Best Things to Do Sanibel & Captiva Island (2026)

There are so many amazing things to do on Sanibel & Captiva Island, Florida! It is easy to spend a few days exploring the island while enjoying world-class shelling, delicious food, amazing beaches, and historic landmarks.

Collage of four photos with a Roseatte Spoonbill, sunset over the water with a group on the beach, Bubble Room rainbow building exterior, and a tulip shell on the sand

Here are my top finds for Fort Meyers, Sanibel, and Captiva Florida:
🏨Hotels: South Seas (Captiva), Sanibel Inn, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
📍Tours: Dolphin & Manatee Adventure Tour, Sunset Dolphin Cruise w/Sanibel Lighthouse Views, Ft Meyers Beach/Naples Shelling Tours, Sanibel eBike Rental

Things to Do Sanibel & Captiva Island

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There is something special about spending time on Sanibel & Captiva Island. There is a magic that can only be found here it feels like. I find myself finding every reason and excuse to book a trip to Sanibel and Captiva Island.

The shelling alone is worth the trip! Throw in amazing local Sanibel & Captiva Restaurants, and birdwatching and you have an adventure that needs to happen!

Here you will find the best things to do while on Captiva and Sanibel Island!

Orange banded tulip shell on sand with other shells

Shelling - Do the Sanibel Stoop

Good for: Everyone
Cost: Free but there may be beach parking fees
Tip: Go at low tide, early morning, make sure to wear bug spray and sunscreen

Sanibel is one of the best shelling spots in North America! The elusive Junonia shell is what most shellers dream of finding.

We highly suggest practicing the Sanibel Stoop before our trip! Start practicing picking up shells and building up your endurance so you are not super sore the day after Sanibel Shelling.

Shelling Tools

Shelling Set - This set has a sifter, shell scoop, shell bag, and foldable bucket

Shell bags - I like to carry a couple of different bags so I can separate any small shells from large conch shells.

Sand Rake - Scoop shells out to make it easier to see them

Shark Tooth Sand Sifter Set - Portable beach sand sifter to look for shark teeth and shells

Address: Sanibel & Captiva Beaches
Read more: Sanibel Captiva Shelling Guide (Coming Soon)

Metal lighthouse seen from the sand with the tide

Lighthouse Beach and Sanibel Lighthouse

Good for: Families, Adults and Kids
Cost: Beach Parking Fee
Tip: Wear bug spray and sunscreen, go early for best parking

Lighthouse Beach is home to the Sanibel Lighthouse so you get two great Sanibel attractions in one stop. This is a great beach for dolphin watching, walking, shelling, and soaking in the gorgeous Florida Gulf Coast weather.

Arrive early for the best parking availability. Lighthouse Beach is popular, especially with it being the first beach you reach on the island.

Address: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel Island, Florida
Read more: Lighthouse Beach Guide

Roseate Spoonbill with its beak open, reflection in the water

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Good for: Birdwatching, Wildlife viewing, Eco-Tours
Cost: Paid
Tip: Go early for the best birding and wildlife. The bathrooms are amazing!

J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places for birding and wildlife viewing. Home to Roseate Spoonbills, manatees, Yellow Billed Cuckoos, and tons of migratory birds.

The scenic drive through Ding Darling NWR is a must-do while visiting Sanibel and Captiva Island. It is a great opportunity to see different eco-systems.

Address: 1 Wildlife Drive
Read more: Ding Darling National Wildlife Guide (Coming Soon)

murex shell with flared sides and gorgeous pattern

Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum & Aquarium

Good for: Families, Adults & Kids, Shellers
Cost: Paid
Tip: Plan more time than you think you will need

The Sanibel Shell Museum recently underwent a multi-year update and it is stunning! There are touch tanks, aquariums with local shells, and the unbelievable Great Hall of Shells.

We highly suggest planning extra time to visit the Shell Museum. I always find myself stopping and soaking in the Great Hall of Shells for longer than I planned to. The gift shop is also amazing!

Address: 3705 Sanibel Captiva Rd
Read more: Sanibel Shell Museum Guide

People playing in the Gulf of Mexico along the shoreline

Bowman's Beach

Good for: Shelling, Beach Walks, Relaxing, Kid's Play Area
Cost: Paid beach parking
Tip: Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray,

Bowman's Beach is a great family-friendly beach! There are kids' play areas, bathrooms, and changing rooms, along with outdoor showers. It is a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beach.

This is a great beach to have a beach cart or wagon if you have a lot of things to bring with you.

Address:1700 Bowmans Beach Road, Sanibel, Florida
Read more:Bowman's Beach Guide

The Bubble Room

Good for: Lunch & Dinner, Dessert, An iconic Captiva Restaurant
Cost: Paid
Tip: If you have a large SUV or Truck the parking lot across the street is the easiest to use.

The Bubble Room is an iconic Captiva Island Restaurant that you have to experience at least once in your life! I need you to try at least one flavor of Bubble Room Cake. My personal favorite is the Tropical Breeze Cake. They are known for the Orange Crunch Cake.

Plan time to explore the restaurant and get the full experience of over 3,000 antiques and decorations. Boops by The Bubble Room is next door with cake, coffee, and ice cream.

Address: 15001 Captiva Dr, Captiva, Florida
Read more: Bubble Room Review

shells covering the beach with the Gulf waters to the left side leading to the Bridge from Sanibel to Captiva Island.

Blind Pass

Good for: Shelling!!!
Cost: Paid Beach Parking
Tip: The current is STRONG at Blind Pass. This is not a swimming area

Blind Pass Beach is a great Sanibel Beach for shelling! The tides bring in shells and many days you will find them stretched along the shoreline especially at low tide

Address: 6497 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, Florida
Read more: Blind Pass Guide (Coming Soon)

Black-necked stilt with reflection of its legs in the water

Birding

Good for: Anyone who is interested in Bird Watching
Cost: Free and Paid
Tip: Go early in the morning or late in the evening

Sanibel and Captiva are one of the best places to enjoy birdwatching! Migratory birds pass through the islands and spend their winters soaking in the Florida weather.

Ding Darling NWR is world-renowned for birding but don't skip the Bailey Tract trails. We have seen amazing birds close to the trails on the Bailey Tract.

Address: Popular spots include Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Bailey Tract, Boat Tours, and Sanibel Captiva Beaches.

person walking down the beach along the shoreline

Captiva Sunset at Alison Hagerup Beach

Good for: Sunset, Beach Walks, Shelling
Cost: Beach Parking Fee
Tip: Go early for sunset

Alison Hagerup Beach Park is known for unbelievable sunsets! During the day it is a great Captiva Beach park for relaxing, shelling, and beach walks.

Address: 14790 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island, Florida
Read more: Alison Hagerup Beach Guide

manatee poking its head out of the water

Tarpon Bay Explorers

Good for: Nature Tours
Cost: Paid
Tip: Book your tour early

Tarpon Bay Explorers has great tours, including a Ding Darling Wildlife refuge tram tour, kayak trail tour, Nature & Sealife Cruise, Evening Nature Cruise, Sunset rookery paddle, and a low tide kayak tour.

Address: 900 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL

Beach with shells on it, people lounging under umbrellas, walking along the beach, and playing in the sand with the Gulf of Mexico and views of Fort Myers beach in the distance

Beach Time

Good for: Shelling, Beach Walks, Sunset, Kids
Cost: Most of the Sanibel & Captiva Beaches have parking fees
Tip: Sunscreen and bug spray, check out different beaches

Sanibel and Captiva Island have multiple public beach parks. They each offer a different experience so it is worth checking a few of them out to find your favorite beach.

I love Gulfside City Beach (Algiers Beach) and find myself gravitating there on most trips. Causeway Islands Park, Turner Beach, Andy Rosse Lane Beach Park, and really every beach has something special to offer.

CROW Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife entrance sign and patient admissions

CROW Visitor Education Center

Good for: Families, Kids, Adults
Cost: Paid
Tip: Check for tour times before heading to CROW

CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) has a visitor education center where visitors can learn about the rescue, admission, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and release of wildlife patients. There are daily presentations including animal ambassadors.

They also offer interactive programs including CROW Campus tours, Lunch & Learn with a CROW Vet, and speaker programs.

Address: 3883 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, Florida

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

Good for: History, Home School
Cost: Paid
Tip: The Museum closes from August 1 to mid-October

The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village includes nine authentically restored historic buildings from the 1890s to the 1940s. They are all listed on the City of Sanibel's Historic Register.

The buildings include the Burnap Cottage built in 1898, Morning Glories Cottage built in 1926, the 1927 Post Office, the 1927 Old Bailey General Store, and a reproduction of the Sanibel Packing House from 1900.

Address: 950 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, Florida

Sanibel Island Farmers Market

Good for: Fresh produce, gifts
Cost: Depends on what you purchase
Tip: Bring a shopping bag

The Sanibel Island Farmers Market is open every Sunday from October through May! It is filled with great local products!

Address: 800 Dunlop Road, Sanibel, Florida - Sanibel City Hall back parking lot

Biking the Shared Use Paths

Good for: Families, Exploring the island
Cost: Free to use
Tip: Only Class one E-bikes are allowed, Must be 16 years of age to ride an e-bike on the shared-use path

There are over 26 miles of shared-use paths on Sanibel Island. The shared-use path stretches from Lighthouse Beach Park to Blind Pass Bridge. It is a great way to explore the island.

Address: Multiple path access points

Ice Cream

Good for: A sweet treat, cooling off
Cost: Depends on what is ordered
Tip: Try a new flavor

There is nothing better than an ice cream cone after a hot day at the beach. It is nostalgic, family-friendly, and tastes amazing.

One of our favorite things about grabbing ice cream is it becomes an event we look forward to all day. We talk about which Sanibel or Captiva Ice Cream shop we are craving, what flavor we need to get, and when to go.

Shopping

Good for: Gifts and souvenirs
Cost: Depends on what you buy
Tip: Leave space in your suitcase

During one of our recent trips to Sanibel & Captiva Island, I brought home Ian the metal pelican from Suncatcher's Gift Shop. Ian is one of my favorite souvenirs from our trips to the islands.

There are great boutiques, souvenir shops, and shell shops on the islands to explore!

Sanibel shopping centers

Periwinkle Place: The islands' largest shopping center, with 26 businesses including the original Chico's store, located at 2075 Periwinkle Way. Other tenants include Sanibel Day Spa, Blue Giraffe Restaurant, Beach Daisy Boutique, and Pinocchio's Ice Cream.
Heart of the Island Shops: Local retailers in a small, intimate setting at 1600 Periwinkle Way.
The Village Shops: Clothing boutiques, gifts, home goods, an art gallery, and a salon at 2340 Periwinkle Way
She Sells Sea Shells at 1157 Periwinkle Way

Captiva Shopping

The Bubble Room Emporium: A gift shop across the street from the Bubble Room restaurant
Jungle Drums Gallery: Wildlife-themed art in metal, wood, glass, and clay on Andy Rosse Lane
Beach Stuff and The Island Store. The Island Store is a small grocery with a deli, baked goods, and beach gear.

Over Easy Cafe Mugs in 4 different colors

Eat a local restaurant

Good for: breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a sweet treat
Cost: casual to upscale dining options
Tip: Plan for a wait at popular restaurants especially during the busy season

Sanibel & Captiva Restaurants range from casual burger joints to date night dinners. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy. We suggest checking out at least one new restaurant during your visit.

Read more: Sanibel & Captiva Restaurant Guide (Coming Soon)

seagulls flying over the shoreline at andy rosse beach park

Sanibel Sea School

Good for: Families, Kids
Cost: Paid
Tip: Check for current program schedule

Sanibel Sea School offers weekly camps, day programs, family and group nature outings.

Address: 455 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL

Mangrove Cuckoo on a branch with leaves behind it

Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation Trails and Parks

Good for: birding, wildlife viewing, hiking
Cost: Free
Tip: Bug Spray!

SCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation) has over 8 miles of public trails through the islands. They also have the Native Landscapes & Garden Center at the historic Bailey Homestead.

Address: 1300 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL

Cayo Costa State Park and Cabbage Key day trips

Good for: Shelling, History, Unique Florida,
Cost: Paid
Tip: Book your tours early

Captiva Cruises offers day trips to Cabbage Key, Useppa Island, Boca Grande, Tarpon Lodge, and Shelling cruises to Cayo Costa State Park. They also offer dolphin & wildlife cruises and sunset cruises.

Address: 11401 Andy Rosse Lane, Captiva Island, FL

Hand holding a piece of a junonia shell over the beach

Sanibel & Captiva Island Restaurants and Attractions

Love Boat Ice Cream - A Sanibel ice cream stop for a sweet treat after the beach.

Rosalita's Cantina - Mexican food and margaritas on Sanibel.

RC Otter's Island Eats - A casual Captiva spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Sanibel & Captiva Long Weekend Trip Journal - A real long-weekend itinerary to help plan your own visit.

Sanibel and Florida Gulf Coast Trip Journal - A road trip journal that pairs Sanibel with other Gulf Coast stops.

Greetings from Sanibel & Captiva mural with two roseate spoonbills and a green suitcase

Sanibel & Captiva Island Tours

Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views Rated 4.9 with over 370 reviews. A 1.5-hour cruise that passes the Sanibel Lighthouse at sunset with dolphin sightings along the way. One of the most consistently well-reviewed tours in the area.

Daytime Dolphin Cruise Near Sanibel Rated 4.9. Passes the Sanibel Lighthouse and Twin Sister Key, a secluded island only reachable by boat.

Private Boat Tour - Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel A private option for groups or families who want a more personal experience on the water.

Sanibel Captiva Island Moke Adventure Day Trip Rental Rated 4.9 with 16 reviews. A self-guided day trip around Sanibel and Captiva in a vintage electric Moke vehicle. A genuinely fun and different way to see the islands.

Check out all of the nearby tours here

Sanibel & Captiva Island Lodging

If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations.

Residence Inn Ft Myers Sanibel - Located right off the island is a great hotel with outdoor pool. Book here

Marriott Sanibel Harbour Resort - Right off the Sanibel Causeway this Marriott has great rooms, an epic pool and easy access to the island. Book here

We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, Sanibel and Captiva Island, and more.

Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!

Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!

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