Captiva and Sanibel Island Beaches

Captiva and Sanibel Island Beaches

Sanibel and Captiva Island beaches both offer miles of soft sands and stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. The islands are home to some of the world's best shelling. So many people collect shells along the beaches that bending over to pick one up is called the "Sanibel Stoop." Home to over 250 kinds of shells, an abundance of wildlife, and glistening waters, the islands are perfect for endless water activities.

Tarpon Bay Beach

Tarpon Bay Beach

Like most beaches on Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Tarpon Bay Beach offers great shelling. It features high sands and is good for swimming. Public Beach Parking is available for $5 an hour at 520 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL.
Location: 111 Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel, FL
Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park

This state park offers two miles of beautiful, untarnished shoreline. Lovers Key gets its name because it`s known as a popular site for stunning Gulf-side weddings. The beach`s white sand and clear waters are well worth the $8 entrance fee per vehicle.
Location: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL
Phone: (239) 463-4588
Bowman`s Beach

Bowman`s Beach

One of the most popular Sanibel Island beaches, Bowman`s Beach is still large enough to find a private spot to spread out. The seemingly untouched shoreline offers excellent shelling. Public Beach Parking is available at the beach`s park for $5 an hour.
Location: 1700 Bowmans Beach Road, Sanibel, FL
Blind Pass Beach

Blind Pass Beach

Because of the strong currents on Blind Pass Beach, it`s better suited for fishing and shelling than swimming. The area is on the edge of Sanibel Island near where it connects to Captiva Island, making for incredible sunsets. Public Beach Parking is available for $5 an hour.
Location: 6497 Sanibel-Captiva Road, Sanibel, FL
Turner Beach

Turner Beach

On the other side of the bridge from Blind Pass Beach on Captiva Island, you`ll find Turner Beach. The currents are strong on this side as well, so this beach is also better suited for shelling and fishing. Public Beach Parking is available for $5 an hour.
Location: 17200 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL
Captiva Beach

Captiva Beach

Both family-friendly and romantic, Captiva Beach offers several miles of public access. The quiet shoreline is hands down one of the best Captiva Island beaches. Public Beach Parking is available at Alison Hagerup Beach Park for $25 for two hours or $40 for the day.
Location: 14770 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL
Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier

Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier

One of the most loved Sanibel Island beaches, Lighthouse Beach & Fishing Pier is popular with both locals and tourists. The beach is ideal for families because it features great swimming, shelling, and easy fishing from the pier. Public Beach Parking is available for $5 an hour.
Location: 110 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL
Causeway Beaches in Causeway Islands Park

Causeway Beaches in Causeway Islands Park

Causeway Islands Park offers several small beaches on man-made islands between Sanibel Island and the mainland. You can enjoy many water activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, kiteboarding, shelling, and more. The park is free, but you will have to pay a $6 toll once you leave the mainland for Sanibel Island.
Location: 19931 Sanibel Causeway, Sanibel, FL
Gulfside City Beach Park on Algiers Beach

Gulfside City Beach Park on Algiers Beach

Known as Algiers Beach to locals, Gulfside City Beach Park offers great amenities like picnic tables, outside showers, bike racks, restrooms, barbecue grills, and a boardwalk. Public Beach Parking is available for $5 an hour.
Location: 2001 Algiers Lane, Sanibel, FL