Is Sanibel OK to visit now?

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. For the most up-to-date information regarding the island's recovery, visit the Sanibel & Captiva Islands Chamber of Commerce website.



Yes, Sanibel Island is not only "OK" to visit but is fully open for the 2025–2026 season with a focus on "renewal and resilience." Following the long-term recovery from Hurricane Ian, the island has revitalized its most iconic attractions. The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is hosting guided tram tours and sunset drives, while the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium has reopened with new live mollusk exhibits. Visitors in 2026 will notice active beach renourishment projects near Blind Pass and Bowman's Beach, designed to protect the shoreline with 300,000 cubic yards of new sand. While some "shared-use" bike paths are still undergoing spot repairs, the majority of the island's 25 miles of trails, boutique shops, and famous shelling beaches are fully accessible. It is a unique time to visit, as the island balances its traditional quiet charm with sophisticated new storm-protection infrastructure.

People Also Ask

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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Sanibel Causeway reopens after being damaged by Hurricane Ian. SANIBEL, Fla. ? The causeway washed out by Hurricane Ian that links Sanibel Island to the Florida mainland reopened with temporary repairs on Wednesday, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced.

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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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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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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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There are no travel restrictions in place. If that changes, we will alert businesses as to the requirements for essential employees. Are the beaches closed? Beaches on Marco Island are open.

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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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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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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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The Sanibel Causeway that once welcomed residents and visitors to the island was also partially destroyed. With no access to the island, residents were left wondering what remained of their properties and hometown. An aerial picture taken on September 30, 2022 shows the collapsed Sanibel Causeway.

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The Sanibel Causeway that once welcomed residents and visitors to the island was also partially destroyed. With no access to the island, residents were left wondering what remained of their properties and hometown. An aerial picture taken on September 30, 2022 shows the collapsed Sanibel Causeway.

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The Sanibel Causeway was reopened October 19. Now attention turns to permanent repairs. Superior Construction For the temporary repairs, the focus was on hauling in and dredging back dirt to rebuild the breached causeway islands and then pouring asphalt to restore the road.

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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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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 Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach is now open: Officials and residents rejoice. Cape Coral officially reopens the Yacht Club Community Park beach on Saturday, more than a year after Hurricane Ian shuttered the park, and residents are already taking advantage of it.

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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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