Sanibel Island Condos & Vacation Rentals

Sanibel Travel Guide

Sanibel is an island in the Sunshine State with tropical surroundings, picturesque beaches and peaceful serenity. Tourists love to visit the beach and see the seashells and sand dollars that float onto the shore -- you may even be featured in the local newspaper if you find a shell of a Junonia! If you're looking for a beach holiday, Sanibel offers plenty of places to laze around on the golden sand and go swimming in the blue sea. Of course, there are lots of exciting activities here too, including museums, gold courses and a wildlife refuge. Wander around the Sanibel Island farmer’s market to try some local produce or sample some of the seafood on offer. If you need to getaway, Sanibel is the place to go!

Things to Do in Sanibel

Bowman’s Beach is a relaxed place along the coastline where wind surfers love to take advantage of the water. Plus, there is a fantastic spot for collecting shells. Afterwards, head to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to view shells from around the world. The J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge is home to lots of animals visitors can learn about, such as crocodiles and endangered giant manatees. To learn more about the island itself, check out the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. Here, you can see the historic houses residents used to live in and discover who first called this island their home.

Best Time to Visit Sanibel

The summer in Sanibel sees hot temperatures and humidity, which means most vacationers visit between January and April. This is time of year welcomes cooler temperatures and little rainfall.

A Local's Guide to Sanibel Island

Island vacations are a perfect way to relax and unwind. Travelers will find an unspoiled paradise on Sanibel Island – ideal for a romantic break, nature spotting trip or just a few days away with the family.

With hundreds of different species of fish, birds and wildlife, this Floridian island is an ideal place for lovers of the countryside.

There’s so much to do in the beautiful resort. Hiking, fishing, golf, tennis, arts and entertainment are all popular for vacationers to this southern Florida spot. With 15 miles of picture-perfect beaches and 25 miles of bike paths, visitors can enjoy many long walks and rides.

There are lots of different vacation rentals to choose from on Sanibel Island that are just steps from the beach. Planning a family vacation? Choose a rental with a picnic table for open air dinners and lunches as well as a pet friendly apartment or lodgings which lets every member of the family enjoy a break. For big groups, there are rentals with several bedrooms and two bathrooms or more.

The best part about taking a vacation on an island is the Gulf front locations with beach views.

For fitness fans, Sanibel Island is a great place to stay. There is a health club with tennis courts open every day as well as a spa. For golfers, the island has two public and one private 18-hole golf course. All of them are protected by a sanctuary program which preserves the whole area and gives players the opportunity to enjoy their game while spotting rare birds. For children, there’s a miniature golf course too!

Vactioners wanting a slower pace can see some incredible nature on the island. Bird watching, nature trails, historical walks and science centers are just some of the activities available.

Take a trip to the mid island for white sandy beaches and watersports. There are many to choose from including Tarpon Beach, Blind Pass Beach and Bowman’s Beach. Some also have picnic tables and showers for a small charge while restrooms are available at every beach. Watersports include boat rentals, parasailing, jet skis and parasailing.

Staying on Sanibel Island is the perfect place to explore the surrounding southwest Florida area.

The city of Fort Myers is close by and is a great place to explore. Shopping, fishing and the stunning beaches draw in thousands of tourists every year.

Some of America’s most famous figures, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, made this area on Florida’s Gulf Coast their home and visitors can still see their estates. In 1916, Henry Ford bought land in downtown Fort Myers – right next door to Thomas Edison. The estates have since been turned into museums which honor the great men and tell the history of their achievements.

Further up the coastline to the north is Captiva Island. The island sits in the Gulf of Mexico and offers activities similar to Sanibel. Sanibel Captiva is a great dual destination vacation giving families and friends plenty of coastline, nature and unspoiled beaches to explore. The crossing to either island is over a small bridge from Turner Beach.

Most island vacations are known for having long hours of sunshine and a laid back atmospher, and Sanibel Island is no different. December to April are the best months to stay on the island and vacation home owners can avoid the peak times by coming at the start or end of the season.

The highest average temperature is 82 degrees F in August and the lowest is 64 degrees in January.