Vacation On Sanibel Island Florida
Sanibel Island is a small island around 1,000 acres located in Lee county Florida. With seven distinct villages, this Florida paradise provides a diverse range of places to visit and things to do.
There is something about the white sand, clear waters and gentle swaying of palm trees, that soothe the soul. That is why so many people flock to Sanibel, Florida. When you visit you will see why we love living in the sunshine state. Sanibel Island is Manatee County’s most popular attraction.
Sanibel Island is a story of survival. About forty thousand years ago, this area was on the Gulf of Mexico coastline and was made up of sandy beaches, mud flats and barrier islands. Warmer water currents changed the action of the gulf stream to a cold current about 20,000 years ago that led to formation of a strait (1,800 feet wide) through Sanibel Island and separated Sanibel from mainland Florida. This led to formation of Dunes City. Even though the land in Dunes City is gradually retreating in terms of shoreline erosion, a unique ecosystem has been preserved here due to favorable climatic conditions, abundant natural resources and large freshwater supply coming from underground springs. There are many things to enjoy in Sanibel-Captiva Island such as bird watching in Lighthouse Park on the north side and fishing at Tarpon Bay at the south end. Good thing your vacation rental has all the amenities you need for a great summer vacation with friends and family!
Vacation On Sanibel Island Florida
Although many people visit Florida just to experience theme parks, and a few even to go to the beaches, Sanibel Island has all this and more. The beautiful white sand beaches of both Boca Grande and Captiva Islands offer you a great place to relax and look out into the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel itself is divided into two towns, Old Sanibel and Little Sanibel, with the latter being home to a large portion of vacation rental housinng.
There are few places more peaceful than Sanibel Island. Florida’s oldest Barrier Island, located just off the southwest coast of Fort Myers and Cape Coral, it has been named as one of CNN’s Top 10 Beach Destinations in the world. This tropical paradise is famous for its magnificent sand pine scrub butterfly habitat that attracts nature lovers from around the globe.
THE BEST FLORIDA BEACH VACATION DESTINATION
Located about 30 miles off the coast of Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Island, Florida is the perfect getaway vacation destination. Whether it’s a family vacation, romantic adventure or an escape to the beautiful beaches, there’s no other place to escape to than Sanibel and Captiva Islands.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are two small islands off the coast of Florida that are popular because of their low-key, quiet, beach settings. The pristine white beaches, coupled with the lush tropical environment, bring out a level of relaxation that cannot be found anywhere else. For unwinding and relaxation purposes, this is the perfect place for you to be.
FIND HOTEL DEALS, THINGS TO DO, RESTAURANTS AND MORE FOR YOUR SANIBEL ISLAND OR CAPTIVA ISLAND VACATION
We have all the information you need when it comes to Sanibel Island Hotels, Captiva Island Hotels, as well as:
- Exclusive resort deals
- Places to eat on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island
- Local shopping at Periwinkle Way Shops
- Exclusive insight on all of the fun things to do on Sanibel Island
When it comes to the best Florida beach towns, Sanibel & Captiva take first place. We can get you the inside scoop on the following:
- Best beaches
- The best spots for fishing
- The best shelling beach on Sanibel and Captiva
- Nature tours
- Bird watching
- Golf and tennis
- Arts and entertainment
- Where to rent bikes
- Where to stay
- And where to dine
Sanibel and Captiva have some of the best beaches in Florida and both Islands make for the perfect vacation destination. Enjoy 15 miles of beach with endless stretches of sand, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 250 kinds of shells – and the best part? 0 stoplights!
A UNIQUE ESCAPE
Sanibel and Captiva offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From the island’s unspoiled beaches to its rich wildlife and lush foliage, something about this place will stay with you forever.
When you arrive on Sanibel Island, don’t forget to stop by the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce, your most trusted source for local tourist information. Talk to our knowledgeable travel specialists 365 days a year from 9 am to 5 pm.
SANIBEL ISLAND & CAPTIVA ISLAND REAL ESTATE
Ready to move to paradise? Here is an extensive list of trusted residential realtors who can assist you with finding Sanibel Island real estate or Captiva Island real estate. With valuable local knowledge, a realtor is key in helping you find the right home or condo on Sanibel Island or Captiva.
BEACHFRONT LIVING AT ITS BEST
The sand and surf of Sanibel Island’s Gulf side are incomparable and you’ll find the island’s low-key lifestyle is matched by its natural beauty. Captiva Island is only a hop skip and a beat away, so when you’re ready for a change of scenery, it’s just a few minutes down the road.
WHERE TO LIVEFREE RELOCATION PACKAGE
SANIBEL ISLAND & CAPTIVA ISLAND LODGING
Visit Sanibel Island and Captiva Island Lodging for a complete list of Chamber of Commerce resorts, hotels, small inns, and condominium lodgings with amenities and locations that are right for you. Choose from beachfront, near beach, bayside or off-island locations.
YOUR ISLAND ESCAPE AWAITS
These gorgeous Islands offer an array of housing options from hotels on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, to single-family homes to rent for vacation or condos with a beachfront view that can be rented by the day or week. With so many options on both islands, there’s something for everyone.
SANIBEL ISLAND & CAPTIVA ISLAND THINGS TO DO
Learn about the many things to do on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, including our beaches, our Sanibel Island, Florida nature preserve: “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge. Outdoor activities include biking, shelling, fishing, bird watching, boating, golfing, and snorkeling just to name a few. Sanibel Island also features cultural offerings in the area of theatre, arts and live music.
SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA ISLAND FUN IN THE SUN
Looking for something to do on Sanibel and Captiva Islands? We’ve got you covered. We have all the information you need on our interactive map and calendar, from nature walks to kayak tours, fishing charters and more.
Captiva Island offers a whole other world of fun. Get ready to experience miles of pristine white sand beaches, where dolphins play in the waves and pelicans dive for fish – just offshore!
SNORKELING & SHELLING ON SANIBEL ISLAND
There’s so much to see under the waves in Florida – as well as right at your feet! Explore our beautiful beaches for shells and sea life like crabs and starfish, or spend a day snorkeling in search of elusive fish that call our waters home.
WHERE TO PLAYACCOMMODATION DEALS
SANIBEL ISLAND & CAPTIVA ISLAND RESTAURANTS
Got a hankering for American, Italian, or French food? Or maybe, you’d like to have an appetizer beachside and watch the sunset? Or perhaps just sit back, relax and listen to some jazz … we have it all. Click here for our Sanibel restaurants and Captiva restaurants directory. Looking to bring your pet along with you while you dine, check out our pet-friendly dining options.
RESTAURANTS ON SANIBEL ISLAND
In addition to incredible beaches and serene nature preserves, Sanibel is home to many award-winning restaurants that are sure to please any palate, from fresh seafood and steaks to Asian fusion cuisine. We have something for everyone!
CAPTIVA ISLAND RESTAURANTS
Captiva has many wonderful restaurants with outdoor seating that overlooks the water. From seafood dining spots to upscale fine dining establishments, any palette will be satisfied here.
SANIBEL ISLAND & CAPTIVA ISLAND SHOPPING
Sanibel Island offers quaint & friendly shopping. Enjoy a broad array of retail businesses on the islands, we are sure to have what you need. Looking for a pharmacy, book store, new swimsuit or sunglasses? Check out our online directory of Sanibel-Captiva Chamber Business Members to find the retailer to meet your needs.
SHOPPING ON SANIBEL AND CAPTIVA ISLAND
You’re on Sanibel and Captiva island, and with so many captivating shops, there’s no excuse not to shop till you drop! Visit a favorite boutique or stop by one of the area’s charming shopping centers – there’s something for everyone.
OUR LOCATION
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are renowned worldwide as the ultimate destination for those seeking an idyllic, low-key beach vacation. From the sugar-white sands that stretch as far as the eye can see to the lush subtropical environment, this is a place where you can relax and unwind to your heart’s content.
Our islands are located west of Fort Myers, Florida. Fort Myers is located just north of Naples & south of Tampa with over 15 miles of beautiful, Florida beaches. View a map showing our Chamber of Commerce location and directions.
Discover paradise for yourself. Be sure to stop by the Sanibel & Captiva Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center when you arrive. We are located immediately over the causeway. We have brochures and information on the many things to see and do while staying on our beautiful islands.
Sanibel Island is 1 of the “Top 10 Best Florida Beach Towns” according to USA Today and our Visitor’s Center was named the #1 attraction by Trip Advisor for Sanibel Florida. Frommer’s Travel Guide ranked Sanibel Island a #1 top tourist destination. And the list just goes on and on… See for yourself.
Come visit us and find out why our barrier islands are the perfect choices for your vacation whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a nature vacation.