Are visitors allowed on Sanibel Island yet?

We are well on our road to recovery, Sanibel Mayor Richard Johnson said. Sanibel Island is open and ready to receive visitors to our island paradise.



Yes, visitors are allowed on Sanibel Island, but it is important to understand that the island is still in a multi-year recovery phase following Hurricane Ian. As of March 2026, most major beaches, including Bowman's Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park, are open to the public, and many iconic restaurants and shops have successfully reopened their doors. However, several landmarks, such as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, are still undergoing significant infrastructure repairs. While the Visitor & Education Center and Wildlife Drive are largely functional, some boardwalks and trails remain under construction with completion dates stretching into 2027 and 2028. Travelers should be prepared for some "construction vibes" and are encouraged to check the status of specific accommodations before booking, as some resorts are still operating at limited capacity or finishing renovations. The island's spirit remains resilient, and "shelling" is as popular as ever, but the landscape continues to evolve as the community rebuilds toward full strength.

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By consensus, the Sanibel City Council supported the decision to end the requirement for reentry passes on January 2, 2023. The City of Sanibel asks that non-residents respect and understand the fact that Sanibel is still actively working to recover from Hurricane Ian.

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General Access to the Sanibel Island Causeway/Bridge The Sanibel Island Bridge is open to the public and accessible to all visitors who wish to explore the island's wonders. Whether you are planning a day trip or an extended stay, you can traverse the bridge without any restrictions.

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By Staff | Jan 3, 2023 The Sanibel Causeway reopened Monday but the city of Sanibel government is asking non-residents to wait a while longer before visiting the storm-damaged island.

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A year later, construction continues on the causeway, as it does in Sanibel. Every structure here suffered at least some damage, and much of the community remains displaced. Of some 6,500 residents before the hurricane only 1,500 are back in their homes, and of more than 500 businesses 100 are up and running.

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The good news is several of the island's establishments – stores, restaurants, and resorts – have reopened. Longtime island favorites 'Tween Waters Island Resort and The Mucky Duck are open. Andy Rosse Lane Beach and Alison Hagerup Beach Park are open as well, with parking payable via the ParkMobile App.

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Red Tide. At this time, there is no sign of Karenia brevis, the organism that causes red tide, in our area.

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An estimated 6,400 people lived in the City of Sanibel as of April 2021, according to the US Census Bureau. The island is also home to a number of hotels and resorts and sees a significant amount of tourists each year.

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By TIFFANY REPECKI - | Oct 2, 2023. It has been one year since Hurricane Ian brought the islands to a halt with its devastating damage and the recovery of the Sanibel-Captiva business community has been a slow one — but it is returning.

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Located about 3 miles off the coast of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, Florida is the perfect getaway vacation destination. Whether it's a family vacation, romantic adventure or an escape to the beautiful beaches, there's no other place to escape to than Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

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Regardless of your starting point, you will hop on Interstate 75, into Florida to get to Sanibel.
  1. Take Exit 131 (Daniels Parkway) and head west (turn right), which will put you on Summerlin Road;
  2. Take a left on Summerlin Road;
  3. It will end you at the Sanibel Island Causeway and Toll Plaza.


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When is red tide season in Florida? In Florida, red tides begin in late summer or early fall and last through February or March. Two years ago, seven tons of dead fish washed ashore Sarasota beaches due to red tides. Swimmers reported skin infections and people with lung diseases reported trouble breathing.

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brevis blooms occur in the Gulf of Mexico almost every year, generally in late summer or early fall. They are most common off the central and southwestern coasts of Florida between Clearwater and Sanibel Island but may occur anywhere in the Gulf.

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At least 13 beaches in the Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva area are already open, and two more parts of Fort Myers Beach are expected to open this month, Bowditch Point Park and Crescent Beach Family Park. We're getting there, Visit Florida CEO Dana Young said about the area's recovery.

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The Island Club's pools were swamped and docks were damaged from Hurricane Ian. Now, through hard work, its doors are open once more.

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Though it's smaller than many Florida vacation towns, Sanibel Island has been a place important to many people for generations. With the community's efforts to rebuild, it will continue to be so.

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