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 America. 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 view! Island Inn was a great place to stay. We had a gorgeous view of the beach and a screened in porch with a ceiling fan. The suite was beautifully decorated and had plenty of towels and toiletries provided. We could not have been in a better location for shelling as there were numerous huge stacks along our stretch of the beach. Finally, Glory was very patient and knowledgeable with my many questions. 
Shelley’s paradise This is our second time at the Island Inn. First time was before Ian. The place has changed with the removal of the central building that held the restaurant but the accommodation and people are the same. It’s a great location right on the beach. We stayed for a week for my wife’s birthday and they left her a special treat. Great people and great place. Highly recommend 
After Ian Still recovering from hurricane Ian we knew in advance that amenities were limited. Our room was great, very clean and comfortable, the management are doing the best they can for visitors. Very welcoming and friendly, and if you understand how bad that hurricane was I still recommend this place. There is building work noise nearby but we expected that. This place will bounce back and we would definitely stay there again in the future.
