How do you access Sanibel Island?

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.




Access to Sanibel Island is primarily via the Sanibel Causeway, a three-mile series of bridges that connects the island to the mainland near Fort Myers, Florida. In 2026, the causeway has been fully restored following the significant repairs necessitated by Hurricane Ian in late 2022. The bridge features an all-electronic toll system; there are no cash booths, so you must have a SunPass, another compatible transponder (like E-ZPass), or you will be billed via "Toll-By-Plate" at a slightly higher rate (typically around $6.00 for a standard passenger vehicle). For those who prefer not to drive, there are various private shuttle services from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Once on the island, the best way to "access" its different parts is via the extensive shared-use path system, which covers over 25 miles and is perfect for bicycles. While there are no public ferries from the mainland, private boaters can access the island via the Sanibel Marina or various public boat ramps, provided they adhere to the strict environmental regulations protecting the island's fragile coastal ecosystem.

People Also Ask

The great news is that many of our favorite Sanibel beaches are now open and ready for visitors! Here's what you need to know about which Sanibel beaches are open.

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Note that Sanibel Island sustained significant damage in September 2022 as a result of Hurricane Ian. Though the island is open to the public as of January 2023, local officials are warning visitors that much of the island's attractions and businesses remain closed.

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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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The City of Sanibel is excited to announce that all public access beach park locations in Sanibel are now open to the public. The city announced on Thursday that the following areas are set to open Friday, June 30: Bayside parking lot at 110 – 153 Periwinkle Way for Lighthouse Beach Park.

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The FEMA 50% rule is a minimum requirement for participation in the NFIP. It limits the cost of improvements (additions, alterations, and/or repairs) to non-conforming structures to less than 50% of the “market value” of structure prior to the start of work.

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The FEMA 50% rule is a minimum requirement for participation in the NFIP. It limits the cost of improvements (additions, alterations, and/or repairs) to non-conforming structures to less than 50% of the “market value” of structure prior to the start of work.

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Monday morning marked another reopening after Hurricane Ian. Sanibel Island is now open to anyone who wants to visit. The reopening comes just a day after the tolls on the Sanibel Causeway were reinstated. Sanibel's recovery progress includes 80% of right-of-way debris being removed from the East Periwinkle Way bridge.

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Sanibel Island attracts many people who choose to live year-round. It creates a very distinct and passionate local community, making Sanibel more than a vacation destination.

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All Sanibel beaches and nearshore waters to one-half mile from shore are protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection Rule 46-26. This rule prohibits the harvest and possession of live shellfish. Sand dollars, sea stars (starfish), and sea urchins are also protected.

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The great news is that many of our favorite Sanibel beaches are now open and ready for visitors! Here's what you need to know about which Sanibel beaches are open.

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On Thursday evening, Sanibel officials said that 200 households reported staying on the island during the storm. Two people were confirmed dead, 14 medically evacuated and another 40 rescued without injury on Thursday.

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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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