Sanibel Recreation

Boating: Sanibel & Captiva are surrounded by the most convenient boating waters to be found: San Carlos Bay, Pine Island Sound, and the Gulf of Mexico. The inland waterways feed into San Carlos Bay and the Intracoastal Waterway. Sailing and power boating are a way of life here. Also, the waters of the causeway are famous for the exhilarating water sport of windsurfing.

 

Sailing:   Island breezes are a sailor’s delight. We offer sailing in protected and open water, without the threat of rocky coastlines and fog. From the south end of Sanibel, sailors have easy access to the Gulf of Mexico.

 

Diving and Snorkeling: This area of the Gulf of Mexico has much to offer. Diving in 30 feet of water allows long bottom times, so one can enjoy the soft corals of vibrant greens, yellows, oranges, blues and reds, a variety of tropical fish, nudibranchs, sea urchins and starfish that have made their homes on the wrecks in the Big Carlos Triangle. Also, many shells typically not found on the beach can be seen on the sandy bottom.

 

Fishing: Both salt and freshwater species are caught here. Saltwater fishing runs the full gamut from light tackle angling for trout, redfish, snook, and others, to big game fishing for tarpon and shark. Even without a boat, you may very likely catch a fantastic dinner. Some favorite fishing spots are the Sanibel/Captiva causeway and the fishing pier on the bay side at the Lighthouse.

 

Shelling:  It’s hard to resist the “Sanibel Stoop”, as shelling is a favorite pastime for both visitors and residents. Sanibel is 14 miles long and is the only island of the barrier chain to run in an east to west direction. As a result, its beaches catch incredible numbers of shells brought it by northerly running Gulf currents. The best time to shell is either following a storm or during low tide, but please remember that it is against the law to collect live shells. Sanibel is noted as having one of the three best shelling beaches in the world.

 

Biking:    One of the best ways to indulge in the unhurried pace of Sanibel/Captiva is to abandon your car. Bicycles are a popular form of transportation leading people through canopied paths of trees, over canals and scenic wetlands and along the way passing the Islands great shops and restaurants. The highest elevation on the Islands is about 14 feet above sea level, so bike riding is relatively effortless and there is nothing to obstruct your view of this paradise. The bike paths now offer over 25 miles of scenic cycling on Sanibel.

 

Golf:   There are 2 golf courses open to the public in Sanibel. The Dunes Country Club is an 18-hole course with a clubhouse, lounge, dining room, and pro shop. The Beachview Country Club offers the same amenities. There is a private 18-hole golf course at The Sanctuary.

 

Tennis & Racquetball: Tennis courts are available at the Sanibel Recreation Complex on Sanibel-Captiva Road. Many of the local resorts maintain tennis facilities for their guests.