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 October
Estimated hotel price
$156
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in October
Estimated hotel price
$156
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 American Airlines, Southwest, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Allentown and takes around 2h 54m.

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 American Airlines, Southwest, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Allentown and takes around 2h 54m.

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

Lufthansa
Good (8,175 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,552 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,136 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,460 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,020 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,497 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,632 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (950 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,738 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,062 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,640 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,912 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,212 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,415 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,499 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,424 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (431 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,352 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,584 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,030 reviews)
Show more
Find flights to Sanibel

Where to stay in popular areas of Sanibel

Most booked hotels in Sanibel

See all
Sanibel/Tarpon Tale Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.6, 396 reviews)
$201+
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Kona Kai Motel
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, 610 reviews)
$185+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 1319 reviews)
$322+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 745 reviews)
$264+
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Best Western Plus Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 1143 reviews)
$222+
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 406 reviews)
$204+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $58 per day, on average, or $230 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, 22% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.35 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 $52.24 and $69.65. The most frequently booked car type in Sanibel is Full-size (Ford Expedition or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Nissan Rogue or similar) are, on average, 79% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $58 per day, on average, or $230 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, 22% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.35 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 $52.24 and $69.65. The most frequently booked car type in Sanibel is Full-size (Ford Expedition or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Nissan Rogue or similar) are, on average, 79% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Find car rentals in Sanibel