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Kayak and Paddle Board Your Way Around Sanibel Island!

sanibel beach kayaking

Sanibel offers first-class kayaking and paddle-boarding. 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.

You have decided to come to an island, drawn by the beckon of the sea. So indulge your inner sailor and get out on the water. It’s the island thing to do.

When it comes to trekking around island waterways–whether it’s the Gulf, bay, or river—paddling is the most wildlife intimate, eco-conscious mode. Outfitters on both islands can set you up with a kayak or canoe that best fits the type of water or activity you choose.

Besides rentals, outfitters offer kayaking lessons for the beginner and guided tours into the islands’ most secret wildlife areas where you can’t go by larger craft. There’s no better way to get close to the islands’ rich bird life and marine creatures. Dolphins often escort your excursion and sometimes a manatee will steal a back-scratch off the bottom of your craft.

The Island Inn now has paddleboards and kayaks available to rent, directly on the beach! Paddle along the coast and enjoy the warm water and the beautiful view from the other side of the beach. Visit the front desk for rentals and more information.

Source: The Islands of Sanibel and Captiva Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Guide

Hotels & Suites

Modern rooms and suits, all within yards of the warm Sanibel Island beaches.

AMENITIES

Featuring 550’ of pristine beach, onsite bikes and kayaks, free WiFi & much more!

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Visitor Reviews

5 star rating 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.
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Maureen 10/29/2024
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5 star rating 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!
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Melinda 9/05/2024
5 star rating 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!
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Merrick 7/28/2024
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