Ocean views, swaying palms, and beautiful white-sand beaches sprinkled with shells draw visitors irresistibly to Sanibel Island in southwest Florida. Reached by a causeway from the mainland at Punta Rassa, and just 15 miles long, Sanibel is a picture-perfect vacation destination. Bike to Lighthouse Beach Park, hunt for shells on the pristine sands, or stroll along the boardwalk that meanders through the coastal marshes to spot local wildlife. Sanibel vacation rentals range from beachfront condos to beautiful, traditional stilt homes – perfect for dolphin or manatee spotting by day and enjoying the sunsets creep, pink and gold, over the water come dusk.
After a fun morning collecting shells on the beach, why not head to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum to compare treasures? Its collection includes many different types of shells and fossils, as well as showcasing how Sanibel’s original inhabitants, the Calusa people, used the shells. You can discover more of Sanibel’s history at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village. The historic buildings include a traditional cracker house and tell the story of the Calusa and Spanish pioneer families who settled on the island.
Sanibel Island is perfect for biking: there are many miles of trails so it’s easy to explore Sanibel town on 2 wheels or to bike around the island’s beaches. Or why not explore on a Segway tour? Sanibel is famous for shell hunting, with the shells themselves washing ashore from the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re staying at your Sanibel vacation rental with kids, wandering along the sweeps of sparkling sand hunting for shells is a fun way to spend an afternoon. The beaches are also known for sport fishing. Alternatively, head to the causeway beaches to enjoy watersports including canoeing, kayaking, parasailing, windsurfing, kite boarding, or jet skiing.
You can enjoy a pleasant stay at a Sanibel vacation rental whatever the season. Sanibel Island enjoys a typical southern Florida subtropical climate, which means that, even in the depths of winter, temperatures in the 70s are not uncommon. This makes the island a popular winter sun destination. In the summer, high temperatures can reach into the 90s. That said, the summer heat is cooled by a welcome fresh ocean sea breeze that rolls in from the Gulf of Mexico across the island.
More than half of Sanibel Island is covered by the JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a wonderful wild preserve of mangrove forests, lush vegetation, and pristine beaches. It’s home to a great variety of birds and other wildlife, including crocodiles and Florida’s famous residents, endangered giant manatees. As well as wildlife spotting and birdwatching, the refuge offers opportunities to explore by kayak. Its serene, mangrove-lined kayaking trails offer a peaceful way to pass an afternoon. For a longer trek, the Great Calusa Blueway offers a 190-mile-long canoe and kayak trail which can be enjoyed by beginners and advanced paddlers alike.
The beaches of Sanibel are one of its biggest draws. Vacation homes are available near places like Sanibel Island, an inhabited island with white-sand beaches and tranquil waters, and Bowman’s Beach, a popular beach with seashells for beachcombing and calm waters for swimming. You'll also like Lighthouse Beach Park, a scenic bayfront park with a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.
The nearest airport is in Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW), located 17.4 mi (28 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you can also fly into Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), which is 32.3 mi (52 km) away.
Kids will love the unique attractions in Sanibel. Vacation rentals are close to places like Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, a facility with a nature and garden center with educational programs, and the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, a wildlife rescue facility with exhibits and demonstrations for education. Kids will also like Everglades Day Safari, a safari tour of cypress forests and fresh and saltwater swamps to glimpse native wildlife.
If you're planning to explore Sanibel, The Dunes is among the most sought-after neighborhoods to stay. No matter your style of travel, Vrbo is bound to have a vacation rental here that has exactly what you need.
Whether you're looking for a condo, cabin or something else, choosing a Vrbo vacation rental means you'll always have the whole place to yourself — no sharing with strangers. Our current selection of vacation rentals in Sanibel is ${propertiesCount}.
Based on our research, condos are the most sought-after vacation rental type in Sanibel. But as you know, everyone's idea of an awesome stay isn't the same. Vrbo has vacation homes with every size, shape and budget in mind, and we'll help you locate the best fit for your needs.
The average price for a vacation rental in Sanibel is determined by several factors, like property type, length of stay and season. Whether you're looking for a sprawling house with room for friends and family or a comfy cabin perfect for just you and the kids, just enter your dates of travel to discover stays with terrific value.
When you travel and the size and style of the property will influence how much you'll pay for your beachside escape. Enter your Sanibel travel dates to see all your options on Vrbo. Can't live without a private pool? Use our filters to choose the amenities and features you want in your vacation home.
Yes. There are. You can pick from 741 vacation rentals that cater to pets in Sanibel. Several of our pet-friendly vacation rentals come with an area outdoors for your four-legged friend to play in, complimentary treats, special dog beds and proximity to parks or green space. Apply the 'Pets allowed' filter to find your pawfect place on Vrbo.
Pack your swimming gear and inflatable flamingo, because there are 643 houses with a private pool in Sanibel. Book one of these popular vacation homes and every day will be a pool day. Simply enter your travel dates into Vrbo, then check the 'pool' filter to find the perfect place to make a splash!
A firepit, an ocean view and a sauna head the list of most popular rental amenities in Sanibel. Whether you're traveling solo, with your sweetheart or as a family group, Vrbo can help you find a vacation rental that fits your tastes with all the features you're looking for.
You can pick from 24 vacation rentals in Sanibel that can accommodate a group of 10 or more guests. Whether you're organizing a trip with extended family or a special event like a birthday party, there's ample room to get your group together under the same roof.
Sanibel has 741 family-friendly vacation rentals to choose from. And booking a stay that welcomes children is a cinch with Vrbo's "Properties good for families" filter. As well as having the whole place to yourselves, you can also look forward to perks and conveniences such as dining rooms, kitchens and private pools.