Visit our Specials page for our latest coupons and discounts on your next stay at The Castaways. We've got three amazing coupons on our website for stays from now through to the New Year! We've got a Half-Crazy sale running right now where you stay one night at the regular price and get additional nights at 50% off. We've also got some great December Deals with room rates up to 50% off. And don't forget about the New Year with our ever-popular 20-30-40-50 deal!! There's something for everyone on our Specials page, so go now and call today for a reservation.
The Castaways Internet Specials Page
Hope to see you soon in paradise!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Vote for your favorite photo and enter to win a $100 gift certificate!
You read it right! We've picked the Top 10 finalists in our first ever Castaways Guest Photo Contest and we need YOU to help pick our winner. Voting closes on August 17, 2010, so vote now for your favorite photo. Once the voting period is over, we will randomly pick one voter to win a $100 gift certificate to use on your next stay at The Castaways! For complete details, visit our voting page
here.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW!
The winner of our photo contest will receive a 5-night free stay and 2nd place will receive a 2-night free stay.
One vote per email address please. Contact us at 1-800-375-0152 if you have any questions. Hope to see you in paradise soon!
here.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE NOW!
The winner of our photo contest will receive a 5-night free stay and 2nd place will receive a 2-night free stay.
One vote per email address please. Contact us at 1-800-375-0152 if you have any questions. Hope to see you in paradise soon!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Rehabilitated Pelicans Released on Sanibel Island today!
Oiled pelicans from Louisiana were flown to Sanibel Island this morning for release into the pristine waters off Sanibel Island. A special Coast Guard flight left New Orleans around 7 a.m. and landed at Page Field in Fort Myers about 11 a.m. The pelicans were taken to Gulfside City Park on Sanibel Island for release. All the birds were successfully rehabilitated after being rescued from the oil spill in the gulf.
We were fortunate to have The Castaways' Assistant Manager, Bob Pitt, on hand to witness the release and photograph the birds' freedom flight out into the Gulf of Mexico.
A crowd gathered on the beach as wildlife officials brought the crates containing the rehabilitated pelicans to the edge of the beach. They opened the crates and the pelicans instantly took flight to the rush of applause from the onlookers.
Here on Sanibel Island, we feel very lucky that our waters and beaches have been spared from damage due to the Deep Water Horizon oil spill. We hope more rehabilitated wildlife from the affected regions of the Gulf will be able to call the unspoiled beaches of Sanibel Island home as they begin their path to recovery.
We were fortunate to have The Castaways' Assistant Manager, Bob Pitt, on hand to witness the release and photograph the birds' freedom flight out into the Gulf of Mexico.
A crowd gathered on the beach as wildlife officials brought the crates containing the rehabilitated pelicans to the edge of the beach. They opened the crates and the pelicans instantly took flight to the rush of applause from the onlookers.
Here on Sanibel Island, we feel very lucky that our waters and beaches have been spared from damage due to the Deep Water Horizon oil spill. We hope more rehabilitated wildlife from the affected regions of the Gulf will be able to call the unspoiled beaches of Sanibel Island home as they begin their path to recovery.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Study shows that our beaches might be in an oil-free zone!
There's a bit of good news for the beaches of Southwest Florida in the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico! A recent story from our local Fox affiliate highlighted a decade-old study showing that the loop currents in the Gulf of Mexico completely avoided the Southwest Florida coast over a 12-month period.
In the graphic below you can see colored lines illustrating where 194 probes floated during the 12-month research period in the Gulf. The large white area around the Southwest Florida coast was labeled the "Forbidden Zone" by area meteorologists since it seemed the probes were forbidden from entering this area. This means that the loop current does not have a history of impacting our beaches. And no loop current means no oil!
To read the full story and view the video for a great explanation of this study, click here.
So the prognosis looks great for the beaches of Sanibel Island and Captiva! It looks like our waters will remain clear and blue and our beaches stay white and covered in shells.
For more information:
Forbidden Zone? Could it keep some oil away from SW Florida? - FOX 4 WFTX - Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples News, Weather
In the graphic below you can see colored lines illustrating where 194 probes floated during the 12-month research period in the Gulf. The large white area around the Southwest Florida coast was labeled the "Forbidden Zone" by area meteorologists since it seemed the probes were forbidden from entering this area. This means that the loop current does not have a history of impacting our beaches. And no loop current means no oil!
To read the full story and view the video for a great explanation of this study, click here.
So the prognosis looks great for the beaches of Sanibel Island and Captiva! It looks like our waters will remain clear and blue and our beaches stay white and covered in shells.
For more information:
Forbidden Zone? Could it keep some oil away from SW Florida? - FOX 4 WFTX - Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples News, Weather
Monday, June 7, 2010
Watch our June 2010 Beach Report
The beaches and waters at The Castaways are waiting for you... take a look!
Make a reservation today! Our beaches are as pristine as you remember...
Make a reservation today! Our beaches are as pristine as you remember...
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Celebrate Independence Day in Paradise!
Have you made your 4th of July plans yet? Why not head on down to The Castaways and celebrate our nation's birthday in paradise? On Saturday, July 3rd at 9 a.m. head on down to watch the City of Sanibel's Independence Day parade. Then after spending the afternoon on our beautiful white sand beaches, bring the family to the Sanibel Causeway to watch an amazing fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico!
Then top off the weekend by attending the 1st Annual Castaways 4th of July party and cookout! We'll be grilling burgers and hotdogs along with all the fixings, and providing fun kids games and patriotic decorations for all! Make your reservation today! Cottages are going fast...
Looking forward to seeing you in paradise!
Then top off the weekend by attending the 1st Annual Castaways 4th of July party and cookout! We'll be grilling burgers and hotdogs along with all the fixings, and providing fun kids games and patriotic decorations for all! Make your reservation today! Cottages are going fast...
Looking forward to seeing you in paradise!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Oil Spill Update
We've all been following the Deep Water Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico and we're keeping tabs on where the oil moves in relation to the State of Florida and specifically Southwest Florida beaches.
Currently, there are no impacts to Florida’s 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and 663 miles of beaches. Our shores are clear, beautiful and open for business.
In the event that the oil spill moves toward Southwest Florida and is likely to impact our beaches, we will immediately notify guests with reservations. We will give you the option of changing your reservation date or canceling your reservation, at which point your deposit will be fully refunded.
We are hoping the forecasts are correct and that our beaches will be spared from any damage from this spill, but our hearts go out to anyone that is affected by this tragedy. We'll keep you updated on our blog as we receive any new information.
Currently, there are no impacts to Florida’s 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline and 663 miles of beaches. Our shores are clear, beautiful and open for business.
In the event that the oil spill moves toward Southwest Florida and is likely to impact our beaches, we will immediately notify guests with reservations. We will give you the option of changing your reservation date or canceling your reservation, at which point your deposit will be fully refunded.
We are hoping the forecasts are correct and that our beaches will be spared from any damage from this spill, but our hearts go out to anyone that is affected by this tragedy. We'll keep you updated on our blog as we receive any new information.
Enter our Photo Contest for a chance to win a FREE STAY!
If you’re a current or former guest you won’t want to miss this great contest! We know our guests have an eye for the tropical beauty that is Sanibel Island and take some fantastic photographs while staying at The Castaways! Here's your chance to show off your best photo from your stay at The Castaways and enter to win our Grand Prize! Submit your best Sanibel vacation photo and you'll be entered in our contest. We'll select the Top 10 best photos and post them online to our website. We'll then open it up to voting from our website visitors and the photo with the most votes wins!
Contest is open from May 1 to July 31, 2010.
Voting for the Top 10 Finalists will be held from August 1 to August 14, 2010.
The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be announced on August 16, 2010
Grand Prize is a 5-night FREE stay (available from July 1 to Dec. 19, 2010, excluding holidays)in a 1 bedroom unit in the Marina, Poolside, or Bayside area. The winner will also receive 1/2-day use of a kayak and a 1/2-day use of 2 bicycles.
2nd Prize is a 2-night FREE stay at The Castaways with the same restrictions as the Grand Prize. This also includes 1/2 day kayak and bicycle use.
We'll accept ONE submission per person so find your best photo and send it in now! Visit our contest page for details, complete rules and to enter the contest.
No purchase necessary.
Contest is open from May 1 to July 31, 2010.
Voting for the Top 10 Finalists will be held from August 1 to August 14, 2010.
The GRAND PRIZE WINNER will be announced on August 16, 2010
Grand Prize is a 5-night FREE stay (available from July 1 to Dec. 19, 2010, excluding holidays)in a 1 bedroom unit in the Marina, Poolside, or Bayside area. The winner will also receive 1/2-day use of a kayak and a 1/2-day use of 2 bicycles.
2nd Prize is a 2-night FREE stay at The Castaways with the same restrictions as the Grand Prize. This also includes 1/2 day kayak and bicycle use.
We'll accept ONE submission per person so find your best photo and send it in now! Visit our contest page for details, complete rules and to enter the contest.
No purchase necessary.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Happy Easter!!
The staff and management of The Castaways would like to wish everyone a very Happy Easter!
This little marsh rabbit hopped by The Castaways office this weekend to say hello and we thought it was the perfect Easter snapshot! Did you know that marsh rabbits are great swimmers? Sounds great, but we don't think he'll want to carry his basket full of colored eggs into the Gulf of Mexico!!
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend and we hope to see you soon!
This little marsh rabbit hopped by The Castaways office this weekend to say hello and we thought it was the perfect Easter snapshot! Did you know that marsh rabbits are great swimmers? Sounds great, but we don't think he'll want to carry his basket full of colored eggs into the Gulf of Mexico!!
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend and we hope to see you soon!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Celebrate Earth Day on Sanibel Island
Looking for another reason to visit The Castaways in April? If the gorgeous beaches, breath-taking sunsets and the warm Gulf of Mexico aren't enough, we've got a great Earth Day celebration on Sanibel Island that you won't want to miss!
In partnership with Tarpon Bay Explorers and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS), J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will host Earth Day 2010 on Saturday, April 24, from Noon to 4 p.m.
The first 200 participants to arrive for Earth Day will receive a free reusable Refuge grocery bag, compliments of DDWS.
Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s official concessions operator, will be providing free bike use on-site at the refuge throughout the event to encourage families to get out and get fit. Visitors can also bike Wildlife Drive and Indigo Trail on their own.
It's the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day so why not spend it on Sanibel Island at The Castaways? You can even use one of our FREE rental bikes and cycle down to Ding Darling for the big day! Call today for a reservation.
In partnership with Tarpon Bay Explorers and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Society (DDWS), J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge will host Earth Day 2010 on Saturday, April 24, from Noon to 4 p.m.
The first 200 participants to arrive for Earth Day will receive a free reusable Refuge grocery bag, compliments of DDWS.
Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge’s official concessions operator, will be providing free bike use on-site at the refuge throughout the event to encourage families to get out and get fit. Visitors can also bike Wildlife Drive and Indigo Trail on their own.
It's the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day so why not spend it on Sanibel Island at The Castaways? You can even use one of our FREE rental bikes and cycle down to Ding Darling for the big day! Call today for a reservation.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Looking for something to do on Sanibel in March?
If you're visiting Sanibel Island on March 26th and 27th, 2010, you're in luck! In addition to all the regular fun things to do on Sanibel Island, you'll be here for the Lions Club 27th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair!
This year there will be over 130 artists and artisans in the park at the Sanibel Community Center, plus live Dixieland music from Harry & the Dixie Strollers, a Fabulous Food Court and a Fantastic Raffle. This fun event is the perfect place to get some handmade local crafts and souvenirs for friends and family back home. You'll find local Florida-themed crafts you won't find anywhere else!
The Craft Fair is held from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday and Saturday and is less than eight miles from The Castaways. The weather is gorgeous and it would be a great bicycle ride to the fair from our property on one of our free rental bikes for guests.
Visit the Sanibel Lions Club webpage for more information.
This year there will be over 130 artists and artisans in the park at the Sanibel Community Center, plus live Dixieland music from Harry & the Dixie Strollers, a Fabulous Food Court and a Fantastic Raffle. This fun event is the perfect place to get some handmade local crafts and souvenirs for friends and family back home. You'll find local Florida-themed crafts you won't find anywhere else!
The Craft Fair is held from 9 am to 4 pm on Friday and Saturday and is less than eight miles from The Castaways. The weather is gorgeous and it would be a great bicycle ride to the fair from our property on one of our free rental bikes for guests.
Visit the Sanibel Lions Club webpage for more information.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
We're Back from the Big Apple!
We just got back from New York City after a fun weekend at the New York Times Travel Show! We had a great time and met some wonderful people who seemed ready to take a break from the snow for a relaxing vacation on Sanibel Island.
We had a few spare hours on the last day to tour the Big Apple and had an amazing time! Here is a view from the Empire State Building that just took our breath away.
All of these massive skyscrapers and wall-to-wall buildings are a far cry from Sanibel Island, where buildings cannot exceed 35 feet tall! We also learned that there are about 12,000 intersections with traffic lights in NYC compared to ZERO on Sanibel Island. And we learned that Manhattan Island is about 13 miles long with about 1.6 million residents, while Sanibel Island is about 12 miles long with about 6,000 residents. Not to mention bright lights and neon signs are a no-go on Sanibel and are actually required in Times Square! What a world apart the two cities are!
Although we had a wonderful time, we're happy to be back on our little piece of paradise where traffic lights, skyscrapers and snow are replaced with palm trees, tiki huts and sand. Thanks for the hospitality New York!! We can't wait to visit again!
We had a few spare hours on the last day to tour the Big Apple and had an amazing time! Here is a view from the Empire State Building that just took our breath away.
All of these massive skyscrapers and wall-to-wall buildings are a far cry from Sanibel Island, where buildings cannot exceed 35 feet tall! We also learned that there are about 12,000 intersections with traffic lights in NYC compared to ZERO on Sanibel Island. And we learned that Manhattan Island is about 13 miles long with about 1.6 million residents, while Sanibel Island is about 12 miles long with about 6,000 residents. Not to mention bright lights and neon signs are a no-go on Sanibel and are actually required in Times Square! What a world apart the two cities are!
Although we had a wonderful time, we're happy to be back on our little piece of paradise where traffic lights, skyscrapers and snow are replaced with palm trees, tiki huts and sand. Thanks for the hospitality New York!! We can't wait to visit again!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
We're at the New York Times Travel Show!
We just got to New York City for the New York Times Travel Show and it's snowing like mad! Now this is something us Sanibel Islanders are NOT used to! We're staying bundled up and gearing up for the start of the biggest and best travel show in New York! Come to the show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center on West 34th Street and explore over 500 destinations from around the world, enjoy live performances, tastings, travel seminars and more. There are exclusive deals and getaways just for convention-goers!
For the best deals come to Booth #954 to see us and learn about 'Tween Waters Inn, The Castaways and Beachview Cottages. You can even register for a free stay at one of our properties! We'll be there from February 26th to 28th and we're looking forward to meeting you at the show where we'll be bringing a little bit of the tropics into the snow!
For the best deals come to Booth #954 to see us and learn about 'Tween Waters Inn, The Castaways and Beachview Cottages. You can even register for a free stay at one of our properties! We'll be there from February 26th to 28th and we're looking forward to meeting you at the show where we'll be bringing a little bit of the tropics into the snow!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Visit us at the Boston Globe Travel Show right now!
Anyone in the Boston area? Come on down and see us at the 2010 Boston Globe Travel Show at the SeaPort World Trade Center. We're there from February 19th to 21st in Booth 334 under the Visit Florida banner. We are visiting with our sister property, 'Tween Waters Inn, from Captiva Island, FL. Stop by our booth and register to win a FREE 4-day, 3-night stay at 'Tween Waters Inn - or winners can choose to take their stay at The Castaways, of course!
With over 200 exhibitors, show-only travel deals and giveaways, and all kinds of fun activities, the 2010 Boston Globe Travel Show will have something fun for everyone. Some of the fun includes cultural performances, exhibits from SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, celebrity chefs, exotic foods from all over the world, US Passport services and more!
We're looking forward to meeting you so stop by and say hi! It's New England's biggest and most comprehensive travel expo so how can you stay away? It's the perfect time to explore your travel options and learn about the gorgeous island that we call home!
With over 200 exhibitors, show-only travel deals and giveaways, and all kinds of fun activities, the 2010 Boston Globe Travel Show will have something fun for everyone. Some of the fun includes cultural performances, exhibits from SeaWorld and Busch Gardens, celebrity chefs, exotic foods from all over the world, US Passport services and more!
We're looking forward to meeting you so stop by and say hi! It's New England's biggest and most comprehensive travel expo so how can you stay away? It's the perfect time to explore your travel options and learn about the gorgeous island that we call home!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
It's a beautiful Castaways wedding!
We had another gorgeous wedding in paradise today! Stefan & Edina Scheichl from Ontario, Canada, tied the knot on The Castaways beach as the sun set over the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. The happy couple traveled a long way to begin their life together and we're honored they chose The Castaways as their wedding destination.
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Scheichl! Wishing you a wonderful journey as you build your new life together!
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Scheichl! Wishing you a wonderful journey as you build your new life together!
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Have you booked your sunset-dolphin cruise yet?
When you think of a Florida island beach vacation, do visions of sunsets and dolphins jumping in the waves come to mind? You can make this scene a reality on your next trip to Sanibel Island when you stay with us! Captiva Cruises offers exclusive sunset/dolphin cruises for guests of The Castaways, Beachview Cottages and 'Tween Waters Inn. These cruises run every other Wednesday up until Easter and leave from the 'Tween Waters Inn marina, which is about 2 miles from The Castaways.
The cruises depart at 5 pm and return about two hours later. Guests will watch for dolphins that swim alongside the Lady Chadwick as the boat cruises toward beautiful Redfish pass to enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Cheese, crackers, fruit nibbles and a cash bar are available on board. Inside and outside seating make this the perfect way to end a day of fun in the Florida sun.
The bottlenose dolphins that live in the waters around Sanibel Island love to play in the wake of the boat giving guests some amazing photo opportunities. We've even seen mother dolphins swimming with their young calves and teaching them how to jump in the wake of the boat.
Tickets are available for purchase by Castaways guests in the front office upon your arrival. Please call The Castaways at 1-800-375-0152 for details and pricing.
The cruises depart at 5 pm and return about two hours later. Guests will watch for dolphins that swim alongside the Lady Chadwick as the boat cruises toward beautiful Redfish pass to enjoy a spectacular view of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Cheese, crackers, fruit nibbles and a cash bar are available on board. Inside and outside seating make this the perfect way to end a day of fun in the Florida sun.
The bottlenose dolphins that live in the waters around Sanibel Island love to play in the wake of the boat giving guests some amazing photo opportunities. We've even seen mother dolphins swimming with their young calves and teaching them how to jump in the wake of the boat.
Tickets are available for purchase by Castaways guests in the front office upon your arrival. Please call The Castaways at 1-800-375-0152 for details and pricing.
Friday, January 22, 2010
The Grand Re-Opening of Blind Pass
The Castaways is happy to announce that Blind Pass is now open for boaters! The dredging to re-open the pass began in December 2008 and it's finally complete!
The Lee County Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District and the Department of Environmental Protection joined efforts to complete this important project. The ribbon cutting for the Pass was held on January 15, 2010, and was attended by representatives from all involved agencies as well as Castaways staff and management.
The restoration consisted of maintenance dredging of Blind Pass, Wulfert Channel and portions of Roosevelt Channel. Approximately 150,000 cubic yards of material from Blind Pass and interior waters were removed to restore a flushing connection to the Gulf of Mexico; 11,000 cubic yards were disposed of upland; 32,000 cubic yards were placed in the near shore zone and 105,000 cubic yards were placed directly on the beach.
Tony Lapi, President and CEO of Rochester Resorts and Chairman-Elect of Visit Florida
In the beach fill area, the shoreline was extended 100 feet. The Channel is 10 feet deep and 330 feet wide in the Gulf of Mexico and narrows to 160 feet wide under the bridge - just perfect for guests who bring their boat to The Castaways or even guests who rent a sea kayak from our marina.
Grand Opening Certificate
Because of the impact to mangroves in one area, mangroves were planted in Clam Bayou. Because of the impact to the Sea Turtle nesting area, mitigation efforts involved removing exotic vegetation from another area on Captiva Island so as to enhance the opportunity for nesting.
The re-opening of Blind pass is vital to maintaining the wonderful water system and environment in our community. Habitat for birds and Marine life are restored to allow nature to grow and thrive. The experience for our citizens and visitors is enhanced with more gateways to nature through kayaking, canoeing and other boating opportunities. The beaches are made stronger by placing sand along the shoreline that otherwise would be lost in the channel of Blind Pass.
Castaways guests are already taking advantage of the great fishing, kayaking and boating passageway into the Gulf! Come on down and see it for yourself.
The Lee County Commissioners and the Tourist Development Council, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District and the Department of Environmental Protection joined efforts to complete this important project. The ribbon cutting for the Pass was held on January 15, 2010, and was attended by representatives from all involved agencies as well as Castaways staff and management.
The restoration consisted of maintenance dredging of Blind Pass, Wulfert Channel and portions of Roosevelt Channel. Approximately 150,000 cubic yards of material from Blind Pass and interior waters were removed to restore a flushing connection to the Gulf of Mexico; 11,000 cubic yards were disposed of upland; 32,000 cubic yards were placed in the near shore zone and 105,000 cubic yards were placed directly on the beach.
In the beach fill area, the shoreline was extended 100 feet. The Channel is 10 feet deep and 330 feet wide in the Gulf of Mexico and narrows to 160 feet wide under the bridge - just perfect for guests who bring their boat to The Castaways or even guests who rent a sea kayak from our marina.
Because of the impact to mangroves in one area, mangroves were planted in Clam Bayou. Because of the impact to the Sea Turtle nesting area, mitigation efforts involved removing exotic vegetation from another area on Captiva Island so as to enhance the opportunity for nesting.
The re-opening of Blind pass is vital to maintaining the wonderful water system and environment in our community. Habitat for birds and Marine life are restored to allow nature to grow and thrive. The experience for our citizens and visitors is enhanced with more gateways to nature through kayaking, canoeing and other boating opportunities. The beaches are made stronger by placing sand along the shoreline that otherwise would be lost in the channel of Blind Pass.
Castaways guests are already taking advantage of the great fishing, kayaking and boating passageway into the Gulf! Come on down and see it for yourself.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Welcome to The Castaways New Blog!
The management and staff of The Castaways are excited to debut our brand new blog! This will be a fun way for us to pass on timely information about our resort and share news about beautiful Sanibel Island, Florida.
Special thanks to David Waggstaff, a return guest and amateur photographer from Westgate, England, who took this photo earlier this month of The Castaways office.
Isn't it time for you to visit and take your own pictures in paradise? Hope to see you soon.
Special thanks to David Waggstaff, a return guest and amateur photographer from Westgate, England, who took this photo earlier this month of The Castaways office.
Isn't it time for you to visit and take your own pictures in paradise? Hope to see you soon.
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