“Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch”

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch

 

‘Ding’ film takes trip to Great Pacific Garbage Patch

The documentary film “Plastic Paradise: The Great Pacific Garbage Patch” continues the fourth annual “Ding” Darling Wednesday Film Series on March 2, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. in the “Ding” Darling Visitor & Education Center auditorium.

Midway Atoll — located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, thousands of miles away from civilization —  » Read more

Practice Makes Perfect

Trumpet practice

Our guests take note of all the comforts of home (and more)–expansive views, a hop, skip and a jump to the beach, complimentary internet, multi-channel HD TV, well-stocked kitchen and lush, comfy beds. And even outdoor practice rooms!

Evan, a high school sophomore, finds a peaceful place to practice his trumpet for an upcoming state competition. The proud grandson of owners, Bob and Judy, he doesn’t miss a beat while vacationing at Ocean’s Reach.  » Read more

Nature Watching

Nature watching

All ages enjoy the myriad of nature watching activities at Ocean’s Reach.
From the gazing of the stars to the extraction of mollusks on the ocean
floor, our guest nature watchers are learning to identify a multitude of
birds, small animals, botanicals and shells that occupy our beach, pond and
preserve.

These guests agree that Ocean’s Reach is a nature lover’s get away–perfect
for exploring,  » Read more

It’s HUGE!

BG and Giant Grouper

We love to boast about the fishing off the Sanibel coastline. And last week
our resident fisherman and owner, BG, made us “reel” proud with a catch so
large, it is called the Giant Grouper. Needless to say, it was an
incredible day to fish and then release this protected grouper measuring
about 4 feet long.

The giant grouper has a large mouth and a rounded tail.  » Read more

Stepping Out

BIG ARTS comedy

 

There’s nothing quite like an evening at the Strauss Theater when you’re vacationing on Sanibel. This intimate theater, managed and operated by BIG ARTS, hosts a number of award-winning productions each season, and this year is certainly no exception!

Playing now through March 12th, you won’t want to miss “Stepping Out,” a rollicking good comedy about the attempts of a group of bumbling dance amateurs to overcome not only their inhibitions,  » Read more

Tapa Night!

Joyce's Tapas night

Never one to let a few clouds dampen her evening, long-time Ocean’s Reach guest Joyce W. treats friends to “Tapa Night” out on her lanai.

Not sure what looks nicer: the food … the wine … or the smiles!  » Read more

Jazzing It Up

Island jazz

Island jazz 2

Island Jazz is well in the swing of their 10th season of fabulous music!

Guests “in the know” pack up their beach chairs and head to the outdoor Boler Garden at BIG ARTS every Sunday afternoon for the free 3pm concerts. (Even if it rains, the show goes on; it simply moves into the covered Gainer Veranda.)

Island Jazz features Harry Reiner and Dick Montgomery on trumpet,  » Read more

Spaghetti for Everyone!

Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner 1

Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner 2

Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner 3

The annual Kiwanis Spaghetti Dinner, coming this year on Saturday, Feb. 27, to the Sanibel Community House has been a must-do event for islanders and guests for well over 30 years.

This most scrumptious of island traditions features an all-you-can-eat Italian treat, capped off by the Kiwanis’ acclaimed “secret recipe” spaghetti sauce. Tickets for the dinner — which include pasta,  » Read more

Save March for Music

Sanibel Music Festival

For the past thirty years, classical music aficionados “Save March for Music” as they look forward to the next season of the Sanibel Music Festival. Each year, festival organizers present seven concerts featuring exceptional piano, chamber music, recital and vocal ensemble performances. Their mission is to present classical music of the highest standard at affordable prices and to promote the careers of emerging artists through performance opportunities.

The 30th Anniversary celebration season of the Sanibel Music Festival promises not to disappoint.  » Read more

The American Alligator

American alligatorAmerican alligator

American crocodileAmerican crocodile

“Where are the alligators?” is a frequent question fielded by our Guest Services team. For many Ocean’s Reach vacationers, a trip is not complete without a glimpse of an alligator . . . or crocodile!

So where’s the best place to see a gator? Explore the Indigo Trail at the “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. If you’re lucky you’ll see double—an alligator and a crocodile!  » Read more

Sign Up to Receive Special Offers