FAQ’s
WHERE IS SANIBEL LOCATED?
Sanibel, aka the Seashell Capital of the World, is located about 20 miles southwest of Fort Myers. The island is approximately 12 miles long and 3 miles wide. Sanibel Island has around 15 miles of beaches. Sanibel also has about 25 miles of paved, shared-use bike paths that stretch across the island from Lighthouse Beach Park on the eastern end to the Blind Pass Bridge on the western end.
WHAT IS THE CLOSEST AIRPORT?
The closest airport to Sanibel Island is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located in Fort Myers, and is approximately 20 miles (or a 45-minute drive) away.
HOW DO I BOOK MY RESERVATION?
Click the link to book your reservation: https://www.kingfishervacations.net/vacation-rentals/rental/392842/
WHAT CREDIT CARDS ARE ACCEPTED?
Accept all major credit cards for the initial deposit, with the exception of American Express.
For the final payment, guests have two options:
- Mail a personal check 60 days prior to arrival.
- Pay with a credit card, which incurs a 3% processing fee.
If a guest books within 60 days of arrival, the guest can use a credit card for the final payment without the 3% markup.
Contact Kingfisher Vacation Rentals directly with any questions. (239) 472-2100
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY SEASHELLS ON SANIBEL ISLAND?
Sanibel Island lies perpendicular in an east-west orientation which collects shells brought in by the Gulf, currents from the Caribbean and other southern seas. This orientation, in addition to the shape of the island results in the ocean currents mostly flushing the water downward, causing the shells to wash up onto the beaches while acting like a “dustpan” or “shovel.”
*Please keep in mind that it is illegal to take any live shells from the beaches; collect only empty shells. You cannot collect or possess seashells that contain a live organism, including live sand dollars, starfish, sea urchins or mollusks. If you are harvesting shells containing live organisms from the beach, a Florida saltwater fishing license is required, even when harvesting from the shoreline. Sanibel Island has specific regulations, including a rule restricting live shell collection to two specimens of any one species per person per day, and requiring non-residents to possess a state saltwater products fishing license. Shelling is prohibited in J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Florida State Parks.
WHAT IS THERE TO DO ON SANIBEL ISLAND?
Biking (25 miles of paved bike paths—pick up a map at the SanCap Chamber)
Bird watching
Charter cruises (dolphin watching, sunset, fishing) and eco tours
Dining at numerous delicious restaurants
Fishing
Golfing
Kayaking and canoeing
Shell crafting class (at Sanibel Community House)
Shelling and Beaching
Shopping in boutique and specialty shops
Theatre, etc. at BIG ARTS
Water sports
WHAT ARE SOME ATTRACTIONS TO VISIT ON SANIBEL ISLAND? (LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
- Bailey Tract
- Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
- BIG ARTS (Barrier Island Group for the Arts)
- Chapel by the Sea (Captiva-on the National Register of Historic Places-open 2nd weekend in Nov thru 4th week of April)
- C.R.O.W. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife-Visitor Education Center
- Farmer’s Market (Sundays 8am-1pm October through end of May)
- Hirdie Girdie Art Gallery (local area artists & guest artists)
- J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife
- Lighthouse (built in 1884 & maintained by the Florida Coast Guard)
- Locally owned restaurants, coffee & ice cream shoppes, etc.
- Public Library
- Rachel Pierce Gallery (A lifelong artist (and former TV anchor) based in Florida)
- Sanibel Community House
- Sanibel Historical Museum & Village
- Sanibel Recreation Center
- Tarpon Bay Explorers
- Tower Gallery Cooperative (area award winning artists)
IS THERE PUBLIC PARKING AVAILABLE FOR THE BEACHES?
Yes, there is public parking at Blind Pass Beach Park, Bowman’s Beach Park, Gulfside City Beach Park, Lighthouse Beach Park and Tarpon Bay Road Beach Park. Use the city’s new mobile pay system by texting the code on the sign or scanning the QR code, entering your license plate, and paying via credit card or you may purchase an annual parking permit for designated areas. Captiva beaches provide public parking on Alison Hagerup Beach and Turner beach.
DO I NEED A LICENSE TO FISH?
Yes, you need a fishing license to fish from the shoreline or boat. (However, if you’re fishing with a licensed charter captain, your license is usually included in the price of the trip. Please check with the company you are using to charter the fishing trip.) Florida saltwater fishing licenses can be purchased for 3 days, 7 days or a year. A fishing license may be purchased at various retail shoppes on Sanibel or online through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) website.
WHAT ARE SOME COMPANIES FOR CHARTERED TRIPS? (LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
- Adventures in Paradise (Fort Myers, fishing trips are only private & maximum allowed is 20 people)
- Captain Brian on the Water (Captiva, private charters, limit of 6 people)
- Captain Jarrett Jones Fishing Charters (Punta Rassa Boat Ramp next to Sanibel Causeway, private charters, limit of 6 people)
- Captiva Cruises (Captiva Island, open & private charters)
- Endless Summer Fishing Charters (Fort Myers, private charters, limit of 4 people)
- Fish Old School, LLC (Captiva Island, private charters, limit of 6 people)
- Flip Side Charter (private charters, limit of 6 people)
- New Wave Eco Charters, LLC (Captiva Island, private charters, limit of 6 people)
- Sanibel Dolphin Tours (Fort Myers, private charters, limit of 6 people)
- Sanibel Offshore Fishing Charters (Sanibel, private charters, fishing charter has a limit of 5 people, other charters have a limit of 6 people)
- Tarpon Bay Explorers (Sanibel, may be a required minimum number of people for the boat to go out)
WHEN IS TURTLE NESTING SEASON?
May 1-October 31
To protect Sea Turtles be sure to fill in holes and flatten sand castles. Turn off /Shield all Lights visible from the shore after 9 pm and don’t use traditional flashlights on the beach. If on the beach at night , use special flashlights with a red light . Remove beach furniture, equipment and trash which pose hazards to turtles. Keep your distance from marked Sea Turtle Nests and do not disturb nesting Sea Turtles.
IS THERE A GROCERY STORE ON THE ISLAND?
A Bit of Bailey’s, Huxter’s Market & Deli, Jerry’s Foods, and The Island Store (Bailey’s) located on Captiva Island
WHERE IS THE CLOSEST HOSPITAL?
The closest hospital, Health Park Medical Center, is about 10 miles away from Sanibel Island in Fort Myers.
WHAT FORMS OF TRANSPORTATION ARE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE? (LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)
- Captiva Airport Taxi, LLC
- Island Taxi
- Sanibel Double D Taxi Service
- Sanibel Taxi
IS THERE ACCESS TO CHARGE AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE?
Coming Soon to The Seashells of Sanibel.
HOW CAN I REPEL NO-SEE-UMS?
There are certain actions you can take to help repel no-see-ums. Wear long pants, long sleeves and socks, all in lighter colors when it is less breezy in the mornings or evenings. Use an insect repellent containing Icaridin (trade name), Picaridin (common name) or Deet. Use a fan. Avoid standing water. No-see-ums activity is the highest at sunrise and sunset.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT RED TIDE?
A red tide or harmful algal blooms (HAB) is a rapid increase in the population of microscopic algae, often turning the water red or brown. HAB can affect humans through respiratory irritation, direct contact and consumption of contaminated shellfish. Direct contact with HAB can cause skin irritation, rashes, burning and sore eyes. Avoid swimming in red tide. During a red tide, beaches are sometimes covered in dead fish and other animals.
*The above information is not medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
*All attempts have been made to provide accurate information; please contact each vendor for specific details