Jutted out into the Gulf of Mexico just miles from Fort Myers Beach is my favorite slice of paradise in all of Florida. As a direct descendant of a local to this area, I’ve put together the ultimate guide to Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Blissful stretches of white sand beaches and a vibe all of its own, the Sanibel and Captiva Islands are the epitome of a tropical Florida vacation.
During my annual childhood vacations with my family, a visit to Sanibel and Captiva was always a day trip treat from Fort Myers Beach. Nowadays, my g-ma lives just a mile from the bridge to the islands. On my most recent trip, I explored Sanibel and Captiva like a local with her. Her tips and recommendations aided in this guide that includes all of the local’s favorites for your vacation!
About Sanibel & Captiva Islands
With 25 miles of bike paths and 15 miles of beaches featuring 50 kinds of shells, Sanibel and Captiva is a paradise-lover’s dream.
The islands have been inhabited for nearly 6000 years by Native Americans. The first modern settlement on Sanibel dates back to 1832. In the 1970s, laws were passed to prevent developers from making Sanibel and Captiva a tourist trap. Fast food restaurants were banned (except for a DQ & Subway that were already there) and buildings were prohibited to be any taller than two stories.
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation is also a key player into why the islands haven’t been developed. They’ve acquired and preserved environmentally-sensitive lands like wildlife habitats, rare and unique vegetation and the wetlands.
The sands of Captiva Island began to erode around 3000 B.C., which eventually formed Sanibel. Captiva was originally connected to Sanibel until a hurricane in the early 1900s created the Blind Pass channel between the two. North Captiva Island was severed from Captiva during the hurricane. No bridges connect them so North Captiva Island is only accessible by sea or air.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are actually separated by a short bridge over Blind Pass. In this post, I’ll be sharing accommodations, restaurants and activities separating them by which island they’re on.
Getting to Sanibel & Captiva
Experience Sanibel and Captiva as an easy day trip from Fort Myers Beach. Coming over the Sanibel Causeway, you will pay a fee of $6 toll booth.
Read More: Fort Myers Beach: Travel Guide
Looking for more than a day trip? Sanibel is a perfect place for that with easy access from the RSW or Punta Gorda International Airports.
Accommodations
While Sanibel and Captiva is easy to get to for a day trip, it’s also a great place to decide to spend your entire vacation.
Sanibel
- Periwinkle Cottages, Seahorse Cottages, Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort (before the bridge), Sanibel Inn, Island Inn, West Wind Inn, Sundial Beach Resort, Casa Ybel Resort.
Captiva
- South Seas Island Resort occupies the north 2 miles of Captiva, Captiva Island Inn, ‘Tween Waters Island Resort, Casablanca, Rainbows End, Seas the Day.
Some pretty incredible AirBnb options exist on Sanibel and Captiva. View them on this page here.
Good Eats
Sanibel
- Island Cow – A casual joint for burgers and fries completely decorated in quirky cow-theme
- Doc Ford’s – A must visit on Sanibel OR Captiva island (yes, there are two!) This sports bar with gourmet food was named after the main character in a writer’s books that are based in Sanibel
- Lazy Flamingo – Rustic sports pub with awesome pub food and a raw bar
- Gramma Dots – A local’s favorite located at the Sanibel Marina
- Sanibel Fish House – An award-winning colorful seafood spot
- Traditions on the Beach – Sanibel’s first restaurant opening in the late 1800s and offering contemporary eats like tapas
- Cheeburger Cheeburger – A place I’ve been frequenting since I was a kid, this retro 50s diner offers build-your-own-burgers, among other dishes
- Thistle Lodge – Luxury beach-front dining located at a history home at the Casa Ybel Resort
- Pinocchio’s Italian Ice Cream – A local’s favorite for dessert, offering hand-crafted ice cream, gelato, sorbet, sherbet and frozen yogurt prepared on site from fresh ingredients.
Captiva
- RC Otters – Offering outdoor games in a casual atmosphere and award-winning eats
- Sunset Grill – Popular waterfront dining for breakfast, lunch, & dinner
- Key Lime Bistro – The ultimate slice of Key Lime Pie can be found here with great live music and an array of seafood options
- Cantina Captiva – The best Mexican and Southwestern cuisine on the island
- Old Captiva House – Fine dining in a romantic outdoor atmosphere. Make reservations!
- Bubble Room – A MUST visit while on Captiva island. It’s Christmas 24/7 here and the outrageous decorations inside and out offers one of the most fun atmospheres for eating. The multi-themed restaurant features old toys from the early 1900s and plays music from the 1920s-1940s era. Be sure to snag some yummy dessert while you’re here!
- The Mucky Duck – Your ultimate sunset spot on Captiva Island, visit this English Pub for some laid back eats and a good drink
Best Beaches in Sanibel & Captiva
Sanibel Island’s beaches are very unique because of the east-west orientation whereas most islands are north-south. This is why the island has pristine sandy beaches and an abundance of shells. The beaches have won international awards for its shelling opportunities.
There are some awesome beach spots along the Sanibel Causeway where you can pull your vehicle right on to the beach. The best part? You don’t have to pay for parking!
Other than that, check out Sanibel’s Lighthouse Beach, Gulfside City Park, Tarpon Beach, Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass Beach. Parking at the beaches are currently $5 an hour.
The best beaches in Captiva are Turner Beach and Captiva Beach.
Best Activities on Sanibel & Captiva
- Visit the island’s most popular landmark, the Sanibel Lighthouse
- Shop the boutiques on Periwinkle Way
- Stop in the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, the only museum in the world dedicated entirely to the study of shells.
- Spend the day at a wildlife refuge
- More than half of Sanibel Island is a wildlife refuge, with J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge being the most popular. You can drive, walk, bike or kayak through the 5200 acres of land here or take a 90 minute tram tour.
- The wildlife refuges on the islands here provide home for over 220 species of native birds alone and the educational center has numerous displays about their mission to preserve the region’s animals and environment.
- Bike ride or segway the 25 miles of trails. Rentals are available on the island!
- Marvel over million dollar yachts at the Sanibel Marina
- Embark on a charter fishing excursion
- Kayak/Canoe Tarpon Bay within the National Wildlife Refuge
- Take a Dolphin Cruise
- Day trip by boat to Cayo Costa State Park or Cabbage Key
- Watch the sunset from the Mucky Duck or on a boat tour
- Drool over the million dollar homes on Captiva’s Gold Coast
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This is amazing! I love how they have preserved the area and don’t want it to become a tourist trap. Also, I LOVE cheeburger cheeburger 🙂 Hopefully we can visit here someday together !
I didn’t know they had a Cheeburger in Naples too! Wish I would’ve had the chance to explore there while I was down in the area. Would love to visit these places with you! We’d have so much fun!