Although just a short drive from the mainland, across a welcoming 3-mile causeway, Sanibel Island treats visitors to an authentic tropical island experience that feels like it is very distant from everyday life. This barrier island, just 12 miles long and five miles wide, is graced by year-round sunshine, balmy breezes and a laid-back lifestyle. More than 60% of the island is protected wildlife preserve, and its beaches are havens for nesting sea turtles. Don’t be surprised to catch sight of bottle-nose dolphins frolicking right offshore. As night falls, you will be captivated by magenta and orange-hued sunsets, and night skies studded with bright stars.

Sanibel Island has colorful shopping, dining and attractions to explore. Visit the iconic Sanibel Island Lighthouse, or spend a night at the theater. Catch sight of spectacular migrating birds at J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, part of the nation’s largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem. Kayak or golf to your heart’s content, and stroll along sun swept beaches blanketed with exotic seashells. Because of the island’s unusual East/West orientation, it is famous for the abundance of beautiful shells and sea life that wash up on its shores. Travel a bit further north, and you will find the bridge that connects the island to its smaller sister, Captiva Island. (five miles long and ½ mile wide).

Sunny Sanibel Island has an annual average temperature of approximately 75º, and cooler summer evenings. All you need to pack are some casual clothes, a shady hat, and a bathing suit!

• The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
• Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W)
• J.N. “Ding” Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge
• Sanibel Historical Village and Museum
• Sanibel Island Lighthouse
• Tarpon Bay Explorers Nature Tours & Rentals
• The Schoolhouse Theater
• Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
• Periwinkle Place Shopping Center