Sanibel Captiva Island Travel Guide

Tourist 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 kilometres) 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 kilometres) 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 centre, 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 Jungle Drums.

Gulf Shores
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Shell Harbor

While Shell Harbor isn't home to many top sights, Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens and Sanibel Sea School are some notable places to visit nearby.

Shell Harbor
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Gulf Shores

When in Gulf Shores, you can plan a visit to Bowman's Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Gulf Shores
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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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹17,219 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹17,219
₹21,352 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Sanibel. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,215 reviews)
"Clean and updated. Lack of umbrellas would be the 1 thing to improve."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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 ₹21,146 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
₹21,146
₹26,586 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
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 10 Jul 2025

Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
Sanibel Inn

Sanibel Inn

3 out of 5
937 East Gulf Drive, Sanibel, FL
The price is ₹26,979 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹26,979
₹33,914 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Sanibel. Enjoy a private beach, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Sanibel Island Southern Beach ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Beautiful"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the property condition in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,566 reviews)
"Excellent"

Reviewed on 6 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a private beach. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,078 reviews)
"This small hotel is the perfect escape for anyone looking for peace and privacy. Tucked right on the beach, it offers stunning ocean views, quiet surroundings, and a truly relaxing atmosphere. The staff is warm and welcoming, and everything is spotless and well-maintained. It feels like your own ..."

Reviewed on 14 Jul 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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