Sanibel and Captiva Island

This beach marks the eastern tip of Sanibel and features the island’s historic lighthouse, a scenic fishing pier, and a nature boardwalk through native wetlands.

• Restrooms and outdoor shower
• Fishing pier, lighthouse, boardwalk, and nature trails
• Free handicap parking (4 spaces)
• RV parking (2 spaces)
• Bike rack – no fee for bikes
• 24-hour paid parking

Great for: sunrise walks, shelling, swimming

Secluded and natural, Bowman’s Beach offers tranquility with no nearby development. Ideal for beachgoers seeking space, scenery, and great shelling.

• Restrooms, outdoor showers, changing rooms
• BBQ grills and picnic tables
• Playground and fitness trail
• Kayak and canoe launch
• Large parking area ($5/hour)

Great for: shelling, sunsets, grilling, peaceful atmosphere

This centrally located beach is ideal for families. It features shaded picnic areas and is known for frequent sea turtle nesting during the season.

• Restrooms and outdoor shower
• Free handicap parking (3 spaces)
• Picnic tables and BBQ grills
• Bike rack – no fee for bikes
• Paid parking ($5/hour)

Great for: families, beach days, sea turtle spotting

Tarpon Bay Beach offers easy access and is close to nearby accommodations. A quiet and uncrowded spot for casual beachgoers.

• Restrooms and outdoor shower
• Bike rack and drinking fountain
• Paid parking ($5/hour)

Great for: swimming, short beach visits

Located at Sanibel’s northern tip, Blind Pass Beach is a popular spot for shelling and shore fishing. Be careful: currents can be strong here.

• Limited parking (approx. 27 spaces)
• No restrooms or showers on the Sanibel side
• Bike access available
• Paid parking ($5/hour)

Great for: shelling and fishing – caution: strong currents

These roadside beaches are perfect for spontaneous beach stops, watersports, or pet-friendly outings. You can park right next to the water.

• Free parking
• Picnic tables and BBQ grills
• Restrooms (Island B only)
• Pet-friendly – leashed dogs welcome
• Popular for windsurfing, kitesurfing, fishing

Great for: picnics, windsurfing, dog-friendly outings, parking close to water

Turner Beach is located just across the bridge from Sanibel and is a favorite for fishing and sunsets. It offers great shelling and a relaxed atmosphere.

• Restrooms and outdoor shower
• Picnic area
• Limited parking (approx. 24 spaces)
• Paid parking ($5/hour)

Great for: fishing, shelling, sunsets, peaceful views

This beach is known for its beautiful wide shoreline and postcard-worthy sunsets. It’s a popular spot for romantic evening walks and beach photos.

• Limited public parking
• Portable restrooms nearby
• No permanent facilities

Great for: sunsets, couples, photography, relaxing

Sanibel and Captiva Islands are world-renowned for shelling thanks to their east–west orientation. The beaches collect thousands of shells daily, making them a paradise for collectors and families alike.

• Best beaches: Bowman’s Beach, Lighthouse Beach, Blind Pass
• Top finds: Junonia, Lightning Whelk, Alphabet Cone
• Great after low tide or storms
• Shelling bags available at local shops
• No live shelling – check for creatures inside!

Great for: families, collectors, photographers, nature lovers

With over 25 miles of paved shared-use bike paths, Sanibel is one of Florida’s most bike-friendly islands. Ride through nature preserves, neighborhoods, and along the coast with ease.

• Paths connect most beaches, shops, and restaurants
• Trails pass through J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge
• Multiple bike rental stations available
• Helmet use recommended (especially for kids)
• Watch for wildlife along the trails

Great for: all ages, eco-friendly travel, scenic exploration

Sanibel and Captiva offer excellent fishing from beaches, piers, and boats. Whether you're casting off the Lighthouse or heading out on a charter, the waters are rich with snook, redfish, tarpon, and more.

• Popular spots: Lighthouse, Blind Pass, Causeway
• Inshore, offshore, and back bay fishing tours available
• Fishing license required (unless on a charter)
• Gear rentals and bait shops on-island
• Catch & release encouraged for conservation

Great for: solo anglers, families, sport fishing fans

Explore the mangrove forests, tidal flats, and calm bays around Sanibel and Captiva. Guided tours and self-rental options abound for all skill levels.

• Guided tours by Tarpon Bay Explorers & Captiva Adventures
• Sunset paddles, wildlife and eco‑tours in Ding Darling
• Stand‑up paddleboards (SUP) rentals available
• Spot manatees, dolphins, herons and egrets
• Self‑guided rentals with delivery options

Great for: adventure seekers, families, nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge covers over 6,400 acres of mangroves and wetlands, home to more than 220 bird species and many marine animals.

• Drive, bike, walk, or tram through Wildlife Drive
• Guided kayak/back‑bay eco tours
• Interpretive tram tours led by volunteers
• Frequent sightings of spoonbills, otters, alligators
• Educational nature center with interactive exhibits

Great for: birders, wildlife photographers, families, nature education

Located on Sanibel Island, it’s the only museum in the world solely dedicated to seashells, conchology, and mollusk biology.

• 34 exhibits plus a live aquarium and hands‑on touch tanks
• Global and Florida shell displays
• Educational programs, field trips, and community outreach
• Rebuilt and reopened after Hurricane Ian (Feb 2023)
• Museum shop with shell-themed gifts

Great for: shell collectors, families, students, science enthusiasts

Perfect for viewing dolphins, shorebirds, and nearby islands while relaxing on the water.

• Sunset and birding cruises by Captiva Cruises and Captain Brian
• Half‑day trips to Cayo Costa & Cabbage Key
• Dolphin‑tour operators around both islands
• Family‑friendly and educational narrations
• Opportunity to enjoy local seafood onboard

Great for: couples, families, wildlife spotting, photographers

Discover vibrant marine life just offshore with snorkeling trips or self‑guided boating adventures.

• Snorkel tours in shallow reefs and seagrass beds
• Private boating charters with gear & guide
• Visiting sandbars and secluded islands
• Chance to see tropical fish, rays, crabgrass ecosystems
• Combine with shelling tours for dual adventure

Great for: snorkelers, families, marine life lovers, adventure-seekers

A fun and colorful spot offering all-day breakfast, seafood, burgers, and tropical cocktails in a laid-back setting with outdoor seating.

• Casual atmosphere with indoor and outdoor dining
• Huge menu: seafood, burgers, tacos, breakfast all day
• Kid-friendly with games and lawn seating
• Live music on select evenings
• Popular brunch spot – get there early!

Great for: families, casual meals, large groups, breakfast lovers

Inspired by the novels of Randy Wayne White, this waterfront restaurant offers fresh seafood, signature mojitos, and laid-back island ambiance.

• Seafood with Caribbean flair: Yucatan shrimp, fish tacos
• Outdoor deck seating with water views
• Popular local spot – lively but relaxed
• Full bar with rum-focused cocktails
• Sanibel location near the marina

Great for: seafood fans, happy hour, casual waterfront dining

A laid-back, casual seafood spot ideal for dockside dining, cold drinks, and relaxed island vibes.

• Waterfront location with dock seating
• Fresh seafood – grouper sandwiches, oysters, peel‑and‑eat shrimp
• Family-friendly atmosphere
• In‑season early dinner happy hour specials
• No reservations – walk‑in seating

Great for: casual dinners, families, dockside drinks

An upscale Italian restaurant offering handcrafted pastas, fine wines, and a refined beachside ambiance.

• Seasonal, chef‑driven Italian cuisine
• Extensive wine list and craft cocktails
• Outdoor patio with lush garden views
• Romantic setting with white‑tablecloth service
• Live acoustic music on select evenings

Great for: date nights, fine dining, Italian food lovers

A bright and healthy café specializing in acai bowls, smoothies, wraps, and vegan-friendly options.

• Fresh acai bowls, smoothie bowls & organic coffee
• Healthy wraps, salads, and vegan options
• Bright, tropical interior and friendly staff
• Grab‑and‑go or relaxed dine‑in
• Kid-friendly menu items too

Great for: breakfast, healthy eaters, grab‑and‑go

A casual waterfront restaurant right at the Sanibel Marina, with indoor/outdoor seating and scenic boat‑watching views.

• Water‑view dining with dockside tables
• Seafood, burgers, tacos and bar menu
• Live music most evenings
• Full bar with cocktails and beer
• Popular spot for boaters and locals

Great for: marina views, casual meals, live music

The Captiva location of this popular island chain serves the same great seafood and tropical drinks, now with a west coast sunset backdrop.

• Captiva harbor location with water views
• Signature Yucatan shrimp and tropical seafood dishes
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Live music on weekends
• Relaxed vibe with island décor

Great for: seafood lovers, drinks with a view, Captiva evenings

A legendary beachfront pub on Captiva Island known for stunning Gulf views, casual eats, and a loyal following since 1976.

• Beachfront location – perfect for sunsets
• Classic pub fare: burgers, fish & chips, shrimp platters
• Indoor and outdoor seating
• Bar with draft beer and cocktails
• Come early – no reservations accepted

Great for: sunset views, laid-back drinks, beachfront dining

A popular beachfront bar with laid‑back vibes, reggae music, and colorful drinks.

• Live bands and reggae‑style music
• Relaxed outdoor seating on the sand
• Creative cocktails and frozen drinks
• Casual island‐style menu
• Welcomes families, couples, and music lovers

Great for: sunset drinks, live music, relaxed evenings

Seeing Sanibel and Captiva from the water is an unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer a private boat rental, a relaxing cruise, or a fishing charter, there’s something for every level of adventure.

• Boat rentals available on both islands – half-day or full-day
• Options: pontoon boats, deck boats, kayaks, jet skis
• Fishing charters for inshore, back bay, or deep-sea trips
• Captains optional – choose guided or drive-it-yourself (DIY)
• No license required for boats under 10 hp or if born before 1988

Great for: adventure seekers, families, anglers, island explorers

Sanibel and Captiva are among the best spots in Florida for wildlife viewing. With protected habitats, nature preserves, and a variety of ecosystems, the islands offer close encounters with birds, marine life, and more.

• J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – 6,400 acres of mangroves
• Frequent sightings: dolphins, manatees, ospreys, herons, alligators
• Sea turtle nesting season: May through October – lights off at night!
• Nature trails, kayak routes, and observation decks throughout the islands
• Great birding year-round – especially during migration seasons

Great for: wildlife lovers, photographers, birders, quiet explorers

Sanibel and Captiva offer stunning views of both sunrise and sunset, depending on where you are on the islands. From quiet beach moments to vibrant sunset crowds, every day ends in color.

• Best sunset spots: Bowman’s Beach, Blind Pass, The Mucky Duck (Captiva)
• Best sunrise spots: Lighthouse Beach, Causeway Islands
• West-facing beaches are perfect for fiery Gulf sunsets
• Bring a blanket, a camera, or a drink – and arrive early!
• Cloudy skies often make for the most dramatic photos

Great for: couples, early risers, photographers, relaxed evenings

Forget big malls – shopping on Sanibel and Captiva means strolling through charming plazas, art galleries, and family-owned stores. Whether you’re looking for shells, beachwear, books, or island-inspired decor, you’ll find it here.

• Periwinkle Place (Sanibel): open-air shopping village with boutiques & cafés
• Tahitian Gardens & Olde Sanibel Shoppes: local gifts, beachwear, and specialty stores
• Captiva Village: small shops, art galleries, and beachy souvenirs
• Shell shops with local and exotic specimens
• Island bookshops, toy stores, and eco boutiques

Great for: souvenir hunters, casual strolls, rainy day activities