Hello From

Sanibel Island!

“Nature’s Sanctuary on the Gulf”

Sanibel Island

A City and Barrier Island in Lee County, Florida

Sanibel Island is a serene barrier island off the coast of Southwest Florida, celebrated for its natural beauty, world-famous shell-covered beaches, and commitment to conservation. Accessible via the Sanibel Causeway from the mainland near Fort Myers, Sanibel offers a peaceful escape filled with wildlife, outdoor activities, and a charming small-town feel. The island has worked hard to preserve its unique character, even as it rebuilds from significant damage caused by Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Sanibel Island was devastated by Hurricane Ian when the powerful Category 4 storm made landfall on September 28, 2022. With sustained winds of up to 150 mph and a massive storm surge of 12-18 feet, Ian caused catastrophic damage to the island’s infrastructure, homes, and natural environment. Portions of the Sanibel Causeway were destroyed, temporarily cutting off road access to the mainland. There was widespread power, water, and communication outages as well as damage to key landmarks, including Lighthouse Beach Park and “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge.

Despite the destruction, Sanibel’s community has shown remarkable resilience. Emergency crews and residents quickly began cleanup and recovery efforts, with restoration of the causeway completed ahead of schedule. The island continues to rebuild thoughtfully, with a strong focus on preserving its unique character and natural beauty.

Sanibel Island, prior to Hurricane Ian in 2022.

Location & Size

Sanibel Island is located in Southwest Florida’s Lee county along the Gulf of Mexico. The island is approximately 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, and connects to the mainland, Fort Myers, by the Sanibel Causeway.

Founded

Sanibel Island’s history dates back thousands of years, originally inhabited by the indigenous Calusa people, who thrived on its rich coastal resources. Spanish explorers arrived in the early 1500s, and the island later became a haven for fishermen, farmers, and homesteaders in the 1800s. A key milestone in its development was the construction of the Sanibel Lighthouse in 1884, which marked the island’s growing importance. After the Sanibel Causeway opened in 1963, connecting the island to the mainland, concerns about overdevelopment led residents to take action. In 1974, Sanibel officially incorporated as a city to preserve its natural beauty and protect its unique, environmentally sensitive landscape.

SANIBEL WEATHER

Population

Approximatley 6,400 full-time residents with a significant population increase during the winter months.

Known For

Shelling capital of the U.S., thanks to unique east-west island orientation
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge – a haven for birds and other wildlife
Pristine beaches, bike trails, and nature preserves
Eco-friendly development and strict building codes
A top destination for nature lovers and quiet beach vacations

Cost of living

Median Household Income: $98,000
Median Home Price (2024): $1.1 million
Average Rent: $2,500–$4,000/month for 1–2 bedroom homes or condos
Cost of living is well above the national average, reflecting the island’s exclusivity and natural appeal

Things to do

Go shelling at Bowman’s Beach or Lighthouse Beach Park
Explore the J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge via tram, bike, or kayak
Visit the Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
Enjoy boutique shopping and dining along Periwinkle Way
Bike the island’s 25+ miles of paved trails
Take a guided eco-tour or dolphin cruise
Relax and unwind amid beautiful sunsets and a slower pace of life

Fun Facts

Sanibel’s unique east-west orientation traps seashells, making it a global shelling hotspot
The island has no traffic lights or chain restaurants, preserving its charm
Home to over 245 species of birds
Sanibel’s lighthouse, built in 1884, still stands today
Residents passed a referendum in the 1970s to limit development and protect the environment