Can You Drive to Sanibel Island

If heaven has a place on earth, I would rather pick Sanibel Island to claim that name. If seashells and beeches with white sharp sands are your everyday dream, a vacation to Sanibel Island will do just right for you.

How do you go to Sanibel Island? By air? boat, or ferry? can you be able to go to the Island in your car? Can you drive to Sanibel Island?

Yes, you can drive to Sanibel Island through a causeway in Southwest Florida, which lines from the San Carlos Bay, and connects Sanibel Island to Florida Mainland in Punta Rassa with a toll fee of $6

Where is the Sanibel Island Located?

According to the Sanibel Island website, the Island is located off the coast of southwest Florida. It is about 20 miles (30km) west of Fort Myers, Florida.

It can be pointed out between the North intercostal Waterway and the southern Gulf of Mexico, which by a means connects to the mainland through a causeway.

Sanibel Island can be called one of the most recognized Islands in the world, owing to its popularity with the tall palm trees, wildlife refuges, and sharp clear beech sands that keep the beach experience pleasing.

Can You Drive To Sanibel Island?

Unlike Matha’s Vineyard, you can drive to Sanibel Island in your car. As a matter of fact, if you are coming from the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic United States, chances are that you can drive to Sanibel Island in one day.

It is an hour’s drive from either southwest Florida Airport or Fort Myers. A drive through the Sanibel Causeway is likely to cause you a penny, probably $5 to pass through, which is cheap and a good way to see the sea in plain sight.

Meanwhile, it is important to note that because Hurricane Ian destroyed some portions of the Sanibel Causeway that leads to Sanibel Island, the Island can only be accessed by boat or airways. 

However, the causeway has been fixed. Therefore, if you inquiring about getting to Sanibel island after the hurricane, the answer is yes, and you can do so with your car or however way you wish.

Are Cars Allowed on the Sanibel Island?

Yes, cars are allowed on Sanibel Island. You can choose to have your car around the Island because of its bike-friendly environment and various routes for drifting.

There are various ways in which you can move around Sanibel Island. You can choose to tour the Island in your car which can be expensive to park. You can rent cars which are not cost-friendly. You can also get a taxi company to move you around.

Not all places are accessible by car, but you can as well get to most places by car. Walking most of the distance is the best way to make memories through pictures. If you don’t find walking through the beeches fun, a bike ride or a car is a good way to enjoy yourself.

Do You Have to Cross a Bridge to Get to Sanibel Island?

Getting to Sanibel Island will require passing through a causeway in Southwest Florida, which lines from the San Carlos Bay, and connects Sanibel Island to Florida Mainland in Punta Rassa.

Crossing over to Sanibel Island is likely to cost you a $6 stipend, which is a 3-mile trip with exciting views.

How Do You Get To Sanibel Island?

These are ways through which you can get to Sanibel Island:

  • By Flight: Taking a flight is the fastest way to get to the Island Island but a speed flight to the Island doesn’t come cheap. If you want to cut the journey short, you can fly to Fort Myers, Florida, and then drive for 45 minutes to Sanibel Island. Moreover, most of these airports have several taxis, limos, and shuttle services available for transport from the airport to Sanibel Island which is interesting.
  • By Car: If you wish to drive all the way to Sanibel Island without taking an airplane, then you will have to drive through the 3-mile-long Sanibel Causeway that spans San Carlos Bay. Note that this Bay also connects the island to Fort Myers. Don’t forget that a toll fee is involved.
  • By Ferry: Using a Ferry to get to Sanibel Island is the cheapest and most affordable means you can use. It all depends on your budget.

If you would love to cut down more expenses, and probably see more of nature while traveling, taking a ferry, or driving a car is your best bet to securing the deal.

How Much Does It Cost to Cross the Bridge to Sanibel Island?

You wouldn’t need to break a bank before crossing through the bridge. A toll fee is between $5 – 10. It is a one-time fee that wouldn’t require another payment when getting back from the Island.

A drive is a good way to see the sun hit the sea with a pleasing view; a $5 toll fee shouldn’t stop you from a beautiful sight.

Is There A Ferry To Sanibel Island?

Just like the Governor’s Island, there is a Sanibel ferry available for everyone who desires to travel to the island by sea.

There are four ships available for passengers and cars with a 15-minute trip duration. These ships are only functional between the hours of 7:30 am to 5:30 pm; whatever you will love to do shouldn’t exceed this time.

How far is Sanibel Island from the Mainland of Florida

Which Side Of Sanibel Island Is The Best?

The most recognized places on Sanibel Island are the East End and Mid Island; they have quiet moments and grand hotels where you can seek accommodation.

Hotels at the East end offer a quick walk through the Lighthouse. It is a magnificent view that allows you to watch the sunrise. Starting your day in these places makes the day a flourishing one to the mind.

Unusual Places to visit on Sanibel Island

There are various places on the Island that will tickle your body with excitement. If your reason for going to the Island is to have fun, the following places are locations you shouldn’t miss.

The Lighthouse Beach Park of Sanibel

A 112-foot-high Sanibel Lighthouse is one of the amusing structures on Sanibel Island, which is a structure mounted in the 80s with beautiful white sharp sands all around it.

You can describe it as a tall flower in a garden of virgin leaves with shining thorns.

In this park, you will find large trees that shade you from the sun, restroom facilities, and a fishing pier where you can catch fish for fun. This park is one of the finest parks and it is worth a sight.

The Bowman’s Beach

The only special factor in this beach is your free will to find the best spot and have a view of the sea and the sea games that are likely to take place.

There is no shade except you create one for yourself; it is an all-time sun beach with no tall trees to keep you in shadows. Are you wondering what is special about this beach? It is the view and the white sands that surround you.

The Historical Museum of Sanibel

If you intend to see historical objects, the museum is the best place to visit. The museum is mounted in the 80s with 90 historical buildings, which include a post office and a school. In it are interesting artifacts.

Conclusion

There are various ways to Sanibel Island, you can choose to get there quickly and avoid impressive satisfaction by taking any available airline or maximize your vacation by driving through the causeway. The most pleasing moments start with the drive. Ensure you take it if you don’t get car sick.