The Sanibel Harbour Resort is nestled on a peninsula in a lush landscape with tropical palms.

What to expect: Captiva Island is famous for its natural beauty, and the South Seas Island Resort allows guests to experience this beauty in a variety of ways. Dolphins and manatees are often sighted in the resort marinas, and naturalist-guided kayak adventures through the mangroves reveal wild ospreys nesting in trees. Families appreciate the wide range of activities, from golf, tennis, and sailing to a kids club, teen club, and video arcade (surcharges).

Amenity highlights: Deep-sea fishing, dolphin-watching cruises, and sailing lessons (surcharges) are just a few of the many water sports available at the resort. A lagoon-style pool complex features cabanas and a poolside bar and restaurant. Resort trolleys transport guests to a variety of amenities, including 19 tennis courts, two marinas, and a 9-hole oceanfront golf course.

Insider tip: Every year, from May to October, Loggerhead sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs on Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches. The incubation period for the 40-180 eggs is approximately 56 days, at which point the hatchlings emerge from the sand after dark and waddle out to sea. Loggerhead sea turtles are an endangered species. Visitors to the islands during these months may see plastic fencing and “do not disturb” signs erected around their nests.

What to expect: The Sundial Beach & Golf Resort caters to families, who appreciate the resort’s many activities and child-friendly amenities. Sanibel Island, the northern portion of which is a National Wildlife Refuge, teems with birds and sea life. Guests can rent kayaks or arrange dolphin-watching tours, and kids love the on-site educational center, with an aquarium and petting pool.

Amenity highlights: Tennis players can alternate between the resort’s six hard-surface courts and six clay-surface courts, two of which are lit for night play. Five heated outdoor pools offer freshwater recreation, while a mile of private beach and water-sports equipment rentals provide myriad opportunities for saltwater fun. Guests also receive discounts at the nearby semi-private Dunes Golf and Tennis Club.

Insider tip: The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, named for Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and environmentalist Jay Norwood Darling, teems with native wildlife, including birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants. A four-mile scenic drive, walking and biking paths, and canoe trails all provide access. The refuge education center includes an observation tower with excellent views of surrounding flora and fauna. Fees are $5 per car, $1 per cyclist or pedestrian. Children ages 15 and younger bike and walk free.

What to expect: Families and couples appreciate the resort’s condo=style accommodations and beachfront location. The picnic area, with waterfall and gardens, contains a gazebo, tables, and barbecue grills for cooking outside. Full kitchens in suites make self-catering an attractive option, while the nominal-fee trolley that runs the length of Fort Myers Beach makes dining out convenient as well.

Amenity highlights: An outdoor pool and spa tub, ensconced in landscaped grounds amid gardens and waterfalls, offer an alternative to salt water and white sand. Guests can play volleyball on the beach, or trade serves at one of the resort’s two private tennis courts. Beach cabana rentals are also available, and Internet access is complimentary throughout the resort.

Amenity highlights: This beachfront resort features three pools, including the signature Octopool, a lagoon-style pool with a large waterfall, giant shells, sponges, underwater speakers, and Gulf views. The resort's Aquagëne Spa specializes in sea-inspired therapies, and also offers a eucalyptus steam room.

Children ages 4-12 can participate in the on-site Sparky´s Kidds Kampp® (surcharge). A typical day at Kampp includes lunch, crafts, beach games, pool games, fishing, and more.

Insider tip: Fort Myers has a rich, colorful past. The Fort Myers Historical Museum, 15 miles away, has displays about the Calusa people, Spanish explorers, Seminole people, and history of Southwest Florida.

What to expect: This intimate beach resort has 30 guestrooms and caters to couples seeking a romantic, relaxed island experience. After a complimentary bottle of wine and a moonlit stroll on the beach, guests awaken to a complimentary breakfast served on a tropical terrace with cozy breakfast nooks. Guestroom decor includes vintage photos with romantic themes, reminiscent of a 1940s love story.

Amenity highlights: Recreational options at Song of the Sea include lounging by the heated outdoor pool and spa tub, searching for seashells on the resort’s private beach, or exploring the island on complimentary bicycles. Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are also available. Guests desiring a game of tennis or golf also enjoy discounts at the semi-private Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, within a mile of the resort.

What to expect: Active families and couples will find the Seaside Inn a perfect home base for experiencing all the recreational opportunities Sanibel Island has to offer. At the same time, with its private beach, seaside shuffleboard court, and heated outdoor pool, guests may not want to leave. The inn is a great place to unwind in the sun and breathe the fresh, salty breezes.

Amenity highlights: Sanibel Island is famous for the variety of seashells (especially mollusk shells) found on its beaches. Guests can search for shells at the inn’s private beach, or lounge in the sun on beach chairs, under complimentary beach umbrellas. If exploring the island is the order of the day, guests can set out on complimentary bicycles. However guests choose to spend their days, they can count on a complimentary breakfast basket to get them started.

Insider tip: The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, named for Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and environmentalist Jay Norwood Darling, teems with native wildlife species, including birds, reptiles, mammals, and plants. A four-mile scenic drive, walking and biking paths, and canoe trails all provide access. The refuge education center includes an observation tower with excellent views of surrounding flora and fauna. Admission is $5 per car, $1 per cyclist or pedestrian. Children 15 and younger bike and walk free.