Did you know that summer stretches into October in Florida? If you’re not ready to say goodbye to summer yet, you can continue to enjoy warm sunshine, coastal breezes, white sand in your toes and summer waterfront restaurant deals on Sanibel Island. Take a stroll through the island with us as we plan your itinerary of Sanibel Island activities for September.
Take a Free Wildlife Drive
If you’re a nature lover, the car version of the wildlife tour on Wildlife Drive at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a must. In honor of Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 24, the Wildlife Drive tour that is usually $5 per or $1 per adult cyclist or hiker is being waived.
Enjoy your free nature tour and read our blog on the 6 best places to take pictures on Sanibel Island.
Enjoy an Art Gallery
The BIG ARTS Fine Arts Gallery is hosting a compilation of cartoonist Doug MacGregor’s campaign cartoons from 1980 through 2016, titled “A Hysterical and Historical Retrospective” 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through October.
MacGregor has generated more than 8,000 cartoons starting from the President Jimmy Carter administration through the current presidential election. For more information, call (239) 472-6862.
Camp on the Beach
Do you enjoy camping and the beach? Combine your love for both and go camping at Periwinkle Park & Campground. Located right on the beach of a national wildlife refuge, this picturesque camp site also has 22 miles of bicycle paths and 14 miles of beaches.
Amenities include a covered pavilion, RV hookups and a picnic area. Daily rates in the off season are $40 per day for two people and $5 per day extra for extra campers. Reservation form instructions can help you plan your trip.
Enjoy Summer Saltwater Fishing
It’s always a great time to do some saltwater fishing off the shore of Sanibel Island. September gives fishers an even bigger incentive to rent a boat or schedule a fishing charter at Port Sanibel Marina. The 2016 recreational red snapper fishing season in Gulf of Mexico waters (from shore to 9 nautical miles out to sea) opens Sept. 2 and remains open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in September and October. You can also legally catch red snapper on Labor Day. The daily bag limit is two fish per person and the minimum size is 16 inches in total length.
Take Advantage of Waterfront Restaurants
Sanibel Island has some amazing waterfront restaurants that offer summertime specials this time of year.
The Sea Breeze Café, at the Sundial Beach Resort & Spa and The Lighthouse Restaurant are just a couple of the waterfront offerings available. Live entertainment and $5 margaritas are also available 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every Monday night at The Lighthouse Restaurant. Read our blog on other waterfront restaurants we enjoy and take advantage of fresh seafood offerings and amazing cocktail concoctions.
Book Your Sanibel Island Stay
A weekly vacation rental is what you seek to maximize your Sanibel Island September vacation and enjoy all that the island has to offer. Rent a fully furnished condominium today at Royal Shell Vacation Rentals.
Plan Your Watersports Activities
Your September itinerary is now filled with all sorts of Sanibel Island activities. All that’s left to do is rent a boat or schedule a charter to go fishing or schedule a sunset cruise. Port Sanibel Marina also offers dry storage and wet slip options if you’re arriving to the area on your own boat. Give us a call at (239) 437-1660 to plan your boating trip today!