Sanibel Island takes its natural surroundings very seriously. Locals have protected the thick tropical foliage and voted to not allow any buildings to go into place that are taller than the tallest palm. What has resulted is an island with natural beauty that creates an inspiring vacation full of relaxation and fun.

Weather and Geography

Sanibel island is located south of its sister island, Captiva island. It's located on the Gulf of Mexico and has a very desirable climate for a vacation destination. Temperatures are typically in the 70's - 90's with mostly sunny skies, however the area does get most of its rainfall in the summertime so make sure you plan accordingly.

Quick Facts

• The name "Sanibel" came from "San Ybel" after the Queen Isabella of Spain according to folklore.
• Locals implemented a few rules in order to maintain the natural beauty of the area. It is not permitted to build any building higher than the tallest palm or have any noisy beach vehicles (such as a jet ski) within 300 yards of the beach.

Expert Travel Tips

• Keep your eyes peeled for shopping and dining on Sanibel Island. Due to the thick natural foliage, some signs for stores and restaurants can be hard to see.

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