SANIBEL & CAPTIVA ISLANDS | 8 MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE IAN

What do you think about the conditions of the beaches? Thanks so much for touring the islands with us. This isn't the video we were planning to make when we visited Sanibel and Captiva, but we thought it would be helpful to those curious about the conditions of the islands (and the beaches). Have you visited Sanibel or Captiva before? (Or have an upcoming trip planned?) Let us know in the comments! We will be back next week to share our 2 days staying on Fort Myers Beach. We didn't really know what to expect, but we can't wait to share the experience with you all!

2023 would have marked our 19th vacation visit on Sanibel. The island almost felt like our second home. We typically rent a condo off Middle Gulf, just off the beach for several weeks annually. We have eaten in most of the restaurants multiple times, taken cruises, kayaked, explored Ding Darling many times, brought home hundreds of shells, biked, shopped, visited the historic village several times, golfed many times and just enjoyed the beaches and the beauty of the islands. Seeing the island now is very painful. We hope to return in 2024.

Our family vacationed on Sanibel when I was growing up in the 1950s. At that time the islands were reached by ferry and were mostly undeveloped. I have been back many times in recent years but am discouraged by the traffic, congestion, and parking fees.

Thank You we loved the tour & we really miss the Ft Myers beach and Sanibel

Thanks....wonderful and informative video....

My aunt took my cousins and I to Sanibel in July before Ian. We stayed in the beach cottages on Gulf Drive, which aren't there anymore. The whole resort was so cute and it makes me so sad to know that all the colorful cottages are gone.

We were there to eat at Doc Fords in February. It breaks my heart to see the damage..I am sick and this was one of my fav places in the planet…I know they will rebuild…I have no doubt. Not sure it will be in my lifetime,but I know my kids will be able to enjoy it again.

I actually worked on sanibell and captiva for 2 weeks for hurricaine ian providing fuel. It was aweful how it looked when we arrived. Theh were still looking for ppl. Most of it wasnt even accessible, i still have pictures and videos. Im glad to see it starting to look better I would love to go back and vacation.

Good to see that Sanibel is mostly back. Heading back there later of the year.

Visited Sanibel/Captiva in October 2021…love it there as beach combing is typically very rewarding. Thank you for this update..hope conditions are even better by now.

I agree with your description of devastation on Ft Myers Beach. I didn’t get to Sanibel last month and spent time at Ft Myers Beach instead. Very important to support the businesses that are open and help the local economy. Wish I’d made it to Sanibel.

Have been to Sanibel several times as my sister has a home there. Was last there August 2022, about 3 weeks before Ian hit. Really glad to see your video to see how things are recovering, especially the fantastic beaches. Thank you!

Just found your channel while looking for updates on Sanibel and Captiva........ we really appreciate your honest assessment of conditions there. My wife and I have been going there for 20 plus years, and it's so encouraging to see the progress! I know it will be different, but we can't wait to go back next winter and support the local businesses that make that place so special. Planning on staying at Captiva island inn when she opens back up. If you are able to return there for updates, I know we'll be watching! Thanks again, we really enjoy the effort the two of you put into your videos! Good bless you both!

Thank you so much for this and your video on Ft. Meyers. We are going down next month (August) and are happy to support the community. Your suggestions for food and bars were so helpful. Happy to visit them and do our part to get them back to where they were :)

Thank you for showing how the island is looking. Can’t believe the one parking lot was $25! 😬 since there weren’t any facilities. But the water was beautiful! Love the Gulf of Florida. Praying they come back stronger from the hurricane.

Thanks much for sharing this and great job putting it together!

Thanks for this update. We honeymooned in Sanibel in September 1979 when another was blowing across the island. We returned for our 40th anniversary and stayed at Casa Ybel in 2019. I hope the rebuilding can continue and am anxiously awaiting Casa Ybel's reopening.

My husband and I have been to Sanibel 3 or 4 times prior to the hurricane and it was heart breaking to see the destruction that the hurricane brought. Thank you for this video! It is so good to hear that the Island is coming back to life. We are hoping to come down from MN sometime in the coming months.

Yes, been to Sanibel and Captiva in 1985 and in 1986. Then returned in February 2023; the devastation was heartbreaking! We moved to Holiday Florida from Minnesota two years ago to be close to Tarpon Springs, my wife is Greek. Love your channel

I stayed on the island for a few months (work). I'm glad to see it's recovering slowly.