"Shhhh, don't tell anyone!" Top 5 Page for this destination Sanibel Island by tpangelinan

Sanibel Island Travel Guide: 194 reviews and 378 photos

When you find paradise, shut up and enjoy it!

I honestly didn't even want to do this page. I have been around the world, Guam, Hawaii, Mexico, all 50 states in fact, Canada at least 3 times, and even to Key West and Jamaica, and I have never fallen in love with a place like I did here. It is totally behind the times 50 years, and ahead of the times 50 years, an anomaly of sorts. One third is a wild life refuge. It is a beautiful place!

Boardwalk to beach

Pretty beaches

This is most typical an entrance to a Sanibel beach. Parking is $2.00 per hour, so staying on island, and walking or biking to the beach is the best bet. One day wouldn't kill you, but if you had to pay $16.00 per 8 hour day each day to park, for a week, this is a considerable expenditure.

Water is perfect!

Mike out there hunting for shells

Shelling, swimming, sunning, boating, water sports, fishing. The Gulf has a life and life-style all it's own. If you have only sought oceans, try the Gulf just once! It is my personal opinion that for family's, especially with small children and/or seniors, the swimming is unmatched. I saw no hostile water-life (jelly fish), and there are almost no waves. Also the depth is quite nice, at low tide you can walk so far out is is amazing.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Beaches, family atmosphere, quiet and lovely.
Cons:Drawbridge only entrance/exit, can be CLOSED.
In a nutshell:I will return, if not to visit, then to live!!

Last visit to Sanibel Island: May 2003
Intro Updated Oct 18, 2003
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Reviews (27)

Island flowers are everywhere! Things to Do (4)

Mike found beautiful flowers every where on the island. Wonderful gardens and some growing wild. These are just some of... more travel advice

South Florida at it finest - Sanibel Island

Save a whole day for this adventure! Things to Do (4)

National Wildlife Refuge in 1945 over 6400 achres were established as a Refuge. See West Indian Manatee, Roseate... more travel advice

Toxic Coconuts Warnings and Dangers (2)

Sprayed against Yellowing Disease, coconuts now are not fit for human consumption. I have never seen this before. more travel advice

'Famous Chicken Salad' Restaurants (4)

We picked up two famous chicken salad sandwiches for our ride home, and stashed them in the cooler! Sooo yummy, taste... more travel advice

Favorites (2)
See All Causway Beaches
Shopping (2)
See All By the shore...
What to Pack (1)
The norm for the beach and...
Off The Beaten Path (1)
Good for a rainy day...
Hotels (6)
See All Holiday Inn, Sanibel Island Beach Resort

Sports & Outdoors (1)
Kite-Boarding
Local Customs (2)
See All Beach Booty Bingo
Transportation (1)
Draw Bridge
Nightlife (1)
Here, you can hold hands, and walk on...
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Comments (47)

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brooktroutchaser Jan 31, 2010 at 12:49 PM

Rosie's is great. You can buy steaks and other items to cook at home, and the folks are always friendly. Nice little deli selection, great coffee.
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Lukehead May 31, 2008 at 6:54 PM

The bridge has been replace. No longer a draw bridge - now a high span to accomodate sailboats so the bridge does not close down. The on-island toll has jumped to $6/car. No toll leaving the island.
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Waalewiener Oct 20, 2005 at 9:38 PM

Wow very nice page good food Hot tubs Nice restaurants .nice Hotels ,Seashells and lots more . In this place you just can't go wrong Very very nice
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nepalgoods Jul 26, 2005 at 9:57 AM

Nice place!
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garridogal Apr 5, 2005 at 6:30 PM

Thanks for checking out my Ft. Lauderdale page. I love the cottage(s) on this page. I could SO see myself in one of them!
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LoriPori Mar 16, 2005 at 5:17 AM

Thanks for stopping by my Cancun. I loved the Sunsets of the world. Awesome restaurant tips. I also like collecting seashells as I use them for my photo frames. Great pages.
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wcph Feb 25, 2005 at 9:34 PM

Thanks for the kind comments on my New Caledonia page. The sunset photo is gorgeous, hope to visit this beautiful beach someday.
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AliasGirl Sep 25, 2004 at 7:16 AM

I've always heard about Sanibel Island and now I see how amazing it is, definatley on my travel wish list...Thanks for sharing! Very impressive pages all around! Kudos
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ncfg Jul 25, 2004 at 6:31 AM

Great tips here, i loved Sanibel Island, it sooooo beautiful, i wish be there right now. Thanks for your comments on my Tenerife Island, i love Islands :-))) Nat
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kyoub Jul 11, 2004 at 5:33 PM

Lovely job on these pages. We have talked about going here for years and have never made it.