Things To Do On Sanibel Island
NOTICE: Some information on these pages are pre-Hurricane Ian and may not be fully up-to-date.
Shelling on Sanibel Island
Shelling on Sanibel Island draws thousands to the island every year. One look at our beautiful beaches and their abundance of shells explains why. Island Inn is strategically located at the outer point of the Sanibel Island barrier reef, where birds, shells and miles of sandy beaches are found in abundance. Spectacular, world-class shelling is the number one reason shellers visit the historic Island Inn. Every shell is different and the temptation to collect them all is not uncommon. But as guests get into the groove, their shelling becomes more sophisticated and they realize it might just be necessary to return next year to seek the prized and elusive Junonia, Alphabet Cone or Lion’s Paw.
Biking on Sanibel Island
Sanibel’s 26+ miles of bike trails are located next to most Sanibel roads and provide access to beaches where cars can’t park, past beautiful Gulf-front mansions and through the woods to Sanibel’s pioneer cemetery, which is not accessible by car. You’ll see people of all ages biking on Sanibel. The wide, smooth and well-marked trails are separated from the roadways, making them safe for families with children. Several water fountains can be found along the trails and bike racks are everywhere.
Sanibel Island Beach Walks
An exclusive amenity to Island Inn guests is complementary attendance to our marine science educator led Sanibel beach walks. Hosted right here on the Island Inn’s 550 feet of pristine beach and led by the world-renowned staff of the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation, you’ll learn about the various types of beautiful seashells you’ll find while on vacation. As well as the unique local wildlife and vegetation that make Sanibel Island such a special place! A portion of the this guided beach walk is dedicated to searching for treasures of your own, then bringing them back to the group to share and learn about what was found. Wonderful for families and participants of all ages, take part in this hands-on experience that will create memories that will last a lifetime!
Sanibel Island Fishing
The marine life of Sanibel Island is abundant and thriving. The warm waters of the gulf provide great breeding and living grounds for many species of fish including redfish, speckled trout, snook, tarpon and more. Fishing charters are available for all skill levels; don’t let the opportunity of a lifetime pass you by. Book a Sanibel Island fishing charter with one of the many knowledgeable and experienced captains today!
Golfing on Sanibel Island
What could be better than a round of your favorite game amid the stunning landscape and relaxed atmosphere of Sanibel Island? Sanibel Island’s courses offer a great environment to test your golf skills as well as relax and unwind with friends. Find these great facilities within a short drive from Island Inn.
Sanibel Island Wildlife Estuary Tours
More than half of Sanibel Island is dedicated to public wildlife refuges you and your family can explore, offering landscapes ranging from winding estuaries, marshland, mangrove bayous, and undeveloped leeward beaches. Sanibel Island’s marshlands, estuaries, mangroves and beaches are teeming with life, including many species of birds including flamingos and rosette spoonbills, the American alligator, manatees and many other animals. Native vegetation on Sanibel Island is world-class, including the sea grape, sea oats, mangroves, and a variety of palm species. All this abundance of life makes for unforgettable tours. Find the right Sanibel Island Marshland and Estuary for you below.
Sanibel Island Tours
Sanibel Island is known for many of its land-based attractions: Lighthouses, historic buildings and homes, wonderful museums and more. Guided tours with knowledgeable staff will let you in on all the secrets of Sanibel Island. Use our list of Sanibel Island land tours to plan your perfect vacation itinerary.
Boat Tours
Sanibel Island is located on a sea shelf that extends out into the the warm waters of Gulf of America, providing ideal shelter and nutrients to support an incredible array of wildlife. Come and meet the inhabitants of the gulf while experiencing its beauty on one of the many tours offered. Find the tour that’s right for you in our list of Sanibel Island Sea and Gulf tours.
Sanibel Island Beaches
For generations, visitors have sought out Sanibel Island for its soft, sandy beaches, warm waters and miles of pristine shoreline. From the solitary and breezy strands near the island’s northern points to the lazy, warm, wide expanses of the south and eastern edges, Sanibel Island’s unique shape and location make for dramatic and varied beach terrain. Please visit the individual beach pages below for more information on parking, facilities etc.
Sanibel Island Arts & Entertainment
Sanibel Island and surrounding areas are rich with festivals, art shows, plays and other forms of entertainment. From annual events such as Luminary Festival, to Sanibel’s’ state-of-the-art BIG Arts campus that features world-renowned artists & musicians, we’ve collected a variety of different happenings our guests can experience while with us during their time on Sanibel. Make sure to book your stay in advance and don’t miss out on these exciting opportunities!
Visitor Reviews
Tranquility I usually travel alone and I felt completely safe at the Island Inn. The inn is clean and well cared for, everything is in tip-top condition! In addition, the employees were all very kind. The free use of the umbrellas and beach chairs are the icing on the cake! Some other resorts on the island charge you $$ to sit under an umbrella. 
A great place to stay! We just left this wonderful inn. The people were so kind and welcoming, the room (actually more of a condo) was beautiful and had everything we needed. The beach in front of the inn was beautiful and had better shells than most places on the island! The balcony, which was screened in, was beautiful, we ate breakfast there every day! There were chairs and umbrellas on the beach. You can’t beat the sunset as well. This was our first time back to Sanibel since the devastating hurricanes. There were plenty of restaurants open and lots of shops are coming back too. We’ll be back!
Return to Paradise We have stayed at the Island Inn many times. However, this was our first stay since the hurricanes hit Sanibel. The rooms in Matthews Lodge were just as great as ever. The beach had a great many more shells. The chairs and umbrellas made sitting on the beach very peaceful and enjoyable. The staff was as friendly and welcoming as ever. While so much has changed, we were glad to support the Island Inn and all the other familiar businesses on Sanibel. It is important to show your loyalty to such a wonderful place and the people who live and work there. We will be back again in the near future!
