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
$140
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
$140
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 Allegiant Air, Delta, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Philadelphia and takes around 2h 50m.

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 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 17 miles from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Allegiant Air, Delta, American Airlines and other airlines departing from the United States. The shortest domestic flight to Sanibel departs from Philadelphia and takes around 2h 50m.

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 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 (8,111 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,533 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,095 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,437 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,452 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,988 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,618 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (939 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,930 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,741 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,606 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,864 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,210 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,298 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,420 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,473 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (420 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,313 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (12,618 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (3,010 reviews)
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Find flights to Sanibel

Where to stay in popular areas of Sanibel

Most booked hotels in Sanibel

See all
Kona Kai Motel
2 stars
Excellent (9.6, 601 reviews)
$193+
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Tarpon Tale Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.6, 392 reviews)
$226+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 1309 reviews)
$313+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 745 reviews)
$311+
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Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1719 reviews)
$441+
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 393 reviews)
$214+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $57 per day, on average, or $226 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, 23% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.28 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 $51.33 and $68.44.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $57 per day, on average, or $226 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, 23% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.28 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 $51.33 and $68.44.

Find car rentals in Sanibel