Sanibel Island is located in Florida, USA.It lies between Fort Myers and Captiva Island, situated along Florida’s Gulf Coast, and is famous for its shell-covered beaches, wildlife refuges, and scenic coastal views.
Sanibel Island Location Map, Sanibel, Florida
Florida Related Maps and Info
Top Attractions Inside Sanibel Island
- Sanibel Lighthouse – Historic lighthouse with scenic beach views and nearby walking trails.
- J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – Protected area for birdwatching, wildlife observation, and nature trails.
- Bowman’s Beach – Quiet beach ideal for sunbathing, shelling, and family-friendly activities.
- Sanibel Beaches – Extensive sandy shores perfect for swimming, shell collecting, and relaxing.
- Biking and Walking Trails – Paved and natural trails exploring the island’s landscapes and coastal areas.
- Sanibel Historical Museum & Village – Exhibits and preserved buildings showcasing the island’s history and heritage.
- Shopping on Periwinkle Way – Local shops, boutiques, and art galleries offering unique finds.
Sanibel Island Facts
| Official Name | Sanibel Island |
| Location | Lee County, Florida, USA |
| Latitude & Longitude | 26.4482° N, 82.0268° W |
| Total Area | ~14.6 square miles (37.8 km²) |
| Established | Originally inhabited by Calusa people; developed as a tourism and residential island in the 20th century |
| Managed By | City of Sanibel & Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation |
| Region / Concept | Barrier island, wildlife conservation, shelling destination, beach tourism, coastal community |
| Main Features | Beaches, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, bike paths, wildlife preserves, shelling spots, resorts |
| Visitor Activities | Beachcombing, shelling, bird watching, kayaking, biking, fishing, nature tours, photography |
| Trails & Access | Paved bike paths, walking trails in wildlife refuges, public beach access points |
| Accessibility | Accessible via Sanibel Causeway; parking lots, bike rentals, wheelchair-accessible areas at public beaches |
| Nearby Towns | Fort Myers, Captiva Island, Cape Coral, Florida |
| Entry / Fees | Free public access to island; parking fees at some beaches; wildlife refuge entrance fee applies |
| Best Time to Visit | November–April for mild weather, lower humidity, and peak shelling season |
| Annual Visitors | Approx. 1–1.5 million |
| Nearby Airport | Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) – 25 miles (40 km) |
| Transportation | Private vehicles, bicycles, walking, rental carts, limited taxi services |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) — UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Official Website | https://www.cityofsanibel.com |
| Famous For | Shell beaches, wildlife refuge, birdwatching, eco-tourism, peaceful coastal environment |
| UNESCO / National Status | Partially within J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge; no UNESCO designation |
Distances from Sanibel Island to Nearby Landmarks
- Sanibel Lighthouse – 5 km (3 mi)
- Bowman's Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge – 8 km (5 mi)
- Periwinkle Way – 4 km (2.5 mi)
- Sanibel Historical Museum & Village – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Captiva Island – 12 km (7.5 mi)
- Tarpon Bay Explorers – 7 km (4.3 mi)
- Causeway to the Mainland – 2 km (1.2 mi)
- Blind Pass Beach – 10 km (6 mi)
- Sanibel Island Farmers Market – 5 km (3 mi)
- Sanibel Community Church – 6 km (3.7 mi)
- Periwinkle Beach – 5 km (3 mi)
- Sanibel Island Golf Club – 8 km (5 mi)
- South Seas Island Resort – 20 km (12.5 mi)
- Fort Myers Beach – 25 km (15.5 mi)
- Fort Myers River District – 35 km (22 mi)
- Lovers Key State Park – 30 km (18.5 mi)
- Matlacha, FL – 40 km (25 mi)
- Cape Coral, FL – 45 km (28 mi)
- Fort Myers International Airport – 35 km (22 mi)
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