The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel Travel Tips

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cost of a taxi from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) to Fort Myers?

A: Approximately $35 for 1 to 3 passengers one-way. Each additional person is $10.

Q: What type of transportation is available between Fort Myers and Key West?

A: If you choose to drive, it takes about five hours. Air transportation and ferryboat transportation are available through Key West Express (www.xp2kw.com) and Cape Air (www.flycapeair.com).

Q: What type of ground transportation is available between Fort Myers and Tampa or Miami?

A: Transportation between Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and the Tampa/Miami regions is via taxi or car rental. Click here for transportation information.

Q: What are some good restaurants to try?

A: A great resource is the Dining Best Bets section on this website.

Q: I want to get married on the beach. How do I contact a wedding planner or find out which hotels can help me?

A: Click here for help in planning your wedding.

Q: I’m planning to relocate to the Fort Myers & Sanibel (Lee County) area. Where can I obtain more information about real estate, jobs, etc.?

A: The local chambers of commerce are your best resource for relocation information. Other resources include Lee County Government (www.Lee-County.com) or the local newspaper, the Fort Myers News-Press (www.news-press.com). Those planning to relocate a business will want to contact the Economic Development Office of Lee County, which offers a wide range of business assistance and can also help you access many free and low-cost business services in the community. Visit LeeCountyBusiness.com for more information.

Q: What events will be happening in your area during my visit?

A: Click here to find a calendar of events.

Q: Where can I rent children’s equipment?

A: Away We Go! Inc. in Fort Myers Beach (239-297-1761) rents a selection of baby equipment as well as beach equipment, beds and bedding, electronics, fishing equipment, bicycles, barbecue grills, medical supplies and more.

Another option is Baby’s Away in Fort Myers, 800-870-7924, which specializes in the rental of baby equipment across Southwest Florida.
What to Pack

Warm summers and mild winters make Lee County an ideal year-round vacation destination. Travelers should pack lightweight, breathable clothing and expect to dress in layers, as air-conditioned hotels, stores and restaurants can sometimes be chilly compared to outside temperatures.

Sunscreen is a must, as are hats for the whole family, because the sun is quite strong for most of the year. Attire at even the most exclusive hotels is resort casual; jackets for men are rarely required.

Travel Safe, Travel Smart

While visiting The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, please follow these tips for a safe and sound excursion:

Use the outside ATMs during daylight hours, and when possible, use an ATM in a busy store or bank. Keep your card concealed and make sure you block the view of others as you enter your PIN number.

When using an elevator, if someone makes you feel uneasy, don’t get in. The same applies if a person entering the elevator makes you ill at ease – get off. Trust your senses.

Shop with care. Don’t display large amounts of cash in public. Be discreet about the money or valuables you are carrying.

At night, park in a lighted, visible place or use a valet parking service when available.

Lock up valuables and packages in the car trunk.

In theaters or restaurants, keep your purse on your lap. Make a note of emergency exits in case they’re needed.

Carry only as much cash as needed. Travelers checks or credit cards are best.

Always close windows and lock doors when you leave the car, even if you’ll only be a few minutes.

In an emergency, dial 9-1-1. You do not need money at a pay phone to dial 9-1-1.

Carry your hotel name and phone number in your wallet.

”Label” your children. Put hotel information, names and phone contacts in their pocket should you get separated.

Do a security check of your room when you check in to the hotel. Make sure doors to connecting rooms are locked. Check all windows and sliding glass doors for locks. Make sure the phone works.

Never open your hotel room door unless you know who is outside. Ask for identification from anyone unfamiliar or call the front desk.

Do not leave money, jewelry or other valuables in your room while you are out. Use the hotel safe. Keep passports and airline tickets in the hotel safe as well. Do not carry them on you.

Make sure you get a map and directions to your destination before leaving the airport, auto rental, hotel, etc.

Don’t leave your luggage in a rental car. When transporting luggage, keep it in the trunk so that it isn’t visible.

Don’t leave your hotel room doors open and unlocked for any reason.

Don’t leave your valuables in the open where they can be seen either in your hotel room or in your car.

Don’t leave your wallet, room key or other valuables unattended while poolside or at the beach.

Do not keep film, video tapes or electronic equipment in your car or trunk for extended periods of time. The extreme heat may damage equipment.

When traveling by automobile, Florida law requires safety belts for all front seat passengers, regardless of age. Children younger than age 4 and under 40 pounds are required to be in a child safety car seat.

Red Tide

Red tide occurs naturally in the Gulf of Mexico. It is a higher-than-normal concentration of microscopic alga (a plant-like microorganism). Beaches are not closed during a red tide.

For more information, visit the website of the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id= 9670

View frequently asked questions about red tide: research.myfwc.com/support/view_faqs.asp?id=13

View a current red tide status report: www.floridamarine.org/features/view_article.asp?id=12373