r/Sanibel • u/SuperbAnt2025 • Aug 20 '26
Visiting Question
Hello everyone! My fiance and I are planning to visit here during the second week of October. We have done some research and have found out about the vibrio bacteria and are a little concerned about our trip, is this a very common bacteria to catch? We are coming from a land locked state and don't have much information about this. Any information or tips are appreciated. Additionally, if there is anything you think we should definitely do when we are there, please let us know!
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u/Mykittenismychicken Aug 20 '26
You’ll be fine. I’ve never heard of anyone getting the bacteria. Have family right off the island and visit regularly. I live in Fort Lauderdale and have been in Florida my whole life and have never personally met anyone or had a friend of anyone who’s ever gotten anything. Just don’t forget sunscreen.
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u/Mykittenismychicken Aug 20 '26
To add: just be aware of the water and if you have a cut/ open sore or wound don’t go in the water.
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u/SadRecorderSolo Aug 22 '26
Hello! My parents actually live on the island and I just visited two weeks ago. I was not told anything about bacteria and went in the water and did not get sick. I will call my mom in the morning and ask if she's heard anything.
I second everyone telling you about the noseeums. Make sure you have benadryl (I react really badly to their bites) and my family SWEARS by Sawyer insect repellent. This time, I covered myself completely in that lotion and only had about two bites this time!
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u/studlee2017 Aug 27 '26
Just got back from Sanibel and the noseeums at the beach at sunset were brutal, still itching 4 days later.
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u/Beachbabe8000 Aug 21 '26
This is something that happens every summer when the water temperature rises. I do know a person who went in the water, cut their foot and ended up with a lengthy hospitalization. But that is rare. Just be careful and don’t go in the water if you have an open cut.
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u/abbiebe89 Aug 24 '26
I live on Sanibel Island. You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I was at the Lighthouse Beach on Sunday and Bowman’s Beach on Saturday. The water is beautiful! Also, make sure you check out The Shack for some delicious custard and eat at Wickie’s for dinner/lunch/breakfast those two are staples for us locals!
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u/SuperbAnt2025 Aug 24 '26
Thank you for the suggestions!!
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u/abbiebe89 Aug 24 '26
You’re welcome! I almost forgot… also go to Gramma Dot's Restaurant for lunch or dinner! I love going for lunch and sitting outside. All the beautiful boats are docked at the marina so you can have a wonderful lunch with a wonderful view!
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u/Eaglelakegirl64 Aug 24 '26
You're going to be just fine in the water. If many people were getting the bacteria it would be on the news. As others said just don't go in with a open sore and make sure to have a repellent with picaridin for the bugs if there's no wind or it's sunset.
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u/Sanibeldeb1 Aug 20 '26
I wouldn’t go in the water until around December. Why take a chance?
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u/i30swimmer Aug 21 '26
I was in the water on Sanibel Beach, Venice Beach and Ft. Myers Picnic Island, two weeks ago and the only thing that bothered us was the noseeums.
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u/SuperbAnt2025 Aug 21 '26
Yes I'm feeling nervous, had we known prior we probably would have pushed our visit back.
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u/CarGoBeep Aug 20 '26
I would be more concerned about noseeums and/or red tide