Blog
Island Inn’s Accommodations Are All About You
Island Inn’s accommodations have been providing travelers and vacationers a place to enjoy their stay on Sanibel Island for almost 120 years! During this time we have learned how to provide the perfect Sanibel Island vacation for our guests.
Island Inn: The Best Choice Among Sanibel Island Resorts
You have many choices when deciding where you’ll vacation in South Florida. Those who wish to experience the unique and wonderful mix of southern and island culture know the secret ingredient is Island Inn.
Great Blue Heron
Wow! What a magnificent bird! This picture of a Great Blue Heron in flight was taken by Chris Dunwody as the bird flew over the Gulf.
Great Blue Heron Fishing
Check out a picture of the Great Blue Heron snapped by Island Inn guest Ty Shimko. That’s one unlucky fish!
A Cyclist’s-Eye View of Sanibel Island
As Sanibel’s oldest resort, Island Inn has relaxation down to a science. And like most worthy pursuits, true relaxation, true vacation, is a multi-faceted pursuit. In other words, we know you want to come here to sit on the beach. By all means, we want you to sit on the beach, but we also know that mixing it up with fine dining, shopping and touring will make your stay even more enjoyable. Go on, grab a bike and tour Sanibel!
Are Vacations To Sanibel Island Good For Us Physically?
Many Island Inn guests say that Sanibel Island is just what the doctor ordered. It turns out, that might be more than a figure of speech.
Holiday stress or bitter-cold weather, the negative effects of the winter season can become quite debilitating. The winter weather may already be taking its toll on your body. Here are a few ways to detect the early warning signs and suggestions for overcoming the winter blues.
Where is Sanibel Island?
Where is Sanibel Island?NOTICE: Some information on these pages are pre-Hurricane Ian and may not be fully up-to-date. Sanibel is nestled in a strand of barrier islands that spans the Gulf shores of the west coast of FL from Fort Myers to Boca Grande, and is one of...
What is the best travel insurance for Florida beach resorts?
What is the best travel insurance for Florida beach resorts?The past several years of the COVID-19 pandemic have taught us all that travel plans are never a sure thing. No matter how much we want to enjoy a vacation getaway to a beautiful island, there is no promise...
Hurricane Ian
Matthews Lodge at the Island Inn standing strong & proud after the eye-wall of Hurricane Ian crossed over Sanibel Island on September 28, 2022 To our loyal guests who have shown unwavering love and compassion for our historic piece of paradise, First and foremost,...
The Annual Shell Festival is Here!
The Annual Shell Festival is Here!The 79th Annual Shell Festival will take place at the Sanibel Community House March 3rd- March 5th. Doors will open on Thursday & Friday from 9am and close at 5pm, followed by Saturday from 9-4pm. This fundraising event will bring...
Sanibel Island Florida: Paradise on the Gulf
Imagine an island retreat nestled in the warm, tranquil waters of the Gulf of America. Picture a destination big enough to offer a variety of exciting activities and opportunities for solitude, but small enough to avoid the hassle of the sprawling resort towns. In your imagination you just conjured up Sanibel Island Florida, truly a jewel in the Gulf region.
Sanibel Island Family Activities
Sanibel Island Family ActivitiesThere are a great deal of things to do on Sanibel Island when traveling with a family. Activities that appeal to kids of all ages from babies to toddlers to teenagers and beyond. Sanibel Island is a great place to vacation with a...
What airport is closest to Sanibel Island and Island Inn?
What airport is closest to Sanibel Island and Island Inn?If you have recently booked a stay with the Island Inn on Sanibel Island, you probably wonder what airport is closest to Sanibel Island. This is a common question, particularly for guests arriving from outside...
Thanksgiving – November 24, 2011
Sanibel Island’s Annual Sanibel Thanksgiving Celebration will take place on Sunday, November 20th at the Sanibel Community House starting at 6:45pm. All are invited!
Turtles at the Island Inn
Turtles at the Island Inn!Have you ever walked along the shores of Sanibel and noticed one of these?Sea turtle nest at the Island InnThese staked-off sections are where sea turtles have made their nests! As part of our ongoing efforts to be stewards of the...
Sanibel Bird Watching Ranks Top 10 for Birding Around the World in 2018
Sanibel Bird Watching Ranks Top 10 for Birding Around the World in 20189. Sanibel Island, Florida, United States Photo: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (Official) Sanibel Island is home to 245 bird species, including the bright pink roseate...
Sanibel Sea Turtles
Island Sea TurtlesSummer is right around the corner here at the Island Inn! The change of the season brings long days at the beach, fun in the sun and a good time. It also brings the start of Loggerhead Turtle Nesting Season. From May – October, Sanibel beaches are...
Sanibel Island Tarpon Fishing
Tarpon bring fisherman to Sanibel Island year after year to experience the thrill of the catch. Come down to Sanibel Island and enjoy a fishing experience you will never forget!
Kayak and Paddle Board Your Way Around Sanibel Island!
Sanibel offers first-class kayaking and paddleboarding. Canoe & Kayak Magazine and Paddler Magazine both list Sanibel as a top destination for great weather, abundant wildlife, world-class beaches and proximity to other hot spots such as Captiva and Pine Island.
How to See Sanibel Island Dolphins
Take a dolphin watching tour. To your advantage, dolphin tour operators are often “locals” who know the most likely places and times for observing dolphins.
The 83rd Annual Shell Festival Is Almost Here!
The 83rd Annual Shell Festival Is Almost Here!The 83rd Annual Sanibel Shell Festival will take place at the Sanibel Community House in just over a week! From March 5th – March 7th see what amazing shell seekers do with all of their wonderful shells they find on our...
Sanibel’s Lodging Choices Unique to Island Culture
In many ways, a place like Sanibel Island should not exist. At 33 square miles, it’s the same size as Manhattan and is nestled up to the teeming southwestern Florida coast, but those comparisons fall flat in light of its 6,100-person population. One aspect, lodging on Sanibel, highlights the stark contrast with the rest of the Gulf coast; you simply won’t find high-rise condos or super sized chain hotels here.
Sanibel Islands “Taste of the Islands”
Sanibel Islands “Taste of the Islands” is back for its 29th year Sunday, November 21, 2010 from 12pm-5pm at Sanibel Community Park! Admission is $5 at the gate and children under 10 are free.
Come on Down – Sanibel Weather is Fine!
Technically speaking, summer is over. Fortunately, the weather on Sanibel Island doesn’t seem to concern itself with technicalities. You might not be concerned either, especially if you are spending part of this fall or winter stretched out on Island Inn’s beach with warm sand under your heels.
Sanibel Island Path Updates Nearly Complete
Construction on major updates to the Sanibel Island shared pathway are nearly complete. Popular with both residents and visitors, the pathway is a great way to explore the Island and get around.
Visitor Reviews
Excellent! Stayed at Island Inn for the first time and was very impressed. At check in you get a packet of information about hotel amenities, tide charts, businesses that are open, information about turtle nests, etc - very well organized. Walking through the front door of my room, I was greeted by a panoramic view of the beach. Room was very spacious with a bedroom, living area, full kitchen and a large screened in balcony. There are sliding doors so each area can be separated for privacy if desired. If it was pet friendly, it would be my go to place when I visit Sanibel once or twice a year. 
