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Visiting Sanibel Island, FL


When the weather up north turns cool, birds and bird watchers flock to Sanibel Island, famous for its large wildlife and bird refuge. Occupying almost a third of the island, the J.N.(Ding) Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge is home to many rare species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Anyone interested in the inner workings of our fragile ecosystems will not want to miss it. Seashell collecting is another big activity on Sanibel. Grab a bucket and scour the beach for colorful conchs and mollusks... more » When the weather up north turns cool, birds and bird watchers flock to Sanibel Island, famous for its large wildlife and bird refuge. Occupying almost a third of the island, the J.N.(Ding) Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge is home to many rare species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Anyone interested in the inner workings of our fragile ecosystems will not want to miss it. Seashell collecting is another big activity on Sanibel. Grab a bucket and scour the beach for colorful conchs and mollusks. Then head out to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. It's not open for tours but can be viewed from an adjoining park area. The island is extremely laid-back and lounging on the beach with a juicy novel is as good a plan as any. « less
Flights: Cheap airfare to Sanibel Island (arriving in Tampa, FL - Tampa International Airport)

Traveler Advice on Sanibel Island

596 Hotels & Accommodations

16 Things to Do

43 Restaurants

Before You Go

Weather

 | 
Monthly Averages
Month
High
Low
Precip
Jul
88°F 31°C
71°F 21°C
4 in 11 cm
Aug
88°F 31°C
72°F 22°C
6 in 16 cm
Sep
87°F 30°C
72°F 22°C
6 in 16 cm
Oct
83°F 28°C
66°F 18°C
2 in 5 cm
Nov
78°F 25°C
59°F 15°C
1 in 2 cm
Dec
73°F 22°C
54°F 12°C
2 in 4 cm
Extended Forecast
Wednesday
Jul 15
Hi:
85°F 29°C
Lo:
79°F 26°C
Thursday
Jul 16
Hi:
85°F 29°C
Lo:
79°F 26°C
Friday
Jul 17
Hi:
86°F 30°C
Lo:
81°F 27°C

Traveler Reviews

Gramma Dot's Restaurant

4 of 5 stars
Tampa, FL
Jul 14, 2009

This is an easy-to-overlook local gem located in the marina that serves up tasty seafood. You know it's going to be fresh when you are sitting over the water, watching boats come and go! It is a bit...more

Over Easy Cafe

5 of 5 stars
Tampa, FL
Jul 14, 2009

The Over Easy Cafe has become a staple on our Sanibel itinerary every time we visit the island--we always make sure to go at least once for breakfast during our stay! Their breakfasts are really yummy...more

West Wind Inn

5 of 5 stars
sistertravelers
Jul 14, 2009

I just returned from a fabulous rejuvinating 3 day week-end at the West Wind in Sanibel with my sisters. The hotel staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome and were a pleasure to meet!...more

Sanibel Island Forum

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New to the forum - thank you and question today, no replies
Where can I get sandtoys/shelling stuff. today, 3 replies
Trip Report 6/29 - 7/10 today, 8 replies
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Are dogs allowed in the shopping areas? today, 5 replies
Guess what we found last night? July 14, 2009, 20 replies
Pointe Santo Children's program in August? July 14, 2009, 3 replies
New: Beach Condition Thread for Lurechunker! July 14, 2009, 3 replies
aquariums in the area? July 14, 2009, 3 replies
Forty Fifteen July 14, 2009, 10 replies
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