Arrival After Business Hours

We are open 7 days a week. Our normal office hours are 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please note the following, should you arrive after hours:

• A check-in letter with your last name will be located on a cork board in our office located at 367 Periwinkle Way. The letter will provide detailed instructions. If there are any questions or concerns, call the phone numbers provided on the letter.
  
  
• After hours emergency answering service available 24hr/day. Emergency contact numbers are listed on the check-in letters, confirmation letters and posted in the office. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to contact us at dawn@tarpontale.com or call toll free at (888) 345-0939.
  
  

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FAQs

Can I have an early check in or late check out?

Our check in time is 3:00 PM. We normally have the rooms prepared earlier than 3:00, but we never guarantee on early check-in time. We do encourage you to come early and park your car, take the bikes to the beach after registration or have lunch across the road at the Deli or Café.

Check out time is 10:00 AM. We’re sorry but there are no exceptions to the check out time. If the room is not rented to another party on your departure date, we can occasionally offer a half-day rate at the price of _ the daily rate plus tax. Half-day rates must be requested in advance and are solely at the discretion of Inn Keepers and management. Please call or e-mail for details. (888) 345 0939 or dawn@tarpontale.com.

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What is the cancellation policy?

Our cancellation policy begins 35 days prior to your check-in date. If you cancel within that period, a deposit of 25%, or one night’s stay (whichever is higher) will be forfeited unless we can re-rent the room at the same price and duration. If we are able to re-rent the room, we will credit the deposit minus a $30 processing fee.

For cancellations made outside the 35 day period, we refund the deposit minus a $30 processing fee.

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What is your Hurricane policy?

Hurricanes have become an unfortunate reality for the Gulf Coast. Unlike a tornado we normally have several days of advance warning and predictions for the storms. If a Hurricane is tracking to Southwest Florida and a mandatory evacuation is ordered, we will completely refund all deposits and reservations for the evacuation period. If the storm forces a voluntary evacuation, we will issue a credit for a future stay or for any unused portion of a reservation after check-in occurs. If the storm is down graded to a Tropical Storm or if no evacuation orders are issued, there will be no refunds for cancellations or early departures.

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Are Bikes Provided?

Yes, each unit includes use of two, adult beach bikes. We’re sorry but our insurance does not permit minors use our bikes under any circumstance. Also, bikes are limited and we can only permit two bikes per room. If you have an extra person in your party or if you are traveling with a minor, bike rentals are available at Billy’s Bike Rentals.

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Are there grocery stores on the Island?

Sanibel has two full-service grocery stores, Bailey's (www.baileys-sanibel.com) and Jerry's www.jerrysfoods.com/ as well as several convenience stores. Both Bailey’s and Jerry’s offer online shopping service and delivery, allowing you to get to the beach sooner. You can take advantage of these services by clicking Bailey’s Online Grocery Shopping or Jerry’s Online Grocery Shopping.

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Is daily maid service provided?

Daily maid service is not provided but can be arranged at an additional charge. All rooms are equipped for housekeeping. Clean towels and linins are always available at no extra charge. Bath soaps, toilet and facial tissue, paper towels, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent and garbage bags are also provided at no extra charge.

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What do the units include?

Studio’s and Master Bedroom suite’s include a full kitchen with range oven, cook top, microwave, refrigerator and freezer, toaster, coffee maker, pots, pans and cooking utensils, dishes and drinking glasses. All units also include linens and towels in the room. Irons, ironing boards, and a washer and dryer are available on-site. Also provided are beach towels and accessories such as beach chairs, towels, umbrellas and other beach equipment.

Efficiency’s and optional Second bedroom’s don’t have kitchens. These units contain a mini-fridge, microwave, coffee maker and toaster, dishes, utensils and drinking glasses. All units also include linens and towels in the room. Irons, ironing boards, and a washer and dryer are available on-site. Also provided are beach towels and accessories such as beach chairs, towels, umbrellas and other beach equipment.

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Can I bring my pet?

We permit pets in only one room located at the far corner of the Inn. Availability is based on a first come basis. We require a $100 non-refundable pet fee plus a $500 refundable damage deposit. We also require a waiver agreeing that if we receive any complaints about barking or any other noise from the pet, management reserves the right to ask you to leave immediately with no refund. We are dog owners and lovers and we understand and appreciate the amazing bond between dogs and their owners.

However, we’ve allowed pets in the past, only to find that most owners head off for the beach leaving the dog locked in the room, barking and whimpering until mom and dad come home. Our policy leaves the responsibility in your hands. If you’re confident your pet will not bark or make noise that will bother other guests, we welcome your animal if availability permits.

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Can I bring my boat, waverunner, or camper?

The Tarpon Tale Inn has limited parking. Occasionally we have extra room for boat trailers during off- season months. Prior arrangements must be made before arrival and trailers may not be longer than 25 ft. We’re sorry but we don’t have space for campers. If we’re not able to accommodate your boat trailer, camper of wave runner, other arrangements can be made at the Bait Box for a nominal fee.

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What if I need to conduct business during my vacation?

We do not allow any business to be conducted on the property other than official Inn business! Of course we are kidding…sort of. Actually, we offer an array of business services including complimentary guest Internet access located in our common room. Our common room is also set up for wireless internet, though the signal is not strong enough to reach individual rooms. Please note our computer terminal is only an internet Kiosk and does not have the ability to print boarding passes or anything else. We also have fax and mail service available. Please be sure to have any mail or packages sent to you in care of Tarpon Tale Inn at the 367 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, Florida 33957 address. Please put your reservation name and arrival date on your package.

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Are there phone in the rooms?

There are no phones in the rooms. Guest phones are found in the common room, outside the office and outside the laundry room. Most cellular services receive strong signals at the Inn

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Can I make long distance calls or access the Internet with my laptop computer?

All local, 800 and 911 calls are available at no charge. Long distance calls may be made with a credit card or calling card. Modem and wireless access is available in our common room for those wishing to utilize a laptop computer. We also have a computer tterminal in our common room for quest use. Additional information will be available in your unit once you arrive.

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Living Like the Natives

We want your holiday to be a comfortable and relaxing one. Here are some ways you can enjoy the environment here and make a difference.

LIVE SHELLS are home to creatures of the sea. While they are interesting to study, it is important to preserve them by placing them back into the water and looking for other shells. There's no shortage! The taking of any live shells on Sanibel or Captiva is prohibited by law. Violations are subject to a fine of $400 per shell.

SPEED LIMITS are low here. Enjoy our leisurely pace and ensure the safety of thousands of creatures with whom we share our islands. These include raccoons, herons and armadillos who trust we won't hurt them with our vehicles. If you do find an injured animal or bird, call C.R.O.W. (Care & Rehabilitation of Wildlife) located on Sanibel-Captiva Road at 472-3644. Thanks for caring.

SUNBURNS are a common sight here. Most people find it hard to believe that the skin can burn on cloudy or cool days. It definitely can! Be sure to use protective lotion while outside - a burn the first day can keep you inside for several! If your lotion irritates your skin, switch lotions or consult a doctor. Also be aware that certain drugs, may cause a photoallergic reaction to the skin.

STING RAYS are beautiful creatures gliding effortlessly through the water. These gentle fish sometimes lie on the bottom in shallow water to sleep or feed. Often times they are slightly buried in the sand and are therefore invisible. You would be surprised if something 20 times your weight stepped on you, and so are they! If frightened, their natural defense is to swing their barbed tail toward the threat. This painful injury is entirely avoidable by shuffling your feet when you wade in the water. If you sustain a puncture wound, immediate medical attention is needed to clean and care for the wound.

ALLIGATORS are another fascinating creature you can observe here in southwest Florida. In general they retreat from humans, but DON'T APPROACH THEM. They are very quick on their feet! Most importantly, DON'T FEED THE ALLIGATORS. Once they expect food from humans they become a threat and often have to be killed.

FISHING LINE, PLASTIC BAGS AND SIX-PACK RINGS are the greatest threat to our wildlife here. Birds become entangled and loggerhead tortoises swallow bags. Properly disposing of your litter here saves lives. We also suggest taking something to the beach in which you can dispose of cigarette butts.

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Policies & Procedures

COMING SOON!

THANK YOU for helping to keep our home a safe and beautiful place for people AND wildlife.