Sanibel & Captiva

 Visited Sanibel & Captiva Islands near Fort Myers this week.

 Shell-collecting culture is pretty high on the islands.

The Gulf of Mexico has no offshore reef to smash the shells, 

and the waters are relatively shallow and warm, 

with a flat bed. All factors that encourage the growth.

 It's not easy to find beaches which are open to public there.

Most of the shoreline is for private houses 

and small hotels and inns.

Parking can also be quite a problem there 

as most of the parking places are just for residents.

It's advisable to rent a bike.

There're bicycle rentals at the entrance to Sanibel

and bicycle lines everywhere.

Sanibel is a bit more commercial with shops & restaurants

than Captiva which is more residential 

with pretty luxurious mansions.

My shell collection.