Escape to Paradise
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning a vacation should be exciting—not confusing.
Whether you're considering Southern Serenity for your next Fort Myers Beach vacation or already have a reservation, we've organized answers to our most frequently asked questions into easy-to-navigate topics.
Choose the section below that best matches your question.
Before You Book
Questions about Southern Serenity's accommodations, amenities, pets, parking, accessibility, occupancy, and what to expect before making your reservation.
Launch → Before You Book
Reservations & Policies
Information about payments, cancellation policies, minimum age requirements, travel insurance, and other reservation-related questions.
Launch → Reservations & Policies
Before You Arrive
Everything you need before traveling, including arrival information, check-in procedures, parking, and preparing for your stay.
Launch → Before You Arrive
During Your Stay
Answers to common questions that arise after you've arrived, including Wi-Fi, pool, kitchens, laundry, beach equipment, and guest assistance.
Launch → During Your Stay
How do we book our stay?
You can check availability and book directly through our website. Guests more comfortable using a third party booking side such as Airbnb or Vrbo are welcome to do so. Click here for links to those sites. for our family-friendly vacation rental, which offers a simple and personalized reservation experience. Southern Serenity is also listed on Vrbo for guests who prefer booking through a familiar travel platform. You’re welcome to reserve whichever way feels most comfortable for you. Additionally, our Fort Myers Beach accommodations feature a private heated pool for your enjoyment. If you have questions before booking, feel free to reach out — we’re always happy to help.
Are there nearby activities for families?
Yes. Guests enjoy beach walks, fishing from the nearby Mound House pier (no license required), local restaurants, and island shopping. If you're looking for family-friendly vacation rental options, our Fort Myers Beach accommodations offer resort day-pass experiences, themed miniature golf, and scenic golf cart cruising. Some families also plan a day trip to inland water parks or lagoon attractions, while others relax in their own private heated pool.
Are there upscale or fine dining restaurants near Southern Serenity?
Yes. Guests seeking family-friendly vacation rentals with quieter or more refined dining experiences will find several excellent options nearby. Notable Fort Myers Beach accommodations include Costa Cucina at DiamondHead (a short walk from the home), Fresh Catch Bistro, Matanzas on the Bay, and Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, all of which offer great atmospheres. If you're interested in recommendations based on walking distance, sunset views, or special occasions, we’re happy to help you enjoy your stay.
Is the home cleaned between guests?
Yes. Southern Serenity, our family-friendly vacation rental, is professionally cleaned after every stay by a cleaning company we have worked with for several years.
Guests pay a dedicated cleaning fee that goes directly to the cleaning vendor. Because of this long-term partnership, we are often assigned the same experienced two-person cleaning crew that knows the home extremely well. The owner of the cleaning company also routinely inspects the property between guest stays to ensure our Fort Myers Beach accommodations remain in top condition.
In addition, we (Shelley and Brad) personally visit and conduct surprise inspections throughout the year to ensure the home continues to meet our standards for cleanliness, safety, and comfort, especially around our private heated pool.
If you have special cleaning or preparation requests for your stay, please let us know — we are often able to accommodate.
What if we need assistance during our stay?
We remain available to help guests before and during their stay at our family-friendly vacation rental. Our goal is to ensure your Fort Myers Beach accommodations provide a smooth, comfortable, and memorable experience, complete with a private heated pool.
Does the home have a water softener or filtered drinking water?
The home, a family-friendly vacation rental, does not have a water softener, which is typical for Fort Myers Beach accommodations. For drinking water, both refrigerators are equipped with built-in filtered water and ice dispensers for your convenience. We’ve owned the home since 2018 and have been visiting the area since 2005, and neither we nor our guests have experienced any concerns with the water quality — including tap water. The home is serviced by the local municipal water system, which is regularly tested and meets all state and federal drinking water standards, ensuring a safe and pleasant stay while enjoying the private heated pool.
Are there fitness centers or gyms nearby?
Yes — there are a couple of great options nearby depending on what you’re looking for during your stay at our family-friendly vacation rental:
🏋️ Bay Oaks Recreation Center (Closest Option)
Located just about a 3-minute drive or 10-minute walk from Southern Serenity, one of the top Fort Myers Beach accommodations.
Offers a full fitness area and weight room.
Non-resident day pass: approximately $10 per person.
A convenient and affordable option for a quick workout during your stay, especially if you want to relax afterward in your private heated pool.
💪 Hammerhead Gym (Full-Service Gym Experience)
Located about 10 minutes away on Summerlin Road.
Offers a more extensive, traditional gym setup with 24/7 access.
Day pass: approximately $20 or $39 for a 1-week pass.
Our Recommendation:
If you’re looking for convenience, Bay Oaks is hard to beat. However, if you want a more complete gym experience similar to what you may be used to at home, Hammerhead is a great choice.
If you’d like directions or help deciding which option is best for your stay, just let us know — we’re happy to help!
🦈 Water Safety, Sharks & Reality at Fort Myers Beach
We’re often asked about sharks and water safety—especially by guests visiting Florida for the first time. It’s a fair question, and we want to provide a clear and honest answer.
Are there sharks in the water?
Yes—this is the Gulf of Mexico, and sharks are part of the natural ecosystem. That said, they are rarely seen near shore and typically avoid human activity.
What’s the history of shark attacks at Fort Myers Beach?
Incidents in this area are extremely rare. Compared to other parts of Florida (particularly the Atlantic coast), Fort Myers Beach has very low documented shark activity involving humans. If you’re staying in one of our family-friendly vacation rentals, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the risk is low.
For context, the International Shark Attack File—maintained by the Florida Museum of Natural History—tracks shark incidents worldwide. Globally, there are typically only 5–10 fatal shark attacks per year.
How safe is it really?
Very safe.
Millions of people enjoy the waters around Fort Myers Beach every year without incident. You’re far more likely to experience something routine like:
A minor jellyfish sting
A stubbed toe in the surf
Or too much sun
What about the stories you hear?
Sharks get a lot of attention, but the reality is:
👉 You are far more likely to be injured by everyday hazards than by a shark.
In tropical areas, things like:
Falling coconuts
Even falling tree debris (yes, including the occasional iguana in South Florida)
…pose a higher real-world risk than shark encounters.
Practical safety tips (simple and smart)
If you follow basic beach awareness, your risk becomes even smaller:
Avoid swimming at dawn or dusk
Don’t swim near fishing activity
Stay in groups when possible
Exit the water if you see baitfish actively jumping
Bottom line
Fort Myers Beach is a place to relax and enjoy the water with confidence. While sharks are part of the ocean, the actual risk to swimmers is extremely low—far lower than most people assume. If you choose Fort Myers Beach accommodations with a private heated pool, you can enjoy relaxation away from the waves as well.
If you ever have questions during your stay, we’re always happy to help you feel comfortable and informed.
What if I have questions not addressed here?
We’re always happy to help with your family-friendly vacation rental needs. If you don’t see your question answered here regarding our Fort Myers Beach accommodations, please feel free to reach out anytime. You can message us through the booking platform, contact us through our website, or call or text if that’s easier.
We want you to feel fully comfortable and informed when planning your stay, especially if you're interested in a place with a private heated pool. We’re glad to assist however we can.