Hotels

Sanibel & Captiva Central Reservations, Inc. (tel. 800/325-1352 or 239/472-0457; fax 239/472-2178; www.sanibel-captivarent.com) and 1-800-SANIBEL (tel. 800/726-4235 or 239/472-1800; fax 239/395-9690; www.1-800-sanibel.com) are reservations services that can book you into most condominiums and cottages here.

In general, Sanibel and Captiva room and condominium rates are highest during the shelling season, February through April. January is usually somewhat less expensive. But note that most rates fall drastically during the off season; don't hesitate to ask for a discount or special deal then. Since most properties on the islands are geared to 1-week vacations, you can save by purchasing a package for stays of 7 nights or longer.

The islands' sole campground, the Periwinkle Trailer Park, 1119 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island (tel. 239/472-1433), is so popular it doesn't even advertise. No other camping is permitted on either Sanibel or Captiva.

Cottages

The islands have several Old Florida-style cottages that are charming, often affordable alternatives to hotels and condos. Some of the best are members of the Sanibel-Captiva Small Inns & Cottages Association. Contact the association (via its website only) at www.sanibelsmallinns.com for a listing of properties.

Sitting between two condominium complexes off Middle Gulf Drive, Gulf Breeze Cottages, 1081 Shell Basket Lane, Sanibel (tel. 800/388-2842 or 239/472-1626; www.gbreeze.com), is a collection of clapboard cottages separated from the beach by a lawn with covered picnic area and outdoor shower. One two-story building is divided into four efficiencies (the pick is no. 7, with a view of the Gulf from its big picture windows). Rates are $230 to $320 per day in winter, $130 to $260 off season.

Barely updated since the 1950s are the 32 pink-clapboard structures at Beachview Cottages, 3325 W. Gulf Dr., Sanibel (tel. 800/860-0532 or 239/472-1202; fax 239/472-4720; www.beachviewsanibel.com). None of the cottages has a phone, and some have shower-only bathrooms. The outdoor pool is heated. Rates are $175 to $255 in winter, $139 to $219 during off season.

On Captiva, Jensen's on the Gulf, 15300 Captiva Dr. (tel. 239/472-4684; www.jensen-captiva.com), rents cottages, homes, apartments, and studios ranging from $250 to $600 in winter, $150 to $425 during off season. Jensen's Twin Palm Resort & Marina (tel. 239/472-5800; www.jensen-captiva.com), on the bay near Andy Rosse Lane, has cottages ranging from $189 to $309 in winter and from $145 to $225 off season.