Sanibel Captiva Island, FL

Travel Guide
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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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.

Sanibel Isles
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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 Bailey's Beach.

Shell Harbor
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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.

Gulf Shores
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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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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.

The Dunes
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
Sanibel Island Beach Resort
3 out of 5
1231 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL
The price is $280 per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
$280
includes taxes & fees
$253 per night
Nov 4 - Nov 5
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. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,074 reviews)
New favorite spot on Sanibel
"The entire staff were so friendly, attentive and professional while dealing with reconstruction projects. The BRGR eats were delish in the restaurant and at the pool side bar, YUM. Relaxing vibes, great location and proximity to the beach, can't wait to come back"

Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024

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 $286 per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$286
includes taxes & fees
$256 per night
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Book a stay at this beach resort in Captiva. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Captiva Beach and Captiva Chapel ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"I was welcomed to the property. I was given explicit directions to our room. The room was clean but dated. The screen porch looked over the pool. That was very nice. The beds in the room were VERY uncomfortable and made lots of noise while getting in and out of them. The bathroom was dated with chips ..."

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2024

Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
South Seas Resort
South Seas Resort
3.5 out of 5
5400 South Seas Plantation Rd, Captiva, FL
Book a stay at this beach resort in Captiva. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, 2 restaurants, and a private beach. Popular attractions Jungle Drums and McCarthy's Marina ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Property was good still a lot of construction going on to repair damage from the hurricane. Staff was very nice great service overall experience was nice and easy walkable to pool and the private beach."

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2024

South Seas Resort
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.
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! (1,054 reviews)
Wonderful stay
"This is one of the absolutely best places on Sanibel to stay. Even post hurricaine x 2, the accomodations are extremely clean and well managed. Shelling and beach access here, was amazing!!"

Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024

Island Inn
FULLY RESTORED! Rare Walkout Condo On Sanibel Beach
FULLY RESTORED! Rare Walkout Condo On Sanibel Beach
Sanibel
Book a stay at this beach condo in Sanibel. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Bailey ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (79 reviews)
"From the condo, there was a nice, easy access to the beach, and the pool was great. The condo was fully stocked. It had all the amenities of a hotel (toiletries, sheets, and towels provided) plus those of a beach condo (beach items) which was great when flying in for a vacation."

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2024

FULLY RESTORED! Rare Walkout Condo On Sanibel Beach
Stunning Luxury villa "Sandpiper" across the street from the beach!
Stunning Luxury villa "Sandpiper" across the street from the beach!
Sanibel
Stay at this villa in Sanibel. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Key West Express are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (30 reviews)
Perfect place to chill after a day at the beach!
"No issues at all. In fact , we got to get in early, which was nice!"

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2024

Stunning Luxury villa "Sandpiper" across the street from the beach!
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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