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Sanibel Island, a secluded Fort Myers offshoot, is known for its tranquil and charming atmosphere, making it even more low-key than its Gulf Coast neighbor. The island exudes a casual and shabby chic vibe, evident in its Periwinkle Way galleries, restaurants, and shops. Seashells are a prominent feature, adorning the sandy beaches and linoleum surfaces, and have become the island’s claim to fame, along with its smaller sister, Captiva. Don’t be surprised to see beachcombers engaging in the local activity of “Sanibel Stoop,” which involves searching for seashells along the lengthy stretches of sand. If the mood strikes you, join them for an afternoon during your stay. This laid-back community embraces this unhurried way of life, and it’s what makes Sanibel so special.
In September 2022, Hurricane Ian caused considerable damage to Sanibel Island. However, I’m glad to inform you that as of January 2023, the island is open to the public again. It’s important to note, though, that many of the island’s attractions and businesses are still closed. Local officials want to ensure your safety and enjoyment, so they advise visitors to stay informed about the island’s recovery progress. For the latest updates on Sanibel Island’s recovery and to plan your visit accordingly, please visit the website of the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce.
Sanibel Island is most enjoyable to visit from December to April, which is considered the peak season. It’s important to note that prices tend to be higher during these five months, so it’s a good idea to plan and make your reservations in advance. However, this period offers ideal beach weather for a truly idyllic experience. Another option is visiting during late fall when you can take advantage of room deals and enjoy some shell hunting in the slightly colder Gulf water. It’s advisable to avoid the hurricane season entirely. If you’re considering a summer visit, May or early June would be better choices as they are before the threat of severe storms.
Here are some of our recommended things to do while visiting Sanibel Island. Pick your favorite!
The expansion of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum took place in 2020. On the ground floor, you can explore 11 different aquarium exhibits that feature various mollusks. These exhibits include a giant octopus, living shells, and touch pools. …
Sanibel and Captiva are vibrant communities known for their art scene. The cultural hub of these islands is the BIG ARTS campus, which began as a grassroots initiative in 1979. Over the years, it has evolved into a modern facility that opened in …
Blind Pass Beach, located on both Sanibel and Captiva islands, was one of the first two public beach accesses to reopen in February 2023 after hurricane recovery. This beach offers a wonderful experience with activities like shell hunting, fishing …
Bowman’s Beach Bowman’s, located on the western side of the island, is famous for its stunning collection of shells. Visitors have discovered that the most effective approach is to stand in water up to your waist and use your feet to sift through the …
Sanibel and Captiva, two peaceful islands linked by a short bridge, are often mistakenly seen as identical. Although they both offer serene coastlines, there are notable distinctions between them. Let’s break it down: Sanibel boasts superior …
In 1968, Shirley Walter established the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island. She noticed a lack of resources to assist injured local wildlife and decided to take action. Since its founding, CROW has been dedicated to nursing …
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge covers over 6,400 acres on Sanibel and Captiva, including offshore waters and islands. It was named after a Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist and …
The Sanibel Lighthouse has been serving its purpose since 1884 by lighting the entrance into San Carlos Bay. This beloved landmark on Sanibel Island’s eastern tip is now almost 140 years old but has suffered some damage. During Hurricane Ian in …
During your trip to the island, you’ll find Periwinkle, the main road that stretches across the island. It’s a two-lane thoroughfare where you can discover various restaurants and shops. It’s worth noting that some of these establishments are still …
Since 1984, this charming village has been pieced together with care. It consists of 10 buildings, out of which nine were brought from different parts of Sanibel to their current location for preservation purposes. These structures, ranging from …
The seasonal farmers market on Sanibel Island, known for its more than 50 vendors, has temporarily moved from its usual location at Sanibel City Hall grounds. Since January 2023, it has been operating with a smaller setup of 15 vendors in the …
Tarpon Bay Explorers has been the recreation concession provider for J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge’s Tarpon Bay Recreation Area campus for over 20 years. Located just a few miles away from the refuge’s main campus, this area offers a …