Sanibel, FL Vacation Rentals: house rentals & more

Discover a selection of 6,000 vacation rentals in Sanibel, FL that are perfect for your trip. Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or even pets, Vrbo vacation homes have the best amenities for hanging out with the people that matter most, including swimming pools and private pools. Prices start at $165 per night, and houses and cottages are popular options for a stay in Sanibel. Either way, you'll find a rental for everyone's needs.

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Spring break

This property was perfect for my family of four that included a teenager and a 9 year old. There was more than enough space for all of us. We saw dolphins every day outside the window facing the bay or when we walked along the boardwalk. We rented bi...

Stayed Mar 2021

Perfect location

This is our fourth stay in 305 at the Island Inn. It is a perfect spot for the 2 of us. We spend a lot of time enjoying the balcony and the views not only of the ocean but the peaceful grounds of the inn. it is a treat to walk right outside to a b...

Stayed Mar 2021

Very Nice Condo

We had a great time in Sanibel and our condo was exactly what we expected. It could use some updating, but it's a nice location, comfortable and has everything you need: lots of towels, kitchen utensils, laundry soap, beach chairs, umbrellas. The onl...

Stayed Mar 2021

Lovely, Well-Stocked Condo

We really enjoyed our stay at this condo! The Loggerhead Cay property is well maintained and includes a nice pool, tennis courts and a grilling area. The condo is conveniently located on the ground floor, which we loved - so nice to not have to haul ...

Stayed Mar 2021

Spring Break

Property was beautiful. Owners couldn't have been kinder and more attentive. Island and traffic were crazy busy but we made it work. The condo has a beautiful view but it is a bike or car ride to ocean beach access which does not have parking. That w...

Stayed Mar 2021

Sanibel Perfection!

This property was PERFECT for our family of 3. Beautifully decorated, great amenities, comfy and perfect location. The owners clearly put a lot of thought and love into this property and it shows. They provide everything you could possibly need...eve...

Stayed Mar 2021

Sanibel vibes

We had a wonderful time on Sanibel island. We biked threw nature preserves, to the grocery store and happy hours at Timber’s... shout out to bartender Johnny for making happy hours great! The condo was lovely with the best views of the ocean. We lov...

Stayed Mar 2021

Excellent Sanibel retreat

As soon as we walked through the door of Aqua Vista we couldn’t believe how beautiful it was. The decor and cleanliness of this condo were beyond our expectations. The condo has everything you need and more. We enjoyed using the bikes and beach gear....

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Destination guide

Fun in the sun at Sanibel vacation home rentals

Nature-lovers looking for a great escape from the concrete jungle's bright lights and city noise will find it in Sanibel, an idyllic hideaway in southwest Florida. Connected to the mainland at Punta Rassa via the Sanibel Causeway, the island is only 15 miles long and 5 miles wide, tops, but the selection of fun activities is anything but small. A Sanibel vacation rental is an ideal base as you tick off the island's offerings one by one. Hop on a boat or kayak for a close encounter with various wildlife, tee off on 1 of the many golf courses, and explore the island on 2 wheels—Sanibel has 22 miles of scenic bike paths.

Things to do

Tourist attractions near Sanibel vacation rentals

No doubt rivaling The Little Mermaid's treasure trove, the exquisite exhibits at Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum will have you singing, "Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?" Visit after you go shelling—it'll be fun comparing your seashell swag with the museum displays. Pop into Sanibel Historical Village, where the old buildings, including a schoolhouse and cottage dating from the late 19th century, will give you a glimpse of a simpler time, back when Calusa and Spanish pioneer families settled on the island in the 1800s. Don't forget to swing by Lighthouse Beach for a snapshot with Sanibel Island's metal lighthouse, built in 1884.

Activities

Things to do near vacation homes in Sanibel

If you don't have a shell collection yet, this is the place to start one. Beautiful seashells of all shapes and sizes wash up on Sanibel's shores from the Gulf of Mexico. Combing the shore for these souvenirs is such a popular activity that bending over while shell-hunting has come to be known as the Sanibel Stoop. After a morning on the beach with your bucket and shovel, shell-ebrate your prized finds with a big lunch back in your Sanibel vacation rental. You'll need to fuel up before an afternoon session of watersports, from canoeing to jet skiing to parasailing.

Weather

Climate for your stay in Sanibel vacation homes

It's no wonder snowbirds flock to Sanibel from December to February—the island destination's subtropical climate means winters are mild and lovely, with temperatures from the mid 50s to the high 70s. On the other hand, temps can climb to the 90s during the summer months of June to August, although tempered by breezes from the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel vacation rentals are easier on the pocket from June to September, but expect downpours to join you on your holiday, and there's a chance you'll have an unwanted guest in the form of a hurricane.

Natural features

Sanibel—a buffet of beaches, bike trails, and bird sightings

Sanibel's impressive ecology is protected by a few wildlife refuges. The largest on the island is the J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which you can explore by walking, biking, driving, or kayaking through the mangrove forests. Bird watchers are in for a treat, as this is home to more than 220 bird species. Sightings of herons, egrets, and pelicans aren't uncommon even outside the wildlife refuge (such as on the beaches, or even near your Sanibel vacation rental), but to get the most from your bird-watching and wildlife-spotting endeavors, it's best to have your binoculars within reach. If you'd rather pass the time on a kayak or canoe, try the 190-mile Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail.

Beaches

Beach locales near Sanibel vacation rentals

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.

How to get there

Traveling to and around Sanibel

Fly into Fort Myers, FL (RSW-Southwest Florida Intl.), the closest airport, located 21.6 mi (34.7 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that's convenient for your trip, you could also fly into Naples, FL (APF-Naples Municipal), which is 28.8 mi (46.4 km) away.

Family friendly

Family fun near Sanibel vacation homes

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.

How many vacation rentals are available around Sanibel, FL?

Our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 5,620 vacation rentals around Sanibel. From 2,661 house rentals to 76 cottage rentals, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable holiday or a weekend with your family and friends.

What is the best area to stay when traveling to Sanibel?

Whether you're traveling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Sanibel:

The Dunes: 335 vacation rentals
Butterknife: 252 vacation rentals
Beachview Country Club Estates: 532 vacation rentals
East Rocks: 33 vacation rentals
Gulf Shores: 28 vacation rentals

For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.

What are the popular point of interests near where I can stay when traveling to Sanibel?

Vrbo offers a large selection of vacation rentals near lovely places in Sanibel. From Vrbo travelers, the top most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:

Sanibel Island Lighthouse: 9,962 vacation rentals
Castaways Marina: 7,614 vacation rentals
Sanibel and Captiva Island Visitor's Center: 7,778 vacation rentals
Woodring Point: 9,065 vacation rentals
Sanibel Island Golf Club: 9,703 vacation rentals

But there are many other points of interest around Sanibel listed on Vrbo where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.

Can I rent Houses in Sanibel?

Yes, of course. Vrbo has 2,661 Houses in Sanibel. Our other popular types of vacation rentals in Sanibel include:

Cottages: 76 rentals available
Condos/Apartments: 2,801 rentals available
Villas: 390 rentals available

But you can also enjoy a great stay in one of our other vacation rentals including Bungalows and more.

Can I find a vacation rental with pool in Sanibel?

Yes, you can select your preferred vacation rental with pool among our 4,697 vacation rentals with pool available in Sanibel. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.