• Q: What is Sanibel Island known for?
  • A: Sanibel Island is a lush tropical island surrounded by white sandy beaches, swaying palms, and a pleasant sea breeze.
  • Q: Where is Sanibel Island located?
  • A: It is a tiny barrier reef island in the Gulf of Mexico, home to less than 7,000 inhabitants.
  • Q: What is the island's history?
  • A: The island has a colorful history involving Calusa Indians, pirates, Spanish adventurers, and tales of buried treasure.
  • Q: How much of the island is protected?
  • A: More than half of the island is protected, with the largest area located within the J.N. Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

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1. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)

Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)
© Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife

2. Sanibel Causeway

Sanibel Causeway
© Courtesy of marchello74 - Fotolia.com

3. Bowman's Beach

Bowman's Beach
© Courtesy of st 1909 - Fotolia.com

4. Bailey Tract

Bailey Tract
© Thomas/stock.adobe.com

5. Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
© Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

6. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
© The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

7. Il Cielo, Sanibel Island, Florida

Il Cielo, Sanibel Island, Florida
© Il Cielo

8. Bleu Rendezvous

Bleu Rendezvous
© Bleu Rendezvous

9. Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
© Courtesy of lunamarina - Fotolia.com

10. Great Calusa Blueway

Great Calusa Blueway
© Courtesy of Travis Photo Works - Fotolia.com

11. Sissi Janku Art Studio

Sissi Janku Art Studio
© Sissi Janku Art Studio

12. Tower Gallery

Tower Gallery
© Idol Design/stock.adobe.com

13. Sanibel Island Lighthouse

Sanibel Island Lighthouse
© Courtesy of Kenneth Keifer - Fotolia.com

14. Blind Pass Beach

Blind Pass Beach
© Courtesy of scottevers7 - Fotolia.com

15. Tarpon Bay Explorers

Tarpon Bay Explorers
© Courtesy of Kat - Fotolia.com

16. The Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings

The Botanical Gardens at Sanibel Moorings
© Courtesy of TIFFotos - Fotolia.com

17. USS Mohawk CGC Veterans Memorial Reef

USS Mohawk CGC Veterans Memorial Reef
© Courtesy of sergemi - Fotolia.com

18. Big Arts

Big Arts
© Big Arts

19. Periwinkle Place

Periwinkle Place
© Periwinkle Place

20. Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel Island

Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel Island
© Lighthouse Cafe of Sanibel Island

21. The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club

The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club
© Courtesy of davidsonlentz - Fotolia.com

22. Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille - Sanibel Island

Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille - Sanibel Island
© Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille

23. J.N. (Ding) Darling National Wildlife Refuge

J.N. (Ding) Darling National Wildlife Refuge
© Courtesy of Sheri Armstrong - Fotolia.com

Map:



Best Time to Visit Places to Stay Tips for Visiting
Spring (March-May) – Warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Sanibel Island Beach Resort – A beachfront stay with stunning Gulf views. Visit J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Explore wildlife trails and kayak through mangroves.
Summer (June-August) – Hot and great for beach activities. South Seas Island Resort – A family-friendly resort with pools and private beaches. Go shelling on Bowman’s Beach – Sanibel Island is known as one of the best shelling destinations in the world.
Fall (September-November) – Fewer tourists and pleasant weather. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa – A relaxing oceanfront retreat with great amenities. Take a scenic bike ride – Sanibel has over 25 miles of beautiful biking trails.

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