Sanibel & Captiva Islands Travel and Things to Do Guide

At 15 miles long and just 5 miles across, Sanibel Island welcomes you with an intimate, charming island setting. Spend your morning collecting seashells on its world-renowned white-sand beaches and your afternoon exploring the protected nature that makes up more than half of the island. Tempt your taste buds with cuisine from fresh Gulf flavors to homemade Italian. With no stoplights and no buildings taller than the tallest palm, the views will always enchant — day or night.

With more than 400 types of seashells that wash ashore on its beaches every day, it’s no wonder that Sanibel Island is known as the “Seashell Capital of the World.” Its unique east-west orientation brings thousands of seashells to its unspoiled shoreline. People from all around the world travel here to do the “Sanibel Stoop” — crouching down to seek out pastel-colored seashells near the turquoise waters. Find your ocean treasures at Bowman's Beach or Blind Pass. While you can search for seashells at any time of day, low tide in the early morning hours is the most rewarding time. Be sure to check the current beach conditions before you plan your beach day.

Sanibel offers 25+ miles of shared-use paths that can help you explore the island by bike or on foot – look to Billy’s Bike Shop to rent bicycles to help you get around. You can even bike to (and through) Wildlife Drive at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 6,400-acre refuge that contains the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States, as well as wetlands teeming with reptiles, amphibians, mammals and more than 245 species of birds.

Explore the small shopping center that is home to Jerry's Foods, which is a perfect place to grab your morning cup of Joe, groceries, and shop around the island's boutiques and souvenir shops. When hunger strikes, head to Cielo, Mudbugs Cajun Kitchen, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille or Traders (or make a quick stop at the Blue Giraffe Food Truck, which is parked Monday through Saturday at the Periwinkle Place Shopping Center).

No matter where you go on Sanibel Island, the warmth and charm of this island community will have you coming back for more.