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 November
Estimated hotel price
$173
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in November
Estimated hotel price
$173
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 53m.

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 53m.

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 (8,299 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,595 reviews)
British Airways
Good (8,277 reviews)
SWISS
Good (2,113 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,461 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (982 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,698 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,653 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,711 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,685 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (2,031 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (10,459 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,191 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,552 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,417 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (438 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (11,835 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,391 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,631 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Good (13,138 reviews)
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Where to stay in popular areas of Sanibel

Most booked hotels in Sanibel

See all
Sanibel/Tarpon Tale Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.7, 406 reviews)
$263+
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Kona Kai Motel
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, 623 reviews)
$194+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.2, 1337 reviews)
$368+
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Best Western Plus Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (9.1, 1201 reviews)
$242+
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Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 1716 reviews)
$378+
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Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 439 reviews)
$177+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $44 per day, on average, or $178 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, 10% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.62 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 $55.42 and $73.89.

Renting a car in Sanibel costs $44 per day, on average, or $178 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, 10% more expensive than at Fort Myers SW Florida Intl.

Expect to pay $4.62 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 $55.42 and $73.89.

Find car rentals in Sanibel