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 3 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
$135
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$135
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 17 miles from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from JetBlue, Etihad Airways, Allegiant Air and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Wilmington and takes around 1h 59m.

Car

Another option to get to Sanibel is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 150 miles from Sanibel. You’ll find branches of Advantage and America Car Rental, 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 17 miles from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from JetBlue, Etihad Airways, Allegiant Air and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Wilmington and takes around 1h 59m.

Car

Another option to get to Sanibel is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 150 miles from Sanibel. You’ll find branches of Advantage and America Car Rental, among others, in Orlando.

Airports near Sanibel

SRQSarasota Bradenton Intl
RSWFort Myers SW Florida Intl
PGDPunta Gorda

Airlines serving Sanibel

KLM
Good (1,405 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,555 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,004 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,496 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,031 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,778 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,003 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,402 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,661 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,484 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (864 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,410 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,285 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,560 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,241 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,133 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,335 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,393 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (369 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,046 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 (9.5, 366 reviews)
$189+
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Seahorse Cottages - Adults Only
3 stars
Excellent (9.4, 94 reviews)
$248+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 750 reviews)
$274+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 1280 reviews)
$309+
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Ft Myers Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 306 reviews)
$161+
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Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1698 reviews)
$379+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $39 per day, on average, or $116 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 22% cheaper than airport locations in Sanibel.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $39 per day, on average, or $116 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 22% cheaper than airport locations in Sanibel.

Expect to pay $3.41 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 $40.88 and $54.51.

Find car rentals in Sanibel