In short,
East End
is the best place to stay on Sanibel Island if you want the ultimate mainland access. On top of that the Sanibel Island hotels in the area also have Lighthouse Beach Park near and offer the best island sunrises. Pick East End for: Sanibel hotels at the lighthouse.
Is it better to stay on Sanibel or Captiva?
If you're on the hunt for shells, Sanibel of your spot as it's the top shelling destination in North America.
Captiva is the more “chill” sister
. Here you can enjoy both the Gulf and Pine Island Sound as well as access to a number of beaches. Captiva's beaches are rarely crowded and are less shelly and a bit softer.
What is the best month to visit Sanibel Island?
The best time to visit Sanibel Island is
December to April
, the peak season. Trips during these five months will be more expensive than at other times, so plan and book early. Still, this is when you'll find idyllic beach weather.
Is it better to stay on Sanibel Island or Fort Myers?
Nights in Fort Myers Beach are best spent exploring Times Square, the city center and known as the heartbeat of Estero. During high season, this area has a happening night-life.
Sanibel Island is a bit more low-key than Fort Myers Beach
and perfect for those seeking a slightly less scheduled vacation.
Do you need a car in Sanibel Island?
The island is bike friendly and has plenty of paths to help you get around.
Cars are also an option, though parking is limited and expensive in most cases
. If you'd rather not rent a car or a bike, there are a few taxi companies that can take you around. There is no public transportation on Sanibel Island.
Can you walk to Sanibel Island?
The island's geography and Gulf tidal currents result in great quantities of shells washing up on the fine white sand.
Riding a bike or walking/running gives you access to Sanibel beaches that are difficult or impossible to reach by car
.
Which is better Marco Island or Sanibel?
Both Sanibel Island and Marco Island offer distinctive experiences in terms of activities, beaches, dining options, and more.
Sanibel Island is known by many as a shelling and wildlife destination, while Marco Island's reputation is often tied to the nearby Ten Thousand Islands and its tourist offerings
.
How nice is Sanibel?
It is a lovely spot for a romantic weekend getaway
. It offers lots of options for multigenerational travel. If you are traveling solo and looking for relaxation and rejuvenation, you can zen out on Sanibel. The island is also a great place for a fun time with friends.
Are Sanibel and Captiva connected?
Captiva Island is connected to Sanibel by San-Cap Road
. Once you cross the short bridge at scenic Blind Pass, the road becomes Captiva Drive. Follow it north and you'll find two public beach accesses, plus restaurants, shops and resorts.
Does Sanibel Island have a downtown?
Periwinkle Way is the main drag through Sanibel Island
. Shops and restaurant/bars along the way. The road, although not Periwinkle all the way) goes out to Captiva Island.
Are Sanibel beaches crowded?
Compared to other popular tourist locations in Florida,
Sanibel doesn't get extremely crowded
, even during the busy season. However, if you're still concerned about vacationing during peak season, you can choose to come during the off-season.
How can I spend a day on Sanibel Island?
- BREAKFAST AT Lighthouse Café
- VISIT THE HISTORIC SANIBEL LIGHTHOUSE.
- SHELLING AT BOWMAN'S BEACH.
- LUNCH AT THE ISLAND COW.
- BOAT RIDE AROUND J.N. “DING” DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.
- YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille.
- DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT.
Is there a ferry to Sanibel Island?
The Sanibel Island Ferry Service consisted of four ships for passengers and cars with trips departing every 15 minutes from 7:30 am to 5:30 PM
, prompting the common refrain that ‘Sanibel closed at 5:30 pm.
How far is Fort Myers and Sanibel Island?
The distance between Fort Myers and Sanibel Island is
17 miles
. The road distance is 19.8 miles.
What is the closest airport to Sanibel Island?
The
Southwest Florida International Airport
located in Fort Myers is the closest one to Sanibel Island in the region. Aside from being located 28 miles from Sanibel, it's also the cheapest one in the region. Because it's an international airport, many foreign travelers find it easier to get to Sanibel via Fort Myers.
Is there a bridge to Sanibel Island?
The Sanibel Causeway is a causeway in Southwest Florida that spans the San Carlos Bay, connecting Sanibel Island with the Florida mainland in Punta Rassa
. The causeway consists of three separate two-lane bridge spans, and two-man-made causeway islands between them.
How long is the bridge to get to Sanibel Island?
The entire causeway is
three miles
long from end to end, and currently has a $6 toll in effect for island-bound vehicles only.
Is there an Uber on Sanibel Island?
On Sanibel we have the Island Taxi and the Sanibel Taxi.
Uber is also an option, however few Uber drivers travel to Sanibel
. Last but not least, walking! This will probably take you the longest amount of time depending on where your destination is.
Why is Sanibel Island so popular?
Due to easy causeway access
, Sanibel is a popular tourist destination known for its shell beaches and wildlife refuges. More than half of the island is made up of wildlife refuges, the largest being J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
Is the water clear on Sanibel Island?
Sanibel Island beaches typically have murkier water than Captiva Island Beaches
. The same gradual sloping shoreline that collects millions of shells on the beaches of Sanibel also prevent it from having bright clear blue water most of the year.
Do you have to pay to get on Sanibel Island?
It's important to remember that
the Sanibel Causeway is only a one-time fee to get onto the islands
. There is no fee to leave. And, you don't have to! Sanibel and Captiva have enough grocers, shops, restaurants and more to keep you happy on your vacation.
Where is the clearest water in Florida?
- Destin. …
- Panama City Beach. …
- Freshwater Springs. …
- Miami. …
- Palm Beach. …
- Tampa. …
- Sarasota. Sarasota is fast becoming one of Florida's best destinations. …
- Boca Grande. As one of our favorite places in Florida, Boca Grande is located in the middle of boating paradise and at the northern end of Charlotte Harbor.
When did Sanibel and Captiva separate?
1921
– One of the biggest hurricanes of all time wipes out half of Captiva's land mass, putting an end to farming on that island. The hurricane separates Captiva into two islands. No substantial damage is reported on Sanibel.
Are Sanibel and Sanibel Island the same?
Sanibel is the by far the larger of the two
and is the first island off the mainland. It is connected to Fort Myers by the Sanibel Causeway Bridge.
What do you wear on Sanibel Island?
Bring along
swimsuits (of course), cover-ups, sundresses, shorts and tops, flip flops and a nice pair of sandals
for evenings out. If you plan on boating, it can get chilly, so pack multi-functional layering pieces, as well. Lightweight pants and a long-sleeved cotton shirt can also help prevent sunburn and bug bites.
