We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Sanibel Island?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Sanibel Island each week.

TripAdvisor
Recent Traveler Lists
View all Sanibel Island Traveler Lists
Create a List Now

Explore other Sanibel Island resources:

Visiting Sanibel Island, FL


Add Videos
Add Photos
Free Sanibel Island Guide

Get your quick guide to the top hotels, restaurants and things to do.

Sanibel Island
Click map pins for more information.
Sponsor:
view map of Sanibel Island
Vacation rentals are ideal for your longer stay.
Spend time in Sanibel Island
Vacation rentals are ideal for your longer stay.
Find a rental»
Other Destinations
Popular Southwest Gulf Coast Destinations
Biscayne National Park
Boca Raton Hotels
Bradenton Vacation Rentals
Cape Canaveral
Clearwater Vacation Rentals
Coral Gables Hotels
Daytona Beach Hotels
Dry Tortugas National Park
Everglades National Park
Florida Keys Vacation Rentals
Fort Lauderdale Hotels
Gainesville Hotels
Jacksonville Hotels
Key Largo Hotels
Key West Vacation Rentals
Kissimmee Vacation Rentals
Miami Vacation Rentals
Miami Beach Vacation Rentals
Orlando Vacation Rentals
Palm Beach Hotels
Pompano Beach Hotels
Saint Augustine Vacation Rentals
Sarasota Vacation Rentals
St. Petersburg Vacation Rentals
Tampa Hotels
West Palm Beach Hotels
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

View all Sanibel Island hotels
View all Sanibel Island B&Bs
Hotel Quick Search – Find hotels travelers trust
mm/dd/yyyy mm/dd/yyyy
Go to Sanibel Island Hotels & Accommodations

16 Things to Do

View all Sanibel Island attractions
View all 12 Traveler Articles
Go to Sanibel Island Things to Do

43 Restaurants

View all Sanibel Island restaurants

Before You Go

  • Traveler Articles – Advice from real travelers
View all 30 Traveler Articles on Sanibel Island
Free Sanibel Island Guide

Get your quick guide to the top hotels, restaurants and things to do.

Go to Sanibel Island 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
More weather for Sanibel Island
Powered by
Weather Underground

Traveler Reviews

“Fresh seafood, local gem for casual dining”

Gramma Dot's Restaurant

4 of 5 stars
Genyi1681
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

“We always go--at least once!”

Over Easy Cafe

5 of 5 stars
Genyi1681
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

“Friendly accomodating staff!”

West Wind Inn

5 of 5 stars
sistetravelers
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

See all Sanibel Island reviews

Sanibel Island Forum

Ask a Question or Browse the Discussions
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
Photo's Not Posting today, no replies
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
View all discussions
Search the Sanibel Island Forum
Post a new Sanibel Island topic

Are You a Sanibel Island Tourism Organization?