many Condos will take you for 5 nights at a discounted rate this late if they are open.

Red Tide picture map:

floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp…

I spoke to my friend this morning on Sanibel and she said nothing was bothering her yesterday. THe rain a couple days ago pushed it off the island.

Should you be there when Red Tide is there it rarely affects all the beaches, so you will be able to go to another beach and enjoy.

Enjoy!

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