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

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Beachview Country Club Estates

While visiting Beachview Country Club Estates, you might make a stop by sights like Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Golf Club.

Beachview Country Club Estates
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Sanctuary

While there might not be top attractions in Sanctuary, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Blind Pass Beach and Turner Beach.

Sanctuary
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Gulf Shores

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Gulf Shores and surrounding area, you can visit Alison Hagerup Beach Park and Captiva Chapel By the Sea.

Gulf Shores
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Shell Harbor

While Shell Harbor isn't home to many top sights, Bailey's Beach and Sanibel Sea School are some notable places to visit nearby.

Shell Harbor
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Ybel

Though Ybel may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Periwinkle Way.

Ybel
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The Dunes

While there might not be top attractions in The Dunes, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Bailey's Beach.

The Dunes
Sanibel Island Beach Resort

Sanibel Island Beach Resort

3 out of 5
1231 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL
The price is €241 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
€241
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
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. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,259 reviews)
"This is our 2nd year staying here. We were able to get the same room, which was awesome!! Staff was more than nice and accommodating. We will be back again! Thank you!"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Sanibel Island Beach Resort
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

5 out of 5
1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL
The price is €466 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
€466
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (2,572 reviews)
"The pool/beach area was amazing! The poolside service was awesome. My only concern was me a senior and friend staying with me a senior were assigned a 4 th floor room with no elevator. It took almost an hour to find a space that had an elevator. Jared the security guy was so helpful. Then for check ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2025

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa

Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa

3 out of 5
15951 Captiva Drive, Captiva, FL
The price is €331 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
€331
19 Aug - 20 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach resort in Captiva. Enjoy free parking, 2 outdoor pools, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Captiva Beach and Captiva Chapel ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (998 reviews)
"Tween Waters was amazing!!! Our Studio King room with Ocean View in the Sea Grape was beautiful and completely updated!! We could see the most beautiful sunsets right from our private balcony!! The pool area was wonderful and the food and drinks were delicious!! We found the most beautiful shells ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
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.
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! (2,572 reviews)
"The pool/beach area was amazing! The poolside service was awesome. My only concern was me a senior and friend staying with me a senior were assigned a 4 th floor room with no elevator. It took almost an hour to find a space that had an elevator. Jared the security guy was so helpful. Then for check ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 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! (1,087 reviews)
"Good air conditioning. Ice maker in refrigerator. Gr I 89.32"

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Island Inn
South Seas Bayside Villa 5130: Your Perfect Island Retreat

South Seas Bayside Villa 5130: Your Perfect Island Retreat

Captiva
Stay at this vacation home in Captiva. Enjoy free WiFi, patios, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions McCarthy's Marina and Jungle Drums are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (13 reviews)
Great peaceful getaway
"Loved Captiva and overall property. Clean. Well kept. The unit overlooks mangroves. Short drive to beach villas where you can park for beach. Beach was amazing. Seashells everywhere, almost no waves, not crowded and peaceful."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

South Seas Bayside Villa 5130: Your Perfect Island Retreat
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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