Sanibel Island      Information

Google Map View Larger Map Sanibel's location and description Sanibel Island is a barrier island off the coast of Fort Myers in southwest Florida. It's connected to the mainland by the scenic, three-mile long, Sanibel Causeway. Both sides of the island are spectacular. Pristine white, shell-lined beaches face the Gulf of Mexico. On the other side are wetlands and marshes that face San Carlos Bay, which is sprinkled with puffs of tiny green islets. On Sanibel Island, there are no neon signs, amusement parks or high rise condominiums. The island feels remote, casual and relaxed. Many of the streets are named for seashells. Some have Tahitian and Polynesian names. The main street is Periwinkle Way and is lined with whispery pines, palm trees and tropical plantings. Lush plantings almost obscure the small signs for the chic shops, cafes and art galleries. More than half of the island is preserved in its' natural state as part of the J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge. This 5,000-acre sanctuary offers trails for hiking, biking, canoeing or kayaking. More than 200 species of birds nest here, as well as alligators, turtles, river otters and other wildlife critters. Paved bicycle paths follow most major roads on Sanibel Island, making it a paradise for bikers, walkers, joggers and in-line skaters. Boat rentals, fishing, golf and tennis are also available on the island. Other attractions on Sanibel Island include the Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum, the Sanibel Historic Village & Museum, and of course, the captivating sunsets. Surrounding areas: Captiva Island (7.6 mi), Pine Island (10.5 mi), Fort Myers Beach (11.7 mi), North Captiva Island (12.1 mi), Cape Coral (16.0 mi), Bonita Beach (18.1 mi), Estero (18.9 mi) Island Shopping, Services & Activities Art Barrier Island Artist's Guild, Dunlap Rd. Art classes are available for visitors and local artists works are on display. There are several Art Galleries on Periwinkle and off Tarpon Bay Rd Beauty & Spas 1. Sanibel Day Spa at Periwinkle Place. 2. Sanibel Beauty Salon at Baileys Shopping Center Bike & Rollerblade Rentals There are several and bicycle delivery & pick up is free. 1. Finnemore's is one mile from Pointe Santo, located behind Wings on Periwinkle, just beyond Bailey's. 2. Billy's Beach Rentals for bikes, beach umbrelllas, etc is also on Periwinkle. Birding & Nature 1. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel-Captiva Rd: Museum. Trolley tours are lead by a Naturalist and very entertaining. Also self-guided auto or bicycle tours. Mornings are often best for spotting the abundant wildlife. 2. Dolphin, nature tours, and day trips to outer islands operate from Tween Water's Inn Captiva and from Miss Paradise which picks you up by trolley bus Boat Rentals Sanibel Marina on Periwinkle Way (east), Sanibel & on Ande Rosse Lane, Captiva Canoe & Kayak Rentals Tarpon Bay Recreation area, on the Bay, at far end of Tarpon Bay Rd, across Palm Ridge. Scenic spot with dock, benches, bird & manatee spotting, and small shop for take out coffee. Cinema and Movie Rentals Island Cinema, Baileys Shopping Plaza always offering the newest popular movies DVD movie rentals at Video Scene, Baileys Shopping Plaza Crib Rentals Island Rental Services (239) 472-9789 Website: www.islandrentalservices.net Cribs, strollers, high chairs, rollaway beds, beach umbrellas. Fees are reasonable. Email or call ahead w/your credit card and they will deliver and set-up for your arrival Fishing Sanibel fishing pier, boat charters at marina. Equipment is available for rent at some of the shops Golf Courses open to public 1. Beachview (on Sanibel) 2. The Dunes (on Sanibel). 3. Shell Pointe (across causeway in Ft Myers, on Summerlin Rd) Medical Facilities Major Hospital: Healthpark Florida is located on Summerlin Rd, Ft Myers. Sanibel has 911 for emergencies. Wheelchairs are available for loan from Sanibel Fire Department. Pharmacy CVS Pharmacy on Palm Ridge Rd. Nightlife Live Music: 1. Biddle's Bucket Periwinkle at Tarpon Bay Rd. 2. Jacaranda on Periwinkle. 3. Ellington's on Periwinkle. 4. Green Flash on Captiva 5. The Crow's Nest at Tween Water's Inn, Captiva. Sports Bar restuarants: 1. Doc Fords on Rabbit Rd. 2. Sanibel Grille on Tarpon Bay Rd Restaurants There are approximately fifty restaurants on the Islands. Here are just some of the favorites: For Coffee: 1. Starbucks on Captiva Rd, Captiva. 2. Sanibel Bean on Periwinkle, Sanibel For Ice Cream: 1. Dairy Queen on Periwinkle. 2. The Bean on Periwinkle For Breakfast: 1. The Island Cow on Periwinkle 2. Lighthouse Cafe near east end of Island. 3. coffee shop style restaurant at Jerry's supermarket. 4. Over Easy Cafe For Lunch: 1. Mucky Duck, beachfront on Captiva. 2. Coconuts-beachside bar at Casa Ybel, strolling distance along beach from Pointe Santo. 3. Island Cow. 4. The Canoe & Kayak at Tween Water's Inn For Dinner (many also open for lunch): 1. Traders on Periwinkle, live music some early evenings 2. Bubble Room on Captiva-save room for their famous cakes. 3. Thistle Lodge at Casa Ybel-elegant dining inside/also a terrace, pool bar and outdoor tables for casual times (you can easily stroll to it along the beach to the left from Pointe Santo). 4. Timbers, Tarpon Bay Rd-fresh caught seafood /also have casual Sanibel Grille-sports bar next door. 5. The Jacaranda on Periwinkle-dine on the screened patio under the stars-Live Reggae Band in bar at night. 6. Old Captiva House at Tween Waters Inn, Captiva-elegant/next to Crows Next for live music and The Canoe & Kayak Bar/cafe. Scenic Spots & Activities 1. Bowman's beach on Sanibel Captiva Rd. 2. Sanibel fishing pier, lighthouse and beach on east end of Sanibel. 3. Tarpon Bay Recreation area at north end of Tarpon Bay Rd. 4. Roosevelt channel beach at pass between Sanibel and Captiva 5. Sanibel Public Library & Old Sanibel Town preserved buildings, Dunlap Rd. a beautiful library, with computers for visitor use, a reading porch, art displays, tropical fish tank, and an excellent shell display Shelling Live shelling is not allowed. Make sure the shell is empty of it's former inhabitant. You will find shells plentiful everywhere, but there are a few places where the currents provide large piles. One is the public beach access at Algiers Rd off West Gulf Dr. Another is Roosevelt Channel. The beach in front of Pointe Santo on West Gulf Drive is among the best shelling places on the Island Shell Museum Bailey Matthews Shell Museum & museum gift shop, Sanibel Captiva Rd. Excellent and informative Shopping There are many, many clothing, and gift boutiques all along Periwinkle and on Palm Ridge Rd. Supermarkets 1. Baileys Shopping Center, Tarpon Bay Rd at Periwinkle Way: groceries, hardware, liquors, ice cream, beauty salon, gift shop, video rentals. 2. Jerry's Shopping Center, Periwinkle at Casa Ybel Rd: groceries, coffee shop/restaurant, liquors, art gallery, jewelry, gift and clothing shops. Tropical courtyard w/ parrots. Live Theater Pirate Playhouse, Periwinkle Way Sanibel Average Temperatures  Month  High  Low  Rainfall  Ocean Temp  January  75 degrees F  54 degrees F  2.23 in  65 degrees F  February  76 degrees F  55 degrees F  2.10 in  65 degrees F  March  80 degrees F  59 degrees F  2.74 in  70 degrees F  April  84 degrees F  62 degrees F  1.67 in  76 degrees F  May  89 degrees F  68 degrees F  3.42 in  81 degrees F  June  91 degrees F  73 degrees F  9.77 in  85 degrees F  July  91 degrees F  74 degrees F  8.98 in  87 degrees F  August  91 degrees F  74 degrees F  9.54 in  87 degrees F  September  90 degrees F  73 degrees F  7.86 in  85 degrees F  October  86 degrees F  68 degrees F  2.59 in  80 degrees F  November  81 degrees F  62 degrees F  1.71 in  72 degrees F  December  76 degrees F  56 degrees F  1.58 in  66 degrees F Traveling by Air Southwest Florida International airport (RSW) is located approximately 23 miles east of Sanibel Island in Fort Myers. It serves all major cities amd airlines. For private planes, the closest small airports in the area are Page Field (FMY) located about 18 miles northeast of Sanibel Island in Fort Myers, the Charlotte County airport (PGD) located roughly 34 miles north of Sanibel Island in Punta Gorda, Florida, and finally the Sarasota-Bradenton International airport (SRQ) located around 71 miles northwest of Sanibel Island in Sarasota / Bradenton, Florida. Driving Directions From Ft Myers Southwest Florida International Airport/or I-75 . Airport exit signs to right onto Tree Line Drive, then left onto Daniels Parkway (total 3-4 miles) Daniels Parkway (1-2 miles). You will pass I-75 Exit Left on Six Mile Cypress (for 2-3 miles) Left on Summerlin Rd to Sanibel Causeway (for approx 4 miles) Right on Periwinkle Way to end (for approx 2 miles) Left on Tarpon Bay Rd to end (for 1 mile) Left on West Gulf Drive. Pointe Santo is just ahead on your right (approx 300 yards) Details: Follow Airport exit signs to right onto Tree Line Drive, then left onto Daniels Parkway. Once on Daniels Parkway, after you have passed by I-75, begin to ease to left lane for Six Mile Cypress This is a shortcut If you miss this left turn, don't worry. Continuing on Daniels will also take you to Summerlin Rd, just farther north than needed. Once on Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. You can also take a shortcut: Left onto Casa Ybel Rd (opposite Jerry's Shopping Center) and continue until you reach Pointe Santo on your left (2 miles). Please contact owner to reserve your week in paradise email: eruland@hotmail.com Phone: (508) 358-0804 Back to Condo Rental Homepage