Things to Do
Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Things to Do
A locals’ guide to the islands, built from years of our own family vacations — the tours we’d book again, the tables we’d wait for, and a few quiet spots most visitors never find.
On the Water
The tours and outfitters we book again every time we’re on-island — kayaks, backbay boats, and day trips out to the smaller islands.
Tarpon Bay Explorers
Guided kayak trips through the mangrove trail inside Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, plus a narrated tram ride through the refuge that tells you far more than driving it yourself.
(239) 472-8900
Captiva Cruises
All-day trips to Cabbage Key (a casual lunch spot with a short island hike) and beyond, aboard well-appointed boats with restrooms, snacks, and cocktails, plus a good narrative on local history and nature. Sunset and dolphin-watching cruises run shorter trips.
(239) 472-5300
Adventures in Paradise
Morning backbay fishing is fun and family-friendly; the afternoon sea life encounter is led by a marine biologist. The sunset trip departs by tram from the Sundial front entrance.
(239) 472-8443
Billy’s Bike Rentals
Bringing a car? Rent for the week off-site for a better rate — Billy’s delivers right to your complex. Sanibel has 25 miles of paved bike paths.
(800) 575-8717
Finnimore’s Cycle Shop
Bikes, trikes, tandems, e-bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, and beach gear — with delivery available right to your door on Periwinkle Way.
(239) 472-5577
Sanibel Golf Carts
A fun, easy way to get around the island for the week — especially handy for beach runs and dinner reservations.
Free & Easy
Some of our favorite island memories haven’t cost us a thing.
Beachcombing & Shelling
Sanibel’s beaches are famous for their shells thanks to the island’s unusual east-west orientation. Shelling is best right after a storm, and true collectors get up before daybreak with a flashlight. Remember: it’s unlawful to take live shells.
The Island’s Best-Kept Secret
Tucked inside the Periwinkle Travel Park (drive past the trailers — it’s in the middle) is a small tropical bird and monkey display you’d never guess was there. Kids also love visiting the parrots at the Jerry’s Grocery complex.
J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge
The pride of Sanibel. About five miles long, $5 per car or $1 by bike. Sunset is a beautiful time to drive through — expect birds, osprey, eagles, spoonbills, and alligators.
C.R.O.W. – Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road. Tours run at 11 AM Monday–Friday, and Sunday at 1 PM in season. CROW cares for injured or orphaned native wildlife and returns them to the wild.
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
A must if you enjoy shelling — a fascinating look at the science and history behind Sanibel’s famous shores.
Out & About
Worth the short drive off-island.
An Everglades Day
The airboat tours are all fairly similar, but every one is worth the ride — a great way to turn a day trip into an Everglades adventure.
Sanibel Farmer’s Market
Not to be missed. Every Sunday, November through May, 8 AM–1 PM at the City Complex on Dunlop.
Island Shopping
Wonderful boutiques and shops line Sanibel — guard your credit cards carefully.
Fleamasters Flea Market
Off I-75 on Martin Luther King Drive, north of Fort Myers. Lots of vendors, mostly new stock — good for a couple of hours.
Edison & Ford Winter Estates
A genuinely interesting visit to see where Thomas Edison and Henry Ford wintered in the late 1800s, in Fort Myers.
Dining
Casual is the word on Sanibel & Captiva. Many restaurants don’t take reservations, plenty offer early-bird pricing and kids’ menus, and you should plan to wait for a table in peak season unless you arrive early.
Breakfast & Brunch
Golf, Tennis & Recreation
Beachview Golf Club
The closest course to Sundial — keep an eye out for alligators along the waterways.
(239) 472-2626
Sundial Courts
Available on-site at Sundial for a fee. Lighted tennis is also available at the Sanibel Recreation Center, free with membership.
Surf & Charter Fishing
You can fish right in the surf in front of Sundial. Both salt- and fresh-water charters are widely available.
Good to Know
A few practical notes for settling in.
Groceries
Full-service Publix stores are located at 15880 Summerlin (Winkler intersection) and at Sanibel Beach Place, 20321 Summerlin. On-island, Jerry’s on Periwinkle is a very nice, full-service market, and A Bit of Bailey’s offers a smaller full-service option. Groceries can be pre-ordered through Jerry’s and delivered ahead of your arrival.
Nightlife
Several island venues offer live entertainment in the evenings — ask locally for the current lineup during your stay.
Laundry
Our condos come equipped with a washer and dryer in-unit, so packing light is easy.
Getting Around
Between bike rentals, golf carts, and the paved bike paths across the island, you may not need to touch your car all week.
A note for Sundial guests
Your condo’s swimming pool is available to you at no charge. Please note you’re renting a privately owned condo and are not affiliated with the Sundial Resort itself — as of this writing, the resort’s tiki bar, restaurants, pizza kitchen, Marketplace, spa services, and tennis are open to the public, though resort access policies are subject to change.
However you fill your days here, we hope this island gets under your skin the way it did ours.
From all of us at Sun Sanibel — enjoy the islands.