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
$136
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$136
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, Allegiant Air, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Orlando and takes around 1h.

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 Routes Car & Truck Rentals, 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, Allegiant Air, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Orlando and takes around 1h.

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 Routes Car & Truck Rentals, among others, in Orlando.

Airports near Sanibel

SRQSarasota Bradenton Intl
RSWFort Myers SW Florida Intl
PGDPunta Gorda

Airlines serving Sanibel

Lufthansa
Good (8,152 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,543 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,124 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,450 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,012 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,474 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,628 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (947 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,013 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,748 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,631 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,891 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,212 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,361 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,484 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,422 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (422 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,342 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,574 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,017 reviews)
Show more
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, 394 reviews)
$201+
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Kona Kai Motel
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, 607 reviews)
$185+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 1316 reviews)
$324+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 744 reviews)
$289+
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Best Western Plus Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 1129 reviews)
$240+
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 400 reviews)
$218+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $61 per day, on average, or $244 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 26% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.13 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 $49.51 and $66.02.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $61 per day, on average, or $244 if you want to rent if for 4 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 26% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.13 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 $49.51 and $66.02.

Find car rentals in Sanibel