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.
Where exactly is Sanibel Island?
Sanibel Island, barrier island,
Lee county, southwestern Florida, U.S.
, about 20 miles (30 km) southwest of Fort Myers. It lies between the Intracoastal Waterway (north) and the Gulf of Mexico (south) and is connected to the mainland by a causeway.
How much does it cost to go to Sanibel Island?
Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel Island, Fla. The basic toll for most passenger vehicles on the Sanibel Causeway is still
$6
. But as of Oct. 1, 2021, vehicles crossing the causeway without an eligible transponder will be charged an additional $3 administrative fee.
Is Fort Myers or Sanibel 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 towns are close to Sanibel Island?
- Ybel, FL.
- Saint James City, FL.
- Wulfert, FL.
- Sanibel, FL.
- Punta Rassa, FL.
- Captiva, FL.
- Shell Point Village, FL.
- Flamingo Bay, FL.
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.
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.
Can you drive to Sanibel Island Florida?
A Guide for Driving to Sanibel Island.
Sanibel Island is the perfect drive-to destination
for people looking for a tropical, secluded beach vacation, without having to deal with the hassle of booking airline flights.
Can you take shells from Sanibel Island?
Because seashells are important to the islands' chain of life, and because Sanibel and Captiva are refuge islands where all life is considered precious,
the State of Florida has outlawed the collecting of live shells on the island
.
Is Sanibel Island really an island?
Where is Sanibel 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.
Can you drink alcohol on Sanibel beaches?
Community members and visitors can now drink with friends on Sanibel beaches
. It's something that has been prohibited on the island since June. That's not the only thing changing. Beachgoers won't get a $50 fine for not wearing a mask.
How long is the bridge to get to Sanibel Island?
| Sanibel Causeway | Total length 3 Miles | Width 40 Feet | Clearance below 70 feet (Bridge A) 26 feet (Bridge C)[conversion?] | History |
|---|
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 barefoot on Sanibel Island?
As a result of the abundant shells on Sanibel Island,
most of the sand consists of shell particles, making it slightly unpleasant to walk on without shoes
. However, in Captiva, the sand is softer as one might expect from an island so that you can walk barefoot for miles.
Is Sanibel worth visiting?
The Beaches Are Inviting
On Sanibel Island,
the beaches are the main attraction
. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from, you can visit a different one every day. Many of the beaches have amenities, are handicap accessible, and are inexpensive to park at.
Are Sanibel beaches Rocky?
The Maine coast is rocky.
Sanibel beaches are not
. Often there are piles of shells or scattered shells that make it a bit rough to walk.
What is Captiva Island known for?
Captiva Island, located near Fort Myers off Florida's Gulf Coast, is often associated with the neighboring island of Sanibel to the south. Both are all about the outdoors –
biking, sailing, birding and water activities
abound.
What big city is near Fort Myers?
| 126 miles: Tampa | 77 miles: Sarasota | 111 miles: Saint Petersburg (Florida) | 20 miles: Sanibel | 43 miles: Naples (Florida) |
|---|
Where is Captiva Island Florida?
Captiva Island is located
near Fort Myers, Florida along Florida's Gulf of Mexico
. The island is a neighboring island of nearby Sanibel Island and it's accessible 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
.
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.
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.
Does Sanibel still have red tide?
| Today 88° 72° | Sat 88° 67° |
|---|
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.
What is the cheapest time to visit Sanibel Island?
If you're traveling on a budget, then the best time to visit Sanibel is
during the month of May
. If you're an avid shell collector, then plan your trip around October-November when the tides are at the lowest and the shells are on full display.
