Loading Page...

Which side of Sanibel Island is the best?

Traveling over the Sanibel Bridge, visitors first arrive on the East End of the island. This is where you'll find a public fishing pier, a public beach and a lighthouse. It's also the part of the island that is the most residential.



People Also Ask

Captiva's beach is far better for simply lounging on the powdery sand. The depth of beach space changes too. Aside from Bowman and Blind Pass beach areas, Sanibel's beaches are far more narrow than Captiva's. Narrow beaches mixed with more beachgoers creates a recipe for crowded beaches.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

There are NO lifeguards anywhere on Sanibel, so it's swim at your own risk. Avoid the area where water runs from bay to Gulf. The undertow can be very strong at these points. Enjoy the calm Gulf, but pay attention.

MORE DETAILS

Sanibel Beaches: On both sides of the causeway, you'll find beaches suitable for swimming, fishing, and on especially windy days, windsurfing! Lighthouse Beach: Located on the east end of Sanibel Island, this where you'll find the historic 1800s lighthouse.

MORE DETAILS

Sanibel Island Beach Club offers plenty to do throughout both the day and the night. After you've had your dinner, you can enjoy a quiet walk on the beach or go for a swim in the resort-quality pool. If you're feeling unusually active and want to burn off your evening meal, there are floodlit sports areas available.

MORE DETAILS

Sanibel Island is a bit more low-key than Fort Myers Beach and perfect for those seeking a slightly less scheduled vacation. The main attraction on Sanibel Island is, of course, it's white sand beaches, but more than just that, shelling is a popular pastime.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Sanibel City Council voted to change the city's post-Hurricane Ian curfew to 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Prior to Council's action, curfew was 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily. Copyright 2023 Gulfshore Life Media, LLC All rights reserved.

MORE DETAILS

The current Sanibel Causeway toll is $6.00 for automobiles and motorcycles traveling from Punta Rassa to the island. This toll is enforced through use of an electronic license plate recognition system on Bridge A, the first bridge.

MORE DETAILS

Sanibel is an island and city in Lee County, Florida, United States. The population was 6,382 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The island, also known as Sanibel Island, constitutes the entire city.

MORE DETAILS

As you move up Sanibel, the water often gets quite clear and it's usually clear from Bowman's Beach on up to the north end of Captiva. Keep in mind, all waters get 'murky' with rain and run off.

MORE DETAILS