Hi my vote would definetly go to Sanibel! We have stayed on Captiva Island which is connected to Sanibel by a causeway, for 2 years now and we love it there!! As much as I love Disney and Mickey I love captiva just as much!! It is very beautiful, thick tropical foilage no billboards, high rises ect, very laid back great restaurants very relaxing and fun!! I think clear water will be more like a touresty place, you don't get that feeling on Sanibel/captiva it's more like a family place! there are many nice condos to choose from, we have rented a 3/4 bedroom home very close to the ocean, the water is also great there, although probally not as many waves but there's alot of wildlife, pelicans osprey, egrets many other birds ,saw dolphins every day manatees, lots of other ocean critters, beautiful sunsets, I wouldn't call it a "jumpin" place, but if you like nature and beatiful scenery I'd go with sanibel ! have fun! goofy4mickey