Sanibel Island island rentals

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Popular amenities for Sanibel Island vacation rentals

Beach island rentals in Sanibel Island

Other great vacation rentals in Sanibel Island

Guest favorite
Home in North Fort Myers
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 23 reviews

Paradise Found

BethRating, 5 stars3 weeks ago
Awesome house with beautiful yard to enjoy the local wildlife.
Guest favorite
Home in Naples
4.94 out of 5 average rating, 228 reviews

Cathedral Heights

KatherineRating, 5 stars4 days ago
A group of four of us stayed for 3 days so that we could attend a friend's memorial service in Seagate and had an absolutely wonderful experience at Christopher's home. The home was extremely clean, had very comfortable beds, lovely bed linens and plush towels and absolutely beautiful dishware, glassware and cookware. If you happen to forget something, it is in the home! They included all kinds of toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, hairdryers, curling irons, makeup remover etc. The pool was spectacular and the backyard was extremely private. In addition, the landscaping is gorgeous and the neighborhood itself is quite lovely. We felt extremely safe there. I had to work briefly (remotely) while staying at Christopher's home and the upstairs loft was the perfect space for me as it had a desk/work station and the WIFI is extremely fast. The home is close to fantastic restaurants and shopping as well. If you need to stay in Naples, STAY HERE - you won't regret it.
Guest favorite
Home in Fort Myers
4.91 out of 5 average rating, 112 reviews

SWFL: Lake McGregor Home - Entire Home!

ChantelRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Juan was very accommodating and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay
Superhost
Home in Cape Coral
5 out of 5 average rating, 3 reviews

Modern Comfort: Spacious Home, Garden View

DeanRating, 5 stars14 months ago
The host was amazing always easy to get a hold of. They even called to check on me and my accommodations. Beautiful home and great neighborhood quite and relaxing . would recommend this stay to anyone wanting to feel welcomed.
Top guest favorite
Home in Naples
5 out of 5 average rating, 13 reviews

577 Bohemian Bliss · Heated Pool · Minutes 2 Beach

John TheodoreRating, 5 stars2 months ago
My wife and I stayed here with another couple for the month of February ... the first long-term snowbird trip for all of us, and we couldn't have been more pleased with the accommodations, location, and of course, the weather! The house was pristine (we were welcomed with music as we entered on the first day, a nice touch) and even more lovely than the photos -- tastefully decorated and thoughtfully provisioned. The pool was perfect and regularly cleaned by a crew. The beach was an easy walk away and there were two bikes available for those who would rather ride. Easy access to restaurants (for newcomers, try Doc's in Bonita Beach, and The Dock and Swan River in Naples), stores and shops. Lovely, peaceful neighborhood. Keith reacted immediately when we had a couple of minor issues. All in all, we couldn't have asked for anything more. Highly recommend!
Superhost
Cottage in Fort Myers Beach
4.89 out of 5 average rating, 28 reviews

DEJA BLUE 1000 FT from Beach Great for Families

MaddyRating, 5 stars11 months ago
The place was great! Perfect size for 3 or 4 people. The beach supplies (wagon, chairs, umbrella) were SOOO handy! It was just a short walk over to the beach. The kitchen was well stocked with supplies to cook if desired. Since the hurricane, there was a limited amount of restaurants open. We didn’t mind this since we cooked but just a heads up!
Guest favorite
Villa in Cape Coral
4.93 out of 5 average rating, 44 reviews

View with Gulf Access & Pool Ultimate Getaway 1741

LourdesRating, 5 stars1 month ago
Location, location! House gulf access is less than 5 minutes. The home was accommodating to our family and our furry friend. We had a great peaceful time..
Superhost
Home in Cape Coral
4.88 out of 5 average rating, 16 reviews

Beautiful family vacation home

JackRating, 5 stars2 weeks ago
Nice clean house!

Your guide to Sanibel Island

All About Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island sits around three hours west of Miami and just over three hours south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast. The subtropical island’s pristine, palm-fringed shores are separated from the mainland by a three-mile causeway. Visitors come ashore for windsurfing on causeway beaches, dolphin-spotting off the coast, and fishing for redfish and snook. Shelling is a major pastime on Sanibel Island, with Bowman’s Beach boasting swathes of whelk and cockle shells and an annual festival dedicated to this popular activity. There’s even a museum specializing in mollusks and shells — the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is the only one of its kind in the country.

Birdwatchers return to the inland wetlands year after year to spot the vibrant pink feathers of the roseate spoonbill, while the crystal clear waters just offshore are home to plenty of grouper and snapper, and sailboats are available to charter from the island’s multiple marinas. More than 10 man-made reefs within a 30-minute drive also attract snorkelers and divers. Away from the water, tennis courts and golf courses offer more ways to soak up the Florida sun.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Sanibel Island

Sanibel is a subtropical island, so the standard four seasons don’t apply. Conditions in southwestern Florida can be broken down into two seasons — the rainy season from mid-May through mid-October and the dry season. Nevertheless, you can still expect plenty of sunshine during the rainy season, and more than a few afternoon showers during the dry season. Any time of year, you’ll be met with balmy, Gulf of Mexico sunshine, warm ocean water, and even warmer air. October and November are the best months to head to a villa in Sanibel Island in search of shells on the island’s beaches, when tides around Florida are at their lowest. Every March, the annual Sanibel Shell Fair & Show showcases local art made with shells found on the surrounding beaches.


Top things to do in Sanibel Island

Periwinkle Way

Running from Lighthouse Beach Park in the east through a warren of waterways to Tarpon Bay Road around a third of the way across the island, Periwinkle Way is Sanibel’s main thoroughfare. Bikes and beach cruisers are available if you’re looking to cruise along, and you can loop around to Dunlop Road to peruse the farmers’ market, take in a performance at BIG ARTS Sanibel, and get a taste of pioneer life at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village.

Hunting for shells on Bowman’s Beach

Hunting for shells is one of the favorite pastimes for Sanibel Island beachcombers, and Bowman’s Beach is the shell hunter’s paradise. Free and open to the public, its soft sands are studded with conch, clam, and other treasures. The island’s curved coastline scoops up shells from the Gulf, drawing in visitors from far and wide to adopt the “Sanibel stoop” and collect their bounty.

Hopping over to Captiva Island

Sanibel Island’s sister, Captiva, is right next door via a small bridge crossing Blind Pass, and many visitors hop between the two. Just five miles long, Captiva Island is home to powder-soft sands, pelicans, and pastel-hued beachfront buildings. Kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing are major draws, alongside vast sunsets that you can admire from coastal bars.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How is the weather in Sanibel Island?

    Sanibel Island experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid summers, average temperatures around 90°F (32°C), and mild winters with averages around 70°F (21°C). Rain is common in the summer months.

  • What are some of the best things to do in Sanibel Island?

    Visitors often enjoy exploring the J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, shelling along the coastline, biking the island's intricate trail system, or visiting the historic Sanibel Lighthouse.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Sanibel Island?

    The most popular time to visit Sanibel Island is during the winter and spring months, especially February to April. Locally revered events include the annual Sanibel Shell Festival in March and the 'Ding' Darling Days birding festival in October.

  • What are the best places to stay in Sanibel Island?

    The most popular areas to stay on Sanibel Island include the neighborhoods near the Sanibel Causeway for easy access to the mainland, the eastern side near the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, or the northern part of the island close to Captiva Island.

  • What are the best places to visit in Sanibel Island?

    Popular places to visit on Sanibel Island often include the 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Sanibel Lighthouse, the Shell Museum, and the Sanibel Historical Museum and Village.

  • What are some hiking trails in Sanibel Island?

    Sanibel Island has several hiking trails such as the Indigo Trail and Shell Mound Trail in the 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, or the trails in Sanibel Island's Conservation Foundation's nature centers.

  • What are some family activities to do in Sanibel Island?

    Families frequently suggest exploring the Sanibel Sea School, taking part in educational activities at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, enjoying a picnic at Bowman's Beach, or spotting wildlife at the 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

  • What are some of the best day trip ideas in Sanibel Island?

    Day trip ideas might include a nature excursion to the 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a visit to Captiva Island, or a boat tour to discover surrounding islands.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
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  4. Lee County
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