Things to Know While Visiting Sanibel Island & Captiva Island
The weather on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island is perfect all year long. Check out our Sanibel Island Climate Summary to find out more information and what to expect on your visit.
Click here to find out things to do on the islands.
What You Need to Know About Our Beautiful Beaches and Water
Sanibel is one of the unique barrier islands of the world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north-south. Hence, the island is gifted with great sandy beaches and an abundance of shells, winning awards for being the best shelling beach and one of the best beaches in Florida. We take the quality of our beaches and water very serious. Our web site is full of information about our great beaches and shelling.
We have also compiled information about the waters surrounding our islands. Click here to review information from a number of respected organizations that monitor our water quality.
Turtle Season on Sanibel Island & Captiva Island
Sea turtle nesting season runs from May 1st to October 31st
Sanibel Island & Captiva Island’s beaches provide the perfect subtropical nesting area for sea turtles, but please be sure to follow the guidelines of Sanibel Island and Captiva Island and turn off all lights that could draw attention away from the Gulf of Mexico to the land. By removing the light from the land and obstacles from the beach, baby sea turtles can find their way back to the water, where they need to be.
What to Pack
Our easy-going, outdoor lifestyle translates to casual, informal attire, both day and night. Shorts and sandals are the norm. Restaurants range from simple outdoor cafes to elegant candlelit dining rooms; none requires jackets or ties. Retail establishments generally request shirts and shoes.
Plan for sunshine. Our winters are mild (average daytime temperatures in the 70s and 80s) and dry