Sanibel Island off Fort Myers is one of the best known islands in Florida, and for a special reason: nowhere else are so many shells washed onto the beach. The island lies across the current, and so visitors comb the sand bent over, a posture that even has a name, the Sanibel Stoop. Add to that a historic lighthouse, a large nature reserve and a deliberately quiet, unspoiled island life.
The shell beaches
Sanibel is among the best shell islands in the world. Early in the morning and at low tide you find the finest specimens. Important: live shells stay on the beach, that is the law and nature conservation.
Lighthouse and nature
At the eastern end stands the historic Sanibel Lighthouse with its beach. Inland, the J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge protects a rich bird and animal world, easily explored by bike or car on the Wildlife Drive.
Deliberately quiet
Sanibel has kept its quiet character: no high rises, many bike paths, plenty of greenery. In 2022 Hurricane Ian hit the island hard, but the causeway has long been rebuilt, the beaches are back and the island is once again largely its old self.
