For an overview of the refuge,
walk, bike, or drive the 4-mile Wildlife Drive loop or take a 90-minute tram ride
. Both inside and outside protected areas, Sanibel and Captiva are teeming with wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and bald eagles.
How big is the island of Sanibel?
33.21 mi2
How many people actually live on Sanibel Island?
Sanibel is an island and city in Lee County, Florida, United States. The population was
6,469 at the 2010 census, with an estimated 2018 population of 7,402
. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Why is Sanibel Island so popular?
Sanibel is famous for some of the best shelling in the entire world due to
Sanibel's position along the coast
. The island sits East and West perpendicular to the coast before the island turns north paralleling the coast like most other barrier islands.
Is Sanibel or Fort Myers better?
Sanibel Island is a bit more low-key than Fort Myers Beach
and perfect for those seeking a slightly less scheduled vacation. The main attraction on Sanibel Island is, of course, it's white sand beaches, but more than just that, shelling is a popular pastime.
What is the best time of year 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.
Are there alligators on Sanibel Island?
Sanibel contains over 2,200 acres of freshwater wetlands that provide habitat for a sizable population of alligators
. Since many of the residential neighborhoods on the Island contain lakes or interface with conservation lands containing wetlands, interaction between humans and alligators is likely.
Is Sanibel or Captiva better?
Sanibel Island has more shells, Captiva Island Beaches have better sand
. Don't take this the wrong way, the beaches of Captiva Island are still better for shelling than most places in the entire world, it's just that Sanibel is truly the best there is.
Why is Sanibel so dark?
The sand at the beach in Sanibel is not as soft and white as the Gulf Coast beaches typically are.
Due to the natural setting and shelly coastline
, the sand is typically darker and more rough, comparable to the sand on Florida's Atlantic coast.
Does Sanibel Island have clear water?
One side has clear water, the other has brown water near the shoreline
. The beaches considered to be in Sanibel Island are Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Park, Tarpon Beach, Bowman's Beach and Blind Pass Beach, according to The Islands of Sanibel Captiva website.
Is Sanibel Island really an island?
Sanibel is nestled in a strand of barrier islands
that spans the Gulf shores of the west coast of FL from Fort Myers to Boca Grande, and is one of the premier destinations in Florida.
Do any celebrities live on Sanibel?
A matter-of-fact air prevailed among year-round residents used to seeing celebrities like Eric Clapton show up at George and Wendy Schnapp's Sanibel Seafood Grille; Johnny Depp at a Tween Waters Halloween party; and, regularly, NBC weatherman Willard Scott, for whom Sanibel is a second home.
Has a hurricane ever hit Sanibel Island?
Hurricane Charley
, striking on August 13, 2004, with winds of 131 mph, has been the most destructive hurricane to hit the City of Sanibel since it incorporated in 1974 and after Hurricane Donna in 1960.
Is Sanibel Island sinking?
Sanibel, Florida
Sanibel has one of the highest median home values of any Florida town on this list, so it stands to lose significant value as erosion continues.
Over 6,000 homes are expected to be underwater by 2100
, representing over $5 billion in value.
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
.
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.
Where should I live on Sanibel Island?
If you choose to settle down on the east end of Sanibel, it's
near the main road, Periwinkle Way
, where many popular shops and restaurants are located. This is a good option if you like being near all of the action. This is a higher density area where you'll find more condos and homes.
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.
Is Sanibel good for families?
Sanibel Island in Florida offers a breathtaking reprieve for families who want to get away from the hustle-bustle of everyday life
. Here you'll find shell-strewn beaches, a laid-back vibe, terrific restaurants and shops, and an incredibly diverse wildlife sampling.
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.
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.
Can you swim in the ocean at Sanibel Island?
Sanibel Beaches:
On both sides of the causeway, you'll find beaches suitable for swimming
, fishing, and on especially windy days, windsurfing!
Is Sanibel worth visiting?
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. It's also quite accessible.
How many shark attacks have there been on Sanibel Island?
On Sanibel and Captiva, there have only been
eight documented incidents
between humans and sharks on Sanibel, none of which were fatal. In half of those instances, the shark was stepped on or bumped into accidentally. On Captiva, there has never been a documented shark incident.
Does Sanibel Island have snakes?
The black racer is the most common snake on Sanibel Island
and most of south Florida. They are highly adaptable and do very well in residential areas.
Is it expensive to live in Sanibel Island?
Sanibel's
housing expenses are 147% higher than the national average
and the utility prices are 12% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 7% higher than the national average.
