Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Sanibel travel guide

Sanibel Tourism | Sanibel Guide

You're Going to Love Sanibel

With a population of 6,469, Sanibel is a must-see destination in Florida, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 4 days in order to fully appreciate everything Sanibel has to offer.

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Where to Eat in Sanibel

If you’re looking for affordable options, Thistle Lodge Restaurant (2255 West Gulf Drive) and Cielo (1244 Periwinkle Way) are great picks.

When to visit Sanibel

Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
C$ 239
1 night at 3-star hotel
Sanibel in September
Estimated hotel price
C$ 239
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Sanibel

Plane

Although Sanibel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to SW Florida Intl Airport (RSW), which is located 17 miles from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Delta, KLM, Porter Airlines and other airlines departing from Canada. The shortest flight to Sanibel from Canada departs from Toronto and takes around 3h.

Car

Another option to get to Sanibel is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 150 miles from Sanibel. You’ll find branches of Clubs Car Rental and Rent-A-Wreck, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Sanibel using Bus or Tornado Bus. From Fort Lauderdale, the bus ride to Sanibel takes 125 miles and will cost you around C$ 84. From Miami, the ticket costs about C$ 36 for a journey of 175 miles.

Plane

Although Sanibel doesn’t have its own airport, you can fly to SW Florida Intl Airport (RSW), which is located 17 miles from Sanibel. Sarasota Bradenton Intl is the most popular, with regular flights from Delta, KLM, Porter Airlines and other airlines departing from Canada. The shortest flight to Sanibel from Canada departs from Toronto and takes around 3h.

Car

Another option to get to Sanibel is to pick up a car rental from Orlando, which is about 150 miles from Sanibel. You’ll find branches of Clubs Car Rental and Rent-A-Wreck, among others, in Orlando.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Sanibel using Bus or Tornado Bus. From Fort Lauderdale, the bus ride to Sanibel takes 125 miles and will cost you around C$ 84. From Miami, the ticket costs about C$ 36 for a journey of 175 miles.

Airports near Sanibel

SRQSarasota Bradenton Intl
RSWFort Myers SW Florida Intl
PGDPunta Gorda

Airlines serving Sanibel

Lufthansa
Good (7,048 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,336 reviews)
British Airways
Good (6,846 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,589 reviews)
Delta
Excellent (7,934 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,791 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,448 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (781 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,697 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,217 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,564 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (9,254 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,349 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (346 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,069 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,275 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (9,971 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,852 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,204 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (967 reviews)
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Where to stay in popular areas of Sanibel

Most booked hotels in Sanibel

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Tarpon Tale Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, Excellent reviews)
C$ 376+
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Lighthouse Resort: Inn & Suites
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
C$ 253+
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Island Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, Excellent reviews)
C$ 538+
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Sanibel Inn
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, Excellent reviews)
C$ 575+
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Pink Shell Beach Resort And Marina
4 stars
Excellent (8.3, Excellent reviews)
C$ 438+
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Sanibel Island Beach Resort
3 stars
Excellent (8.1, Excellent reviews)
C$ 373+
View

Renting a car in Sanibel

Expect to pay C$ 1.25 per litre in Sanibel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between C$ 14.93 and C$ 19.90.

Expect to pay C$ 1.25 per litre in Sanibel (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between C$ 14.93 and C$ 19.90.

Sanibel Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Sanibel city guide for the best Sanibel travel tips. To help you organize your Sanibel trip ideas, this Sanibel visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.