How Long Is Sanibel Island?

The island is about

12 miles (20 km)

long and 3 miles (5 km) wide. A large part of its northern side is occupied by J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Sanibel Island, southwestern Florida.

How long and wide is Captiva Island?

North Captiva is

approximately four miles long and just a half-mile wide

. There are fewer than 400 homes built on North Captiva, leaving much of the southern part of the island a natural habitat.

How many square miles is Sanibel Island?

33.21 mi2

What is the best time to go to 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 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.

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.

What is better Captiva or Sanibel?

If Sanibel Island is the picture of lively beach living, then

Captiva Island is the more laid-back alternative

. It is much quieter here because there are fewer people and fewer busy establishments.

What celebrities live in Captiva?

• Williard Scott – NBC Weatherman.
• Joe Perry – Aerosmith Guitarist.
• Tom Hanks.
• Robert Rauschenberg had lived on Captiva Island before he passed away in 2008.
• The parents of Chris Walken owned a home on Captiva Island.

Is Captiva Island worth visiting?

With so many family-friendly activities and amenities,

Captiva Island is the perfect spot for a family vacation

. There are few places in the U.S. that can compete with the beautiful sandy beaches and near perfect weather that you're going to find on Captiva Island.

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.

How many full time residents live on Sanibel Island?

What is the population of Sanibel Island? There are

3,469

residents in Sanibel Island, with a median age of 53.

How many people live year round on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel is an established community with a year-round population of

about 6,000

.

How long is the bridge to get to Sanibel 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.

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.

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.

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

.

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.

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.

Where is the clearest water in Florida?

Wondering which beach in Florida has the clearest water? The following areas are more likely to have clear water on any given day:

northwest Florida beaches in and around Panama City Beach, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Pensacola; southwest Florida beaches on Anna Maria Island, Longboat Key and Siesta Key

.

Can you swim 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! Lighthouse Beach: Located on the east end of Sanibel Island, this where you'll find the historic 1800s lighthouse.

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.

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.

Does anybody famous live on Sanibel Island?

Retired NBC weather star

Williard Scott

lives on Sanibel Island, not far from him is Aerosmith rocker Joe Perry. And, of course there's Governor Rick Scott's beachfront mansion in Naples.

Are there pythons on Sanibel Island?

“Living on Sanibel, those things are moving that way, there's no doubt. They are definitely established in Collier County and are headed to Lee County.” “

There have been pythons caught in (Lee and Charlotte) counties

,” said Mr. Kirkland.