Search Hotels by Independent in Sanibel Captiva Island from £176

Find Hotels by the Sea on the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island form a crescent of land that curves around the Southwest Florida coast; accommodation here comes with uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Mexico. Choose from luxurious spa resorts, cheap hotels and smart inns with beach access. You’ll find also motels shaded by groves of palm trees, cottages and beachside condos.

Things to Do on Sanibel and Captiva Islands

Sanibel and Captiva are linked by a road that runs along the length of the crescent. Together, these two islands make up one of the most desirable and picturesque destinations in the Fort Meyers area.

Swap the towns of the mainland for scenic coastal areas where you can spend days on shell-scattered beaches such as Tarpon Beach and Lighthouse Beach. Enjoy water sports on the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Hire kayaks and paddle around the coast or try out stand-up paddleboarding. You can also go kiteboarding or parasailing from the beaches of Sanibel and Captiva. For something a little more sedate, join a quiet cruise at sunset to experience the Gulf at its most serene.

Natural Attractions on Captiva and Sanibal

The islands of Sanibel and Captiva are home to several wildlife preserves. J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Preserve is a biodiverse swath of swampland that is frequently visited by rare migratory birds. This vast mangrove ecosystem is home to more than 245 species of bird, as well as the tropical plants that grow throughout the reserve. Keep your eyes peeled for the region’s reptiles in the park – you might spot alligators, tortoises and salt marsh snakes lurking in the undergrowth.

Buck Key Preserve features a kayaking trail for intrepid adventurers. Paddle through the mangrove tunnels and look for dolphins feeding in the shadows. Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve, at the entrance to Sanibel Island, is another exhilarating place for kayaking excursions. You could be joined in the waters by manatees, otters, herons and more.

With a good range of hotels, beaches and attractions, Sanibel and Captiva are a real gem of Southwest Florida.