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 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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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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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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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
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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
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 AU$348 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$348
30 Oct - 31 Oct
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! (1,336 reviews)
"Steps from the beach for long walks Onsite coffee house and Burger place were awesome. Tiki bar staff friendly and nice pool area. Beds were comfy and the air conditioning worked like a charm! Only warning when you check in get the spray…those little sand bugs or whatever they are called come out ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 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 AU$647 per night from 19 Oct to 20 Oct
AU$647
19 Oct - 20 Oct
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! (2,576 reviews)
"The ocean view 1 minute to the beach"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 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 AU$360 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$360
20 Oct - 21 Oct
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Stunning Beach View great Staff"

Reviewed on 1 Oct 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! (2,576 reviews)
"The ocean view 1 minute to the beach"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 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! (1,107 reviews)
"The room was very clean and spacious. Late check-in was easy. View was amazing. Right on the beach. Good communication.Very nice staff."

Reviewed on 4 Oct 2025

Island Inn
Beach View + 1-2 Min walk to Beach + Huge TVs & Fully Remodeled

Beach View + 1-2 Min walk to Beach + Huge TVs & Fully Remodeled

Sanibel
Stay at this apartment in Sanibel. Enjoy laundry facilities, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Sanibel Island Southern ...
10/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"It was completely problem free and awesome"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Beach View + 1-2 Min walk to Beach + Huge TVs & Fully Remodeled
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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