Sanibel Island - Florida - United States. Guide & Hotel Reservations from Cheap Hotels

Sanibel Island is located in the heart of Southwest Florida and has the best shelling beaches in the world. It measures about 12 miles across and is 5 miles wide. There are two main thoroughfares bringing you right to the beaches, resorts and attractions. When you choose Sanibel Island as your vacation destination, you can pack light as shorts and sandals are the norm. Plan for sunshine and bring lots of sunscreen. Stay at a luxurious resort, rent a cottage or choose one of the many hotels and motels.

Spend some time at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum to learn why Sanibel Island has the distinction as one of the best places in the world to collect shells. It is the only one of its kind in the country and shows the natural habitat of shells as well as ways they can be used in art. Visit the Sanibel Historical Village to see the exhibits about the Calusa Indians, the first inhabitants of this area.

The Sanibel Lighthouse Boardwalk is, perhaps, the most photographed place on the island. It has been a landmark dating back to the time when this whole island was a nature preserve. Today the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Preserve encompasses 6300 acres and is home to more than 50 types of reptiles, 23 species of birds and 32 different kinds of mammals. Take a scenic drive through the preserve or take the winding trails through the exquisite scenery. Guided tours are also available at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, a 247 acre nature center.

Day tours are available through the Florida Everglades and at the Tarpon Bay Explorers you can see the aquarium and touch tank, as well as charter a sealife cruise. If fishing is your passion, Sanibel Island has what you need. With deep sea fishing charters or light tackle fishing in the waters around the island, you are guaranteed to return with a catch. There are three golf courses for the avid golfer and the Periwinkle Place Shopping Center is exquisite both inside and out. Nestled in the park are Banyan trees, where you can rest in the sun when you want a break from shopping. There are also small boutiques and stores all around the island featuring antiques and gifts of all kinds.