Island Inn Gives
The Island Inn, built in 1895, is the most established Inn on Sanibel and Captiva and as such, is steeped in island history. Supporting island charities was part of the mission that began with the Inn’s founders, the Matthews family. Today, we carry on this same tradition and support a range of island charities and local events.
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Did you know that the Matthews family were the original owners of the Island Inn and founding partners of the the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum? Maintaining this long established association, the Inn is a steadfast supporter of Sanibel Island’s finest museum.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a non-profit museum that focuses on education, awareness and research of shells, mollusks and the shell makers of Southwest Florida & the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from Florida and around the world, a huge shell collection and tons of information about shells, it is a great way to spend a day on Sanibel Island.
Captains For Clean Water
The Island Inn is a proud sponsor of the Captains for Clean Water, A grassroot organization advocating to restore the historic flow of clean, freshwater from Lake Okeechobee through the Everglades National Park and into Florida Bay. This will not only elminate the need for damaging freshwater releases to the St Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries, but provide freshwater flow to Florida Bay, where it is desperately needed. Water storage, treatment, and convenience sough of Lake Okeechobee in what is known as the Everglads Agrigultural are is the reolution to thie man-made issue. Check out the Captains weblpage and find out how you can help South Florida’s world-class ecosystems!
Sanibel-Captiva Fireworks Celebration
The Island Inn is a major sponsor of Sanibel Island’s 4th of July fireworks celebration, which is presented by the Chamber of Commerce, along with many other Chamber programs and events. The Island Inn is appreciative of the hard work and dedication the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce displays in offering a first-class welcome to our islands.
Annual 10K Race for F.I.S.H.
The Island Inn is proud to be a sponsor of the Annual 10K Race for F.I.S.H. (Friends in Service Here). FISH is the island’s human services organization and the race is its main fundraising event. Held every year on Sanibel it attracts more than 500 runners.
F.I.S.H. is a non-profit volunteer organization assisting Sanibel and Captiva islanders and visitors with a wide range of services including a food pantry, a daily hot meals program and emergency financial assistance for those in need.
J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge: Sea Turtle Preservation Mission
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge: Sea Turtle Preservation Mission:
The Island Inn has pledged to assist “Ding” Darling in their Sea Turtle Preservation Mission. The Mission educates guests and residents about the protection of the different species of sea turtles that nest on Sanibel and Captiva Islands and their significance for the local ecosystem. The Island Inn helps to distribute educational materials, informational brochures and children’s activity booklets to resort guests.
CROW’s Animal Ambassador: Trouper, the Blind Raccoon
CROW is the Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife. CROW operates a veterinary hospital, an educational program and a public visitor education center. CROW’s primary mission is the rescue, care, rehabilitation and eventual release back to the wild of sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. A key part of this mission is the education of adults and children, encouraging them to live in peaceful coexistence with their wild neighbors.
Panther Baseball Alumni Club
The Panther Baseball Alumni Club is a local non-profit organization that raises funds to support the local Cypress Lake High School baseball team, which many Sanibel residents attend. Cash raised goes to provide supplies and college scholarships to promising high school student athletes who excel in sports, academics and in their respective communities. The Island Inn is one of the main sponsors and organizers of their major fundraising events.
Other Island Inn Donations
In addition to the organizations listed, the Island Inn donated over $18,000 in goods and services to other local charities and organizations this year, they included:
- Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
- Sanibel-Captiva Island Lions Club
- Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club
- IMAG- History & Science Center
- Sanibel Island Fishing Club
- City of Sanibel’s Financial Assistance Program
- Children’s Education Center of the Islands
- Lee Memorial Health System Foundation
- Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
- Children Organ Transplant Association
- United Way of Lee County Inc.
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Luminary Stroll On Sanibel & Captiva Islands
*Employees of the Island Inn also donate to United Way of Lee County directly from their paychecks, through an authorized tax free program, administered by Island Inn.
Visitor Reviews
GREAT INN !! We booked our reservations before Hurricane Milton and were worried we wouldn’t be able to go. The hotel staff did a great job keeping us informed of the conditions of the hotel. They reassured us that the hotel was up and running and waiting for our visit. The staff are great and so helpful with any questions we had. Island Inn also offers quests a free educational tour of the beach from Sea School Staff. It was very helpful with sea shell identification. The room was spacious and very clean. We had a great view of the ocean. The beach was spectacular for shell collecting. We when to two public beaches and the shells were very sparse. Most of our meals were grocery items from Jerry’s store. We did eat at Doc Fords the Peel and eat Yucatan Shrimp was fabulous. I will forever compare any shrimp dish to this. The island had storm damage and I’m hoping they recover quickly. Take the friendly staff advice and use bug spray for no-see-ums, they are awful. 
We loved it! Came for a short stay Aug 2024. The island and the Inn are still recovering from Ian 2 years ago. Therefore, there are only 20 rooms I believe and that was fantastic. We practically had the beach to ourselves. The shelling was great! The room was clean had everything we needed and the staff were all wonderful. The kitchen and screened porch were added bonuses. If you are looking for amenities like a pool and spa, this may not be for you. If you are looking for a low key beach front relaxing stay, this is it. My only regret is we didn’t stay longer and didn’t pack enough bug spray. Those no see ums will eat you alive!
Most unique, peaceful, and beautiful stay! By far the most peaceful stay I’ve had in years! Sanibel got hit by a bad hurricane two years ago and I used to come as a child with my parents and the experience at Sanibel Island inn is superior! Ken the front desk manager is by far the most knowledgeable and experienced person I’ve met and knows the area very well! For a wonderful beach experience with amazing shelling and amazing dining come to Sanibel and stay at the island inn!
