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

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 Captiva Chapel By the Sea, 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 Bailey's Beach and Sanibel Sea School.

Shell Harbor
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Ybel

While Ybel might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Periwinkle Way.

Ybel
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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 P13,137 per night from Aug 11 to Aug 12
P13,137
P16,082 total
Aug 11 - Aug 12
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! (1,256 reviews)
"Love the property and everything it provided"

Reviewed on Aug 4, 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 P21,849 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P21,849
P31,947 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
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 Jul 17, 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 P10,060 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P10,060
P13,234 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
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! (999 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 Jul 10, 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 Jul 17, 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! (1,086 reviews)
"We stayed in a room with an absolutely breathtaking view, the perfect way to start and end each day with the sound of the ocean. The front desk service at check-in and check-out was fantastic – friendly, welcoming, and efficient. The beach is spectacular – peaceful, clean, and ideal for relaxing ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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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