COEXISTING WITH NATURE

Tips to make your stay on the islands safe and enjoyable

WATER PRECAUTIONS

JELLYFISH

There are a number of jellyfish that can harm you. Please leave them untouched. Stings from this marine animal may result in skin welts, rash and itching. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist. To reduce pain, pour white vinegar over the affected area, then soak in hot water for 30 minutes.

STINGRAYS

A variety of stingray species can be observed in our waters year-round. During the summer months, a vast number of cownose rays migrate along the coast of Sanibel. Rays are gentle creatures, and will usually move out of your way. To avoid a painful sting, do the “stingray shuffle.” As you wade in the shallows, shuffle your feet so the rays feel the vibrations and swim away. If barbed, immerse the area in very hot water and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

RED DRIFT ALGAE

We experience red drift algae blooms from time to time. This is a normal occurrence in our local ecosystem, and the timing of these blooms cannot be predicted. Red drift algae produces a mild odor and can exacerbate respiratory conditions like allergies and bronchitis, but it is not dangerous to humans. Decaying algae contributes important nutrients to our environment and provides food and habitat for many species, so area leaders prefer to let nature run its course instead of removing it from the beach. Red drift algae is sometimes confused with red tide; however, there is a difference between the two.

PESKY CREATURES

NO-SEE-UMS AND MOSQUITOES?

These aggravating winged pests are most active between sunset and sunrise. The best defense against insect bites is to cover up with cool, loose-fitting clothing. Insect repellants that contain DEET are also effective, but may cause skin irritation. No-see-ums can fit through screens, so keep all doors and windows shut to prevent them from entering your indoor space. Many people are highly sensitive to no-see-ums and mosquito bites. Visit or call a local pharmacist for product recommendations if itching persists.

ISLAND LIVING

ALLIGATORS

Please do not feed the alligators. It is against the law.

LIVE SHELLS

THE LAW PROHIBITS THE TAKING OF LIVE SHELLS. PLEASE HELP US TO CONSERVE THIS PRECIOUS RESOURCE. THIS INCLUDES SEA URCHINS, SAND DOLLARS AND SEA STARS.

From the City of Sanibel website: Violators may be subject to a $500 fine and 60 days in jail for a first offense.

RECYCLING

At our resort, we believe in maintaining the natural beauty of our world, and we want to do our part to preserve our environment. We recycle the following items: newspapers, office paper, aluminum, glass, plastic and cardboard boxes. Please read our Environmental Sheet located by your in-room recycling container.

BEACH MAINTENANCE

Sanibel Island is designated as a sanctuary island. Local laws are designed to protect the natural environment. Specifically, there is an ordinance that prevents the raking and cleaning of any natural debris from the beaches, including seaweed, grasses, live or dead shellfish, etc. This allows the natural deposits of the tides to remain on the beach, enabling birds and small creatures that live in the sand to feed from this food source.

The dunes are also protected, and here and other places you will find sea oats. They are a tall, perennial grass with a strong, extensive, underground root system that helps prevent beach erosion. This grass is federally protected, and it’s against the law to cut it down or to pick it. Easily recognizable, it has arching spikes of oats on stiff stems. Motorized vehicles, golf carts and bicycles are prohibited on dunes and beaches and trash must be removed by hand. No open fires or fireworks are allowed on our islands’ beaches, and Jet Skis are prohibited on Sanibel.

LOGGERHEAD TURTLES

Every year, May 1 to Oct. 31 is “Lights Out for Sea Turtles.” Why? Lights can confuse nesting females and disorient hatchlings. Please keep your curtains and blinds closed and turn off balcony lights at night. We ensure that all lights facing the beach are turned off at dusk. To clear the way for turtles, it is also important to remove any personal items from the beach at the end of the day, and to level any large sand castles or holes.

If you spot turtle tracks on the beach, please notify the front desk so we can report it to our local scientists as soon as possible. All of the marine turtle species that nest on our islands (loggerheads, leatherbacks, and green sea turtles) are considered vulnerable or threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Your assistance in keeping them safe is greatly appreciated.

THE FLORIDA SUN

The sun is very strong in Florida. To protect yourself from sunburn and other harmful effects of UV rays, we recommend covering up with clothing whenever possible, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Always use sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and try to limit your exposure to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. We also recommend that you drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

BEACH CHAIRS AND UMBRELLAS

All chairs are on a first-come, first-served basis. We are unable to reserve them. Chairs left unattended for more than one hour will be reassigned to other guests. Please be advised that for safety reasons if prevailing winds are greater than 8 miles per hour, umbrellas will not be issued and any that are in use will be removed.