Sanibel Island Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Sanibel Island

Internationally renowned for superb beaches and a wide range of outstanding accommodation, Sanibel Island and its smaller neighbour Captiva are linked to the mainland by a three mile causeway.

Both islands are tranquil havens, with no traffic signals, street lights or billboards to detract from their natural beauty.

Measuring only 12 mls by 4, Sanibel is a mecca for nature enthusiasts with 6,000-plus acres of wildlife sanctuaries creating a respectable balance between development and pristine wetlands.

Very much an outdoor destination, it is well-served with cycle routes, hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities, but its main claim to fame is as one of America's best shell-collecting destinations.

Generally attracts those with a love of nature and tranquillity, ranging from young families to retired couples.

Locality:

Sanibel Island is located in the SE United States, off the SW coast of Florida State, in the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel is a low-lying island connected to the mainland by a toll causeway spanning San Carlos Bay.

Population: 295.734.100
Languages: English 82%, Spanish 11% (2000)
Currency: US dollar
Currency code: USD
Local Times:
U.S.A. - District of Columbia - Washington DC

U.S.A. - Florida - Orlando

U.S.A. - California - San Francisco

U.S.A. - New York - New York

U.S.A. - Nevada - Las Vegas

Country Dialling Code: +1
Voltage: 120V 60Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 parallel flat prongs

2 Parallel flat prongs with an earth connector

The USA is home to several of the world's most exciting cities, some truly mind-blowing landscapes, a strong sense of regionalism, a trenchant mythology, more history than the country gives itself credit for and, arguably, some of the most approachable natives in the world.

America was 'discovered' by Columbus in 1492 and for 500 years people have travelled here seeking a better life in the 'land of opportunity'. The land was fought over by colonial powers for centuries and finally won its independence from Britain in 1783. Despite the near annihilation of the Native American population, one of the bloodiest civil wars the world had seen, and racism (Native Americans were not granted citizenship until 1924 and racial segregation was the norm until as late as the 1950s), the American people have succeeded in forging one of the worlds most united, democratic and tolerant nations, a fascinating melting-pot of cultures, and the undisputed military and economic heavyweight of the world.

The country is made up of 48 contiguous states of the continental USA, plus the huge state of Alaska, northwest of Canada, and the volcanic islands of Hawaii, 2,000 miles (3,219km) out into the Pacific. There are also the US territories, which include Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Midway Islands and US Virgin Islands. Tourism is focused mainly in the great cities such as New York and Washington, as well as sunshine states such as Florida, California and Hawaii. However the mind-blowing landscapes, found in the wealth of magnificent National Parks like Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Adirondacks, as well as spectacular sights like the Grand Canyon and the Rocky Mountains, are what make the USA so unique. With all this on their doorstep, it's easy to understand why a significant proportion of Americans have never bothered getting a passport.

Sanibel Island Travel Guide

Sanibel Island Suitability Profile