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
$177
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$177
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, American Airlines, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Des Moines 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 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, American Airlines, Delta and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Des Moines 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 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 (8,228 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,569 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,195 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,060 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,478 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,538 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,645 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,722 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,655 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,157 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (948 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,971 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,207 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,569 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,529 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,430 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (431 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,591 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,378 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,035 reviews)
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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, 401 reviews)
$201+
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Kona Kai Motel
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, 617 reviews)
$185+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 1327 reviews)
$353+
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Best Western Plus Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 1178 reviews)
$215+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9, 736 reviews)
$222+
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Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1719 reviews)
$410+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $49 per day, on average, or $194 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, 14% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $49 per day, on average, or $194 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, 14% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.43 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 $53.15 and $70.86.

Find car rentals in Sanibel