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 October
Estimated hotel price
$167
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in October
Estimated hotel price
$167
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 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, 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 Routes Car & Truck Rentals, among others, in Orlando.

Airports near Sanibel

SRQSarasota Bradenton Intl
RSWFort Myers SW Florida Intl
PGDPunta Gorda

Airlines serving Sanibel

KLM
Good (1,441 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,731 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,689 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,075 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,195 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,855 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,177 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,720 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,523 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,479 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (894 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,635 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,655 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,373 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,351 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,174 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,431 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (382 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,749 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,122 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, 381 reviews)
$250+
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Kona Kai Motel
3 stars
Excellent (9.4, 581 reviews)
$238+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 746 reviews)
$311+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 1288 reviews)
$398+
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Ft Myers Beach
4 stars
Excellent (8.7, 344 reviews)
$278+
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Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers Beach/Sanibel Gateway
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 1298 reviews)
$152+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $31 per day, on average, or $94 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 48% cheaper than airport locations in Sanibel.

Expect to pay $3.14 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 $37.70 and $50.27.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $31 per day, on average, or $94 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 48% cheaper than airport locations in Sanibel.

Expect to pay $3.14 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 $37.70 and $50.27.

Find car rentals in Sanibel