Quick Answer: What To See In Sanibel Island

Is there anything to do on Sanibel Island?

One of the most unique experiences is kayaking or stand up paddleboarding through the mangroves Bring your own, or rent at one of the gear shops on the island Other popular things to do include fishing and bird-watching Note that the nature drive is closed on Fridays to allow the wildlife to roam

What is Sanibel Island known for?

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

How can I spend a day on Sanibel Island?

24-Hour Guide To Things To Do 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 JN “DING” DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE YUCATAN SHRIMP AT Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille DINNER AT TIMBERS RESTAURANT

Which side of Sanibel Island is the best?

Sanibel – Best Place to Stay in Sanibel Island for your First Time The town of Sanibel, on the eastern edge of the eponymous island, is where you will find most of the tourist activity For first time visitors, this is a great spot to get yourself acquainted with everything the island has to offer

Which is better Siesta Key or Sanibel Island?

SK has by far the nicest beach/sand Sanibel has the better shelling They both have some good casual restaurants Sanibel has more green space, most of it wild

Which is nicer Sanibel or Captiva?

True, they’re both quiet spots with great shorelines, but there are a few differences Here’s a cheat sheet: Sanibel has better shells on its beaches, but Captiva’s dining is more eclectic In short, consider spending your days on Sanibel, then hop over to Captiva for a unique dining experience

What can you not miss on Sanibel Island?

10 Sanibel Island Activities You Can’t Afford to Miss Sanibel Island Lighthouse: Bowman’s Beach: Shelling: Sanibel Island Farmers Market: JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge: Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum: Dolphin and Manatee sightings: The Mad Hatter:

Is it safe to swim in Sanibel Island?

Florida’s Gulf Coast beaches, especially those around Sanibel, tend to be good swimming beaches with gentle tides and soft sandy bottoms Currents can be strong near Blind Pass but generally are manageable for a good swimmer, and waves tend to be small, except during a storm

Does Sanibel 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 Sanibel expensive?

The average price of a 7-day trip to Sanibel is $2,372 for a solo traveler, $4,260 for a couple, and $7,987 for a family of 4 Sanibel hotels range from $111 to $507 per night with an average of $198, while most vacation rentals will cost $240 to $560 per night for the entire home

Do I need a car in Sanibel Island?

The best way to get around Sanibel Island is by bike The island is bike friendly and has plenty of paths to help you get around 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

What’s so great about Sanibel Island?

Sanibel is more famous for its beaches and seashells, but it’s a great place to explore by bike With more than 25 miles of bicycle trails, Sanibel’s hidden beaches, pioneer cemetery and quiet shady neighborhoods open up to you

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

Are Sanibel beaches crowded?

Sanibel Beaches It can become a bit crowded during season but you will find a boardwalk nature trail, restrooms and showers, fishing pier and lighthouse There is RV parking available at this location

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

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

Are the beaches in Sanibel private?

Many of the beaches on Sanibel islands are private property, reserved for guests of the many beachside vacation homes and the resorts

What is Anna Maria Island close to?

Location Anna Maria Island is a barrier island on the coast of Manatee County, Florida Adjacent islands to Anna Maria Island include Key Royale and Longboat Key Anna Maria Island is divided into three cities: the city of Anna Maria in the North, Holmes Beach in the middle, and Bradenton Beach in the South

Do any celebrities 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

Why is Sanibel Island water brown?

The brown water is from natural tannins produced by plants and soil that stains the water, according to the scientists at SCCF Heavy rains from Tropical Storm Sally dumped about a foot of rain across parts of the Caloosahatchee River watershed, which increased freshwater releases

Are Sanibel beaches nice?

Sanibel Island Beaches are some of the most unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north-south Hence, the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells, winning awards for being the best shelling beach and one of the best beaches in Florida

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

Are there alligators on Sanibel Island?

Sanibel contains over 2,200 acres of freshwater wetlands that provide habitat for a sizable population of alligators It is during these times that alligator sightings are most prevalent If you see an alligator, the best thing to do is leave it alone

What is there to do in Sanibel Island at night?

Where to Go in Sanibel Island at Night Watch the sunset Cip’s Place Karaoke Sanibel Island Beach Club Take a sunset cruise Island Cinema The Mucky Duck Sunburned Willie’s Half-Baked and Washed-Up Crab Races