If you want to bike you will have to rent one from one of the bike shops or bring the bike with you. When the tide is running strong as it was on my second trip you will have to work hard at some point on your trip as the water moves very fast through some choke points such as the bridges going over them. Look for landmarks whenever you make a turn so that you can spot them on your way back. Otherwise you can get lost in the myriad of canals. I would advise studying Google Earth to get the lay of the land before you set out in the kayak. This time I went through a lot of the canals that surround the East Gulf area. I used the kayak by myself for one other trip. We traveled down to the Causeway and then to the lighthouse. If you know where you are going you can get out to San Carlos Bay which we did. I took my wife out the first day we were there. Being a kayaker I viewed this as a tremendous perk. They have a kayak which you may use for free. They have constructed a new dock with a ladder. There is a lagoon or canal which borders the property at the back. When you get back to the Inn they have a shell cleaning table in the back. Make sure that your shell is not alive and does not contain any hermit crabs. It is a very short walk to get to the beach. To get to the beach you cross the street, walk to the right, and enter the path next to the tennis court at Sandal Foot condos. There was liquid detergent for the kitchen. You were provided with a bar of soap as well as some liquid handsoap at the sink area.

There was an outside spigot for washing off the sand. Outside there was a small table with chairs and an umbrella.

There was also a door leading to the parking area. The pool was just outside our sliding door but we did not go in as the temperature was on the cold side. It had a microwave and a small stove and refrigerator. It was stocked with all the basics that we needed for a short stay.

The beds were comfortable and the room was of a decent size. We showed up on the 20th of January and got the Lighthouse suite. They had a few openings so we did not make a reservation. We have been to the island a few times, but this was the first time we stayed here. We discovered the Sunshine Island inn here on Trip Advisor. If you want to find lodging at somewhat reasonable rates your choices are somewhat limited. You have to pay a little bit more to enjoy these perks. Bike paths that run the length of the island. The price to get on the island is a six dollar toll. Everything comes at a premium here including meals, lodging, and entertainment. Sanibel Island is definitely not a cheap place to vacation.

Sunshine island inn florida