Sanibel Captiva Island

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce/Dave Meardon Photography
Photo provided by Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce/Dave Meardon Photography
Photo provided by Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce/Milissa Sprecher Photography
Photo provided by Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce/Milissa Sprecher Photography
Photo provided by Sanibel Captiva Chamber of Commerce/Dave Meardon Photography
This barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico is famous for its seashells, and charms visitors with its sunsets, watersports and family-friendly resorts.

With white-sand bays, wildlife reserves and oceanfront resorts, Sanibel Island is a holiday destination of choice. Celebrated for its natural beauty, this island off the west coast of Florida has 15 miles (24 kilometers) of beach, mangrove forests and coral reefs teeming with fish.

Sanibel Island is a city and barrier island, connected to the mainland by a tollroad. On this small island you will not be going anywhere in a hurry. You can rent a bike and follow the 22 miles (35 kilometers) of bike trails traversing the island. With very few hills, this is not too strenuous, but note that there are no streetlights after dark.

On the beaches you can stand ankle deep in seashells. Take part in the “Sanibel Stoop,” a ritual for locals and tourists alike, which involves walking along the seashore to collect the shells washed up daily from the Caribbean and southern seas. Learn about the history and science of shells at Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.

Go snorkeling, paddleboarding or windsurfing to try some of the water-based activities on offer. To get a break from the beach, enjoy the events at the Big Arts cultural center, including jazz concerts and dance performances. For a slice of history, join a guided tour of Sanibel Historical Museum and Village and learn about local pioneer families.

Over two-thirds of Sanibel Island is a designated nature reserve. Be sure to visit J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This undeveloped mangrove ecosystem is named after Jay Norwood Darling, a cartoonist who fought to protect the island from developers. Join a kayaking tour to discover the varied flora and fauna, including horseshoe crabs and woodpeckers. Visit the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife to see who takes care of the island’s injured birds and animals.

Sanibel Island places a strong emphasis on independent stores and restaurants. A prime example is Bailey’s General Store. The Baileys, one of the city’s original families, have been running the store since 1899. If you decide to try your hand at fishing during your visit to Sanibel Island, some of the restaurants are willing to cook your catch.

Where to stay in Sanibel Captiva Island

Periwinkle Way featuring cycling as well as an individual femail

Beachview Country Club Estates

If you're spending some time in Beachview Country Club Estates, Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Beachview Country Club Estates
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Sanctuary

While Sanctuary might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Blind Pass Beach and Turner Beach.

Sanctuary
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Gulf Shores

When in Gulf Shores, you can plan a visit to Alison Hagerup Beach Park and Jensen’s Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Gulf Shores
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Shell Harbor

Though Shell Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens and Dunes Golf and Tennis Club.

Shell Harbor
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The Dunes

When in The Dunes, you can plan a visit to Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Periwinkle Way, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

The Dunes
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Del Sega

If you're spending some time in Del Sega, Blind Pass Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are top sights worth seeing.

Del Sega
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
3 out of 5
1231 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL
The price is CA $378 per night from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28
CA $378
CA $457 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Sanibel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,086 reviews)
"I like that it's very close to the beach. the cleaning staff is very friendly and the lady in restaurante bar too. I wish the microwave had a cabinet instead of on top of the refrigerator, because it moves a lot when it's turned on. I also wish they'd put down a mat to get to the beach."

Reviewed on Mar. 30, 2025

Sanibel Island Beach Resort
Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
3 out of 5
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva, FL
The price is CA $329 per night from Apr. 29 to Apr. 30
CA $329
CA $417 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 29 - Apr 30
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Captiva. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Captiva Beach and Captiva Chapel ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"I was hesitant after some of the reviews, but this was an absolutely delightful place to stay on vacation. Would definitely come back and recomend to friends!"

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
Sanibel Inn
Sanibel Inn
3 out of 5
937 East Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL
The price is CA $737 per night from Apr. 21 to Apr. 22
CA $737
CA $886 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 21 - Apr 22
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Sanibel. Enjoy a private beach, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Key West Express and Sanibel ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Our stay at Sanibel Inn was wonderful. The property was clean. The pool was lovely. The food at the restaurant by the pool was also lovely. The property was almost complete post hurricane damage. Would love to stay there again. Our favorite thing was the bike rentals. We rode all over the ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 29, 2025

Sanibel Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Shell Island Beach Club
Shell Island Beach Club
2 out of 5
255 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL
Book a stay at this beach aparthotel in Sanibel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Key West Express and Sanibel Island ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"They are still rebuilding from the storms so none of the outdoor amenities were open yet. We were informed of this when we booked.The condo was very clean & had everything we needed. I would definitely stay there again!"

Reviewed on Mar. 19, 2025

Shell Island Beach Club
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
5 out of 5
1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL
Stay at this 5-star luxury condo in Sanibel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,559 reviews)
"Resort was very clean. Staff were very friendly. Received $180.00 food/ service credit on arrival because some of the resort areas are under renovation because of the Hurricane last fall. My room was so nice and the bed was luxurious. Beach was beautiful!!!"

Reviewed on Mar. 15, 2025

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Island Inn
Island Inn
3.5 out of 5
3111 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Sanibel. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,068 reviews)
"Exactly as shown and described."

Reviewed on Feb. 20, 2025

Island Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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