Sanibel travel guide

Sanibel Tourism | Sanibel Guide

You're Going to Love Sanibel

With a population of 6.469, Sanibel is a must-see destination in Florida, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Sanibel has to offer.

Activities & attractions in Sanibel

Where to Eat in Sanibel

If you’re looking for affordable options, Cielo (1244 Periwinkle Way) and Il Tesoro-Sanibel (751 Tarpon Bay Road) are great picks.

Most popular restaurants in Sanibel

Steakhouse
Very good (145 reviews)
Steakhouse
Very good (145 reviews)

When to visit Sanibel

Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$173
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$173
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Sanibel

Plane

Although Sanibel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to SW Florida Intl Airport (RSW), which is located 28 km from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Air Canada, United Airlines, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Detroit and takes around 2h 38m.

Car

Another option to get to Sanibel is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 241 km from Sanibel. You’ll find branches of Fox and Routes Car & Truck Rentals, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Sanibel, including FlixBus, RedCoach and Busbud. From Fort Lauderdale, the bus ride to Sanibel takes 201 km and will cost you around $46. From Tampa, the ticket costs about $25 for a journey of 201 km.

Plane

Although Sanibel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to SW Florida Intl Airport (RSW), which is located 28 km from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Air Canada, United Airlines, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Detroit and takes around 2h 38m.

Car

Another option to get to Sanibel is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 241 km from Sanibel. You’ll find branches of Fox and Routes Car & Truck Rentals, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Sanibel, including FlixBus, RedCoach and Busbud. From Fort Lauderdale, the bus ride to Sanibel takes 201 km and will cost you around $46. From Tampa, the ticket costs about $25 for a journey of 201 km.

Airlines serving Sanibel

Lufthansa
Good (4,605 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
SWISS
Good (929 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,443 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,597 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,280 reviews)
Air France
Good (974 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,930 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,124 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,480 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,719 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (879 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,513 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (707 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Sanibel

Most booked hotels in Sanibel

Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 119 reviews)
$389+
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ft Myers Beach-Sanibel Gateway
2 stars
Excellent (8.8, 821 reviews)
$133+
Diamondhead Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 485 reviews)
$328+
Sunset Beach Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 20 reviews)
$206+
Latitude 26 Waterfront Boutique Resort - Fort Myers Beach
2 stars
Good (7.9, 1115 reviews)
$161+
The Lighthouse Resort Inn & Suites
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 16 reviews)
$187+

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $41 per day, on average, or $166 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 14% cheaper than airport locations in Sanibel.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Sanibel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $41 per day, on average, or $166 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 14% cheaper than airport locations in Sanibel.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Sanibel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38.