Introduction
What to do
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

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.

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Activities & attractions in Sanibel

Nature & Outdoor Activities

Sanibel Sea School
Other
New Wave Eco Charters - private, immersive eco tours

Other activities

Private Dolphin, Shelling & Sightseeing Boat Tours
Tours•Boat Tour

Where to Eat in Sanibel

If you’re looking for affordable options, Crow's Nest Steakhouse (15951 Captiva Dr) and Rosalita's Cantina (975 Rabbit Rd) are great picks.

When to visit Sanibel

Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$150
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$150
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 Southwest, Delta, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Chicago and takes around 2h 47m.

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 Rent-A-Wreck and Advantage, among others, in Orlando.

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 Southwest, Delta, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Chicago and takes around 2h 47m.

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 Rent-A-Wreck and Advantage, among others, in Orlando.

Airports near Sanibel

SRQSarasota Bradenton Intl
RSWFort Myers SW Florida Intl
PGDPunta Gorda

Airlines serving Sanibel

KLM
Good (1,455 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,786 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,749 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,205 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,216 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,876 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,293 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,534 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,739 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,519 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (896 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,684 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,721 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,181 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,396 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,362 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (387 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,885 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,142 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,455 reviews)
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Find flights to Sanibel

Where to stay in popular areas of Sanibel

Most booked hotels in Sanibel

See all
Tarpon Tale Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.6, 383 reviews)
$289+
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Kona Kai Motel
3 stars
Excellent (9.4, 582 reviews)
$216+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 746 reviews)
$455+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 1291 reviews)
$479+
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Ft Myers Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 346 reviews)
$310+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers Beach/Sanibel Gateway
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1303 reviews)
$125+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Expect to pay $3.22 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 $38.61 and $51.48.

Expect to pay $3.22 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 $38.61 and $51.48.

Find car rentals in Sanibel