Depending on where you are, water sports ranging from wave runners to parasailing is also available. Things to Do On and Around Sanibel Island Florida. These are our top 10 things to do in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island! Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Sanibel Island, Florida on Tripadvisor: See 26,499 traveler reviews and photos of Sanibel Island tourist attractions. And if you go during low tide you improve your odds even more. Things To Do on Sanibel Island. There is so much to see and do on the island. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers, or drive through. From shelling to relaxing on the beach there are more things to do than hours in the day. 11/26/2019 — By Jamie Beckman. We had such a lovely family vacation on Sanibel Island, which is in southwest Florida just off the coast of Fort Myers. 1. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Bike around Sanibel Island. Be sure to check out some of these fascinating attractions when in Sanibel Island, Florida. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Sanibel Island, Florida on Tripadvisor: See 125,001 traveller reviews and photos of Sanibel Island tourist attractions. Tarpon Bay Explorers: Nature and sea life cruise, breakfast and evening nature cruises, kayak trail tours and standup paddleboard excursions. Sanibel Island Lighthouse: This is a symbol of Sanibel and the first thing you’ll see as you drive towards the Island. 6 Things to Do On and Around Sanibel Island, Florida. Sanibel Island is well-known as a tropical gem, located in Florida’s Gulf Coast. There is an array of things to do in the area too, so there is no way visitors will get bored while they are enjoying the lovely weather. Sanibel Island is literally made up of shells. I love its charm, the slow pace, and the fact that it’s not overdeveloped. J.N. just a few small shopping centers and locally-owned grocery stores. Highly rated activities for a rainy day in Sanibel Island: The top indoor things to do in Sanibel Island. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Continue reading to find out more about the best things to do on Sanibel Island. Relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island. As just one of the many barrier islands within the Gulf, Sanibel is characterized by clear skies and warm balmy weather for the most part of the year. Things to do on Sanibel Island. Share; Tweet; Pin; Sanibel Island is located about 45 minutes from Fort Myers, Florida. Anyone who has visited Sanibel Island will tell you the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is tops on a Sanibel Island Things to do list. Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families with small children. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Sanibel Island, come follow our two-day adventure across the San Carlos Bay to a new world. Whether you are a Southwest Florida resident, or simply vacationing in the Sunshine State, Sanibel Island is your go-to location for all things fun. A post shared by Captiva Cruises (@captivacruises) on Feb 19, 2020 at 1:29pm PST. J.N. And it’s one of those destinations that tends to remain popular, year-round. Lie down on the pearl-white sands and listen to the soothing melody of rushing waves on the beaches of Sanibel Island. Water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, jetski, and speedboat riding are tourist-favorites. Choose to be surrounded by nature and learn more about the region, visit a historic site on the island or just relax on the sandy beaches. View this post on Instagram . True, they're both quiet spots with great shorelines, but there are a few differences. Its shores scoop up the beautiful shells of different types from the Gulf of Mexico. If you want to sample a little bit of everything Sanibel offers, let us help get your plan together. Sanibel Island Recreation & Things to Do. Whether you're looking for high-octane thrills or you just want to relax on the beach, Sanibel has no shortage of activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. Most people think of Sanibel and its quirky little sister island, Captiva, as interchangeable. But most importantly, there are about 25 miles (40 km) of paved bike trails for you to explore. Unmissable on your list of things to do. See Tripadvisor's 26,501 traveler reviews and photos of Sanibel Island rainy day attractions 21 09, 2020. Looking for what to do on Sanibel Island guests say they could spend weeks exploring all Sanibel Island has to offer. There are paved bike paths that cross the island and 2 well-known bike shops that will deliver bikes to your hotel, ready when you arrive. Things to do in Sanibel Island Florida J.N. I never knew how much fun bird watching could be. 1. We have reviews of the best places to see in Sanibel Island. Things to do in Sanibel Island. 1661 shares. Sanibel Island (and the neighbouring Captiva Island) is loaded with fun, family-friendly things to do proving it’s worth broadening your vacay horizons beyond Orlando. Things to do on Sanibel Island: An aviary is a free hidden treat at a campground on Sanibel Island, Florida. Collect shells along the beach. Here’s the BEST things to do in Sanibel Island, Florida! Browse upcoming events on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Shores of Sanibel Island are embezzled with shells, making shelling one of the most favorite activities. Jamie Beckman. The sand is fine, white and soft like baby powder. Read More. Add “watch a Sanibel Island sunset” to your list of romantic things to do on Sanibel Island for your couples’ getaway and take some Instagram-worthy pictures in the orange glow of the setting sun. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it’s not hard to see why. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) Visit the aviary at the only campground on the island, Periwinkle Trailer Park, 1119 Periwinkle Way, 239-472-1433.The aviary is home to raucous, colorful parrots and macaws as well as visiting ducks and wading birds. Founded by J. Bruce Neill, who has a PhD in Conservation Biology, and his wife Evelyn, the school offers excellent half-day, full-day and week-long programs that give visitors an immersive, interactive exploration of Sanibel Island’s abundant marine life. In a 90-minute tram tour through J.N. This goes without saying, but be sure to plan time to simply enjoy the beach, which has to be one of the best things to do in Sanibel Island and other Fort Myers beaches with kids. Hi guys! You just have to decide where to start. Things to do: Farmers Market. So if you fly into the Fort Myers and rent a car, you and your family can easily be exploring this island in no time. Here’s what to see and do. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. For a look at how to spend your time here, see our list of things to do on Sanibel Island. Sunset-gazing and beach walks are only the beginning of the story on the 150-plus islands that make up southwest Florida’s coast. The barrier island sanctuary of Sanibel Island is packed full of things to do for virtually endless adventure. Certainly, the size of the island is very reasonable for going on a bike excursion. There are plenty of things to do in Sanibel Island whether it’s your first trip to the area or a repeat visit. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Taking a class with them was definitely one of our favorite things to do in Sanibel Island. There are no traffic lights, no chain restaurants, no neon signs, no streetlights, over 7,800 acres of conservation land, 22 miles of bike paths, 15 miles of white sand beaches, and some of the best shelling in the world. Your friends at West Wind Inn have the inside scoop on the best activities that will create spectacular memories, without hurting your wallet! Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, I saw some fascinating birds and a park that I’d love to revisit. After all, Sanibel is a sub-tropical island with white sandy beaches, zephyr-like breezes, lots of sunshine and friendly people and many interesting and fun things to do. Sanibel Island is near Fort Myers in Southwest Florida, but it’s unlike any other place in the world. Sanibel Island is made for biking. It has no high-rises, no stoplights, theme parks or malls…. A visit to Sanibel and Captiva Island is pure bliss! 2. Visit top-rated & … Sanibel Island has plenty of activities and things to do for everyone in the family. Guests enjoy shelling, beach walks, estuary & boat tours, cruises, kayaking, biking, golfing, fishing and many more natural wonders on Sanibel Island with the Island Inn Sanibel. Go fishing. Posted on January 3, 2021 January 3, 2021 Author Allison. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. It’s maybe no big surprise that biking is a popular way to get around on the island. This Sanibel Island attraction is filled with things to do and see. Sanibel is heaven to the many people who have had a Sanibel vacation and enjoyed all its charms and pleasures. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Free Things to do on Sanibel Island Brandon Sherwood 2015-12-02T14:34:16+00:00. We have a variety of nightlife shows, community events & networking events for you to enjoy. Sanibel Island Cruise Line: Private cruises to Cayo Costa State Park. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. Roseate spoonbills at JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Preserve. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the premier destination in the area for seeing nature and wildlife. Rent Bikes . Check the Southwest Florida Farmers Market schedule, but typically Sanibel has their farmers market on Sunday and Captiva (the very end point of the island) is on Tuesdays; Sanibel Segway Tour . We have reviews of the best places to see in Sanibel Island… What you need to know is there are several ways to explore the refuge. The island is not what you think of when you think of Florida. Located about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, Florida's family-friendly Sanibel Island draws vacationers looking for beautiful beaches and opportunities to explore the area's rich ecosystem. Located mid-island on Sanibel off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowman's Beach is a beautiful stretch of remote coastline that offers excellent opportunities for shelling, swimming, romantic walks and beachcombing. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Sunset watching and beach walks are just the beginning of the story on more than 150 islands off the southwest coast of Florida. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: Pink, orange and all kinds of pastel hues await the shell lover and collector at this one of a kind museum. Anywhere on the sourthern coast of Sanibel from west to east is a good place to go for a hunt. Keep up to date on current and new events happening in the area, and plan your Sanibel Island vacation accordingly. September 5, 2020 by writer writer Leave a Comment. With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds of seashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Sanibel Island is where Florida achieves its full potential. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure hunt—without a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the "Sanibel stoop." I’ve locked away fond memories of our short stay on this very special island. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. 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