Things to do in Sanibel

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Sanibel featuring a garden
Fort Myers featuring a sunset and general coastal views
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge which includes marine life and dangerous animals
Bowman\'s Beach which includes general coastal views and a beach as well as a couple
Fort Myers

Sanibel Attractions

There are opportunities for fun everywhere you look in Sanibel. From awesome activities to fascinating tourist attractions, this delightful small city has something for everyone. Ready to start planning your travel itinerary?

Discover the sights of Sanibel with some unique tours & day trips, or get through our list of {32 fun activities in Sanibel fun activities in Sanibel}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can relax and concentrate on planning the vacation of a lifetime.

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Most popular activities in Sanibel

Tours & day trips

See all 21 activities
Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views

Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse Views

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
8.6 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $70 and current price is $63 per adult
Sunset Dolphin Cruise with Sanibel Lighthouse ViewsOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 8 activities
Fort Myers Beach Dolphin & Sightseeing Tour Refreshments Included

Fort Myers Beach Dolphin & Sightseeing Tour Refreshments Included

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
2.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
The previous price was $65 and current price is $62 per adult
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Water activities

See all 7 activities
Parasailing Experience at Fort Myers Beach

Parasailing Experience at Fort Myers Beach

Activity duration is 1 hour
6.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $85 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Fort Myers Beach: Adults only BYOB Tiki Pub Daytime Cruise

Fort Myers Beach: Adults only BYOB Tiki Pub Daytime Cruise

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is $65 per adult
Fort Myers Beach: Adults only BYOB Tiki Pub Daytime CruiseOpens in new tab

What to do in Sanibel

Free Things to Do in Sanibel

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's a cinch to occupy yourself in Sanibel without surrendering a cent.

BIG Arts Center - This is an essential stop for culture vultures wanting to add an artistic touch to their getaway.

JN 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge - Calling all animal lovers — here's your chance to get acquainted with some intriguing new friends.

Sanibel Public Library - If you're eager to check out some of the more important or interesting places in the community, start here.

Sanibel Island Southern Beach - Enjoy a nice, leisurely stroll along the coastline and maybe even stick a toe in.

Gulfside City Park - Grab your rug, pack some nibbles and find a shady area to be with nature.

Things to Do in Sanibel with Kids

You'll find plenty of fun things to do with your kids in and around Sanibel. Keep the crew happy with our family friendly experiences.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Sanibel? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sanibel

Sanibel Island Southern Beach

Sanibel Island Southern Beach

4.5/5(171 reviews)

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Southern Beach during your trip to Sanibel?

Sanibel Island Southern Beach
Bowman\'s Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach

Bowman's Beach

4.5/5(481 reviews)

Relax and revel in a visit to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, great for swimming, fishing and finding special seashells.

Bowman's Beach
Sanibel Island Lighthouse which includes a beach, general coastal views and a sunset

Sanibel Island Lighthouse

4.5/5(1,092 reviews)

Although nobody knows how many shipwrecks it’s prevented, this lighthouse has been a welcome beacon for over a century. Visit it on an island that’s noted for shell collecting.

Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Periwinkle Way featuring a garden

Periwinkle Way

5/5(2 reviews)

The island’s spine is also its commercial hub. Drive or bike the road’s length to find attractions and discover many stores and restaurants.

Periwinkle Way
Sanibel Light, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples in the background and under the Milky Way. Taken from the end of the fishing pier. #beachtips

Sanibel Island Northern Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Northern Beach during your trip to Sanibel? Discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area, or enjoy its biking trails.

Sanibel Island Northern Beach
#BeachBound Photo Sweepstakes

Blind Pass Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Blind Pass Beach during your trip to Wulfert? Wander the beaches and seaside while you're in the area.

Blind Pass Beach
J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge showing a bridge as well as a small group of people

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

4.5/5(39 reviews)

See almost anything that flies, swims or crawls in Florida in this protected area. Become acquainted with wildlife while learning about varied species.

J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Fort Myers featuring a house

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

You can spend time browsing the exhibits at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village in Sanibel. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in this quaint area.

Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
Sunset on Sanibel Causeway. #beachtips #BVSblue

Causeway Islands Park B

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Causeway Islands Park B might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Sanibel. Wander the seaside or discover the beautiful sunrises in this family-friendly area.

Causeway Islands Park B

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Sanibel

Periwinkle Way featuring cycling as well as an individual femail

Beachview Country Club Estates

If you're spending some time in Beachview Country Club Estates, Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Island Golf Club are top sights worth seeing.

Beachview Country Club Estates
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Sanctuary

While Sanctuary might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Blind Pass Beach and Turner Beach.

Sanctuary
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Shell Harbor

Though Shell Harbor might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sanibel Moorings Botanical Gardens and Sanibel Sea School.

Shell Harbor
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The Dunes

When in The Dunes, you can plan a visit to Dunes Golf and Tennis Club and Periwinkle Way, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

The Dunes
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Gulf Shores

While there might not be top attractions in Gulf Shores, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Bowman's Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Gulf Shores
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Del Sega

If you're spending some time in Del Sega, Blind Pass Beach and J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge are top sights worth seeing.

Del Sega
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Sanibel

Captiva which includes a sandy beach and general coastal views

Captiva

Fort Myers Beach showing a sandy beach as well as a small group of people

Fort Myers

Saint James City showing a bay or harbor

Saint James City

Photo by Noel Benadom

Wulfert

Frequently asked questions

Is Sanibel worth visiting?
Providing a mix of watersports and coastal beaches, there's no shortage of things to do in Sanibel. While you're here, visit Sanibel Island Southern Beach, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Sanibel?
Start your adventures with a visit to Sanibel Island Southern Beach and Lynn Hall Memorial Park. Then, tour different areas of Sanibel for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sanibel?
The top tourist attraction in Sanibel is Sanibel Island Southern Beach, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Sanibel?
Three days in Sanibel is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travelers stay for four days on average. Sanibel Harbour Beach, Sanibel Island Northern Beach and Bowditch Point Park are among the most popular sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Fort Myers.
Is Sanibel a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Sanibel is a great destination to visit on foot. Have fun wandering between Sanibel Harbour Beach and Sanibel Island Northern Beach. Then take a stroll around Shell Harbor, located 1 mile from the center, and Beachview Country Club Estates, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Sanibel with kids?
Deciding what to do in Sanibel with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Sanibel for adults?
Adults of all ages will find plenty of things to do in Sanibel. Whether you're into culture, adventure or just love exploring new destinations, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sanibel?
One of the easiest ways to find free things to do in Sanibel is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Sanibel Harbour Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.