Stayed at Tortuga in late August following a very soggy week in Orlando( courtesy of Tropical Storm Fay). We used our timeshare ownership as a means to book, although obviously guests are also able to simply pay cash for their stay.
As we arrived, the sun appeared and stayed with us for the whole week.
Despite the Resort policy stating that check-in is after 3p.m, the welcoming lady in reception let us have the keys two hours early.
We had been allocated room 156. This had a superb and panoramic view of Sanibel Beach and Gulf of Mexico.
We had a two bedroom apartment which was split level. Both bedrooms were absolutely massive. The master bedroom had a dressing area with `his and hers sinks` and an ensuite. It also featured a small patio area with two chairs and a small table. the second bedroom had a king sized bed and a small bed for a younger child located in the bay-window.
The kitchen was well appointed and of adequate size and the lounge/diner well set out and harbouring a sofa bed, Cable TV and a large screened Lanai from which we spent a good deal of time watching the shelling activity on the beach.
Our apartment also had a washer and drryer which were put to good use.
Tortuga has a child friendly pool which provides the focal point for on-site activities and a place to meet others. Whilst this did provide a respite from the very hot and humid conditions, it couldn't be described as refreshing as the water was warm. There were plenty of comfortable loungers provided around the pool deck.
A hot tub, volleyball court and small clubhouse were adjacent to the pool and two boarwalks led directly to the beach. There is also a resident, two foot long iguana, who appears from time-to-time in some odd places. He was definitely the star of the show when he was spotted.
The Resort did have an "activities programme" from Sunday-Friday inc. There was a limited range of activities for the kids (e.g tye-dying, shell painting, scavenger hunt, necklace making) and practically nothing in the way of adult entertainment. Most activities required a nominal payment. Perhaps the best activity was the "Kids Night out" (Tuesday evening between 5-8p.m)which featured a pizza and movie. This lasted for three hours and parents depositing their loved ones in this very safe environment were able to go off-site for dinner.
Other facilities provided by the Resort include four pristine and seldom-used tennis courts, a dvd club ($15 for the duration of a stay and featuring a decent selection of kids and adult films) and shuffleboard.
We thoroughly enjoyed our week at Tortuga. Whilst it is ideal for those with younger children, there were plenty of "more mature guests" and even a few teenagers around, all of whom were seemingly having a good and relaxing time.
If I have a couple of whinges, they are small and include:
- no maid service
- Whilst there is wireless internet access, the Resort does not have terminals for guests to use
- no fitness suite (although the municipal one was very good and only cost $10/day for a family membership)
These were nothing to get upsat about by any means and were more than offset by all the good points previously mentioned and the very obliging, helpful and friendly staff.
I would definetely recommend Tortuga as a place to stay and would stay here again given the chance.

I have been going to Tortuga Beach Club since I was 20 days old. It has been a constant in my life, and never once has the resort disapointed me. I am grown and married now and my husband has become a TBC convert as well. We look forward to it every year. Even though we are FL residences, going to Sanibel and TBC is like going to our own private island. The staff is excelent, Joann the activity director is an institution and always has a smile a witty quip. The decor is very tropical, it really creates a island ambiance, I wouldn't decorate my home that way, but I find it really enhances the experience. While there make sure to check out Cheeburger, Cheeburger- it's an amazing kitschy reasturant with AWESOME food!!!! Great cheeburgers and out of this world chocolate shakes. If you are looking for an island 'home', Tortuga Beach Club will not disapoint!!!

We have owned at Tortuga since 1983. It is as wonderful today as the day we bought. We have never traded! We have used our week every year for 25 years and have made lifetime friends there; for us and our children (who are now adults!) We look forward to "raising" our grandchildren there now!

We have stayed on Sanibel Island many times over the years. This is the first time we stayed at the Tortuga Beach Club Resort and we loved it. The grounds surrounding this resort are spotless and beautifully manicured with flowers and trees everywhere. Our unit was comfortable and well decorated. Access to the beach was an easy walk via three board walkways. Personel were so friendly and accommodating. We will definitely stay here again! Just wish our stay had been longer!