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.
Sanibel Captiva Island, FL
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Where to stay in Sanibel Captiva Island
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.
Sanibel Isles
If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Sanibel Isles and surrounding area, you can visit Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Periwinkle Way.
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 Bailey's Beach.
Gulf Shores
When in Gulf Shores, you can plan a visit to Alison Hagerup Beach Park and McCarthy's Marina, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
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.
The Dunes
When in The Dunes, you can plan a visit to Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Bailey's Beach, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.
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Popular places to visit
Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Southern Beach during your trip to Sanibel?
Bowman's Beach
Relax and revel in a visit to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, great for swimming, fishing and finding special seashells.
Captiva Beach
If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Captiva Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Captiva. Discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area.
Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Although nobody knows how many shipwrecks it’s prevented, this lighthouse has been a welcome beacon for over a century. Visit it on an island that’s noted for shell collecting.
Sanibel Island Northern Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Northern Beach during your trip to Sanibel? Discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area, or enjoy its biking trails.
Periwinkle Way
The island’s spine is also its commercial hub. Drive or bike the road’s length to find attractions and discover many stores and restaurants.
Things to do
Tiki Boat Tours
Dolphin and Sightseeing Tiki Boat Cruise
Clear Kayak Sunset & Light Tour - Bonita Springs / Ft Myers Beach
2-hour Tiki Pub Sunset Cruise in Fort Myers Beach (Adults only)
2hr Tiki Pub Fort Myers Beach Fun in the Sun Dolphin Cruise
Private Boat Tour up to 12 People Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel
- Sanibel Island Southern Beach
- Bowman's Beach
- Captiva Beach
- Sanibel Island Lighthouse
- Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center
- Periwinkle Way
- J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- Turner Beach
- Sanibel Island Golf Club
- Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
- Dunes Golf and Tennis Club
- Jensen’s Marina
- McCarthy's Marina
- Bailey - Matthews Shell Museum
- Alison Hagerup Beach Park
- Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens
- Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center
- Castaways Marina
- Captiva Chapel By the Sea
- Gulfside City Park
- Sanibel Sea School
- BIG Arts Center
- Woodring Beach
- Jungle Drums
- Sanibel Historical Village and Museum
- Herb Strauss Schoolhouse Theater