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, Thistle Lodge Restaurant (2255 West Gulf Drive) and Cielo (1244 Periwinkle Way) are great picks.

When to visit Sanibel

Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$138
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$138
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 Air Canada, United Airlines, JetBlue and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Wilmington and takes around 1h 55m.

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 Routes Car & Truck Rentals 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 17 miles from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Air Canada, United Airlines, JetBlue and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Wilmington and takes around 1h 55m.

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

Airports near Sanibel

SRQSarasota Bradenton Intl
RSWFort Myers SW Florida Intl
PGDPunta Gorda

Airlines serving Sanibel

Lufthansa
Good (7,491 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,402 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,456 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,977 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,772 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,009 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,979 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,475 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,374 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,651 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (853 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,304 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,533 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,280 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,133 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,332 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,095 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,382 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (365 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,015 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 (9.4, 364 reviews)
$255+
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Seahorse Cottages - Adults Only
3 stars
Excellent (9.4, 94 reviews)
$287+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 753 reviews)
$244+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1276 reviews)
$295+
View
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1697 reviews)
$377+
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Ft Myers Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.6, 302 reviews)
$169+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $46 per day, on average, or $137 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 4% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $3.48 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 $41.79 and $55.72.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $46 per day, on average, or $137 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 4% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $3.48 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 $41.79 and $55.72.

Find car rentals in Sanibel

Sanibel Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Sanibel city guide for the best Sanibel travel tips. To help you organize your Sanibel trip ideas, this Sanibel visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.