Sanibel Island is the perfect island getaway without even leaving the continental United States. There’s no shortage of things to do in Sanibel Island, from activities like kayaking to bike riding, hiking, and paddle boarding. In fact, the Sanibel Island sunset is one of the best parts of the experience. There’s no better way to relax than with a Sanibel Island sunset cruise!
As Sanibel Island is home to a wide range of activities and landmarks, you’ll be well served to rent a small condo. The best Sanibel Island condo rentals are found at Sandalfoot Condos, which rents stunning waterfront condos across the island. Sanibel Island 2-bedroom condos are ideal for a small family getaway, offering plenty of space to relax after a long day exploring the island.
Aside from condo rentals, paddleboards, kayaks, charter boats, and bikes are available to rent during your stay on Sanibel Island. Fully immerse yourself in the history, natural beauty, and activities the island offers. One such attraction is the stunning sunsets. Here are the best locations to watch the sunset on Sanibel Island. Of course, if you want a condo, the best Sanibel Island rentals can be found through Sandalfoot Condos. There’s no better vacation destination in Florida.
Sanibel Lighthouse Beach
Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is the perfect day trip for sandy fun mixed with some history lessons. The lighthouse from which the beach derives its name was built in 1884 and is a center of activity on the beach and the entire island. You can learn about the Gulf, Sanibel Island, the surrounding waters, and more. If you want to catch and prepare your own food, there’s plenty of space for fishing off the beach, where you’re sure to catch a wide array of fish.
If fishing isn’t on the menu, plenty of shelling is available. Grab a scuba mask, take a dive, and grab what you need. Additionally, there are charter sailboats, windsurfing, and more. A nature trail runs the island’s width and passes by the beach, so a bracing morning hike, followed by an afternoon swim and some ice cream, makes the perfect day.
Finally, Lighthouse Beach is the perfect place for avid bird watchers to watch a massive selection of birds that frequent Florida and the Gulf Coast. The plethora of fish means birds will hunt for their dinner, creating many opportunities for photo ops, especially when the sun goes down.
Turner Beach and Blind Pass Beach Park
Turner Beach and Blind Pass Beach Park showcase the best swimming, fishing, and birdwatching that Sanibel Island and Captiva Island offer. Turner Beach is a hidden gem in Florida, with a natural rock jetty, kayaking, and fishing available to anyone. However, pets are not allowed, and live shelling of seafood is prohibited. Nonetheless, Turner Beach offers some of the best windsurfing around; couple that with outstanding sunsets for an unforgettable experience.
Blind Pass Beach is on the strait separating the bay from the Gulf. Therefore, it is unique in that you can fish and swim in the Gulf and the Bay on the same day! All you need to do is walk across the beach. Windsurfing is excellent here, and there is a vast amount of wildlife, with manatee sightings being widespread. While live shells cannot be taken, the bayside of Blind Pass offers entire days of the best shelling around. It’s best to experience Blind Pass and Captiva Island over multiple days, so plan a stay in one of our Sanibel Island rentals for the best vacation ever!
The Mad Hatter Restaurant
Did you enjoy Alice in Wonderland as a child? Look no further. Witness the stunning Florida sunsets over the Gulf from the comfort of the Mad Hatter Restaurant. Situated on the waterfront on Captiva, the Mad Hatter is a perfect spot for dinner at sunset. The Mad Hatter is a popular restaurant, so reservations are strongly encouraged.
You’ll love the decor specifically designed to emulate Wonderland and the diverse menu composed of fresh, world-class food. It’s no wonder Mad Hatter is one of Florida’s most popular restaurants, especially with their seasonal menu! The sunset is unmatched from their cozy, romantic dining room with a well-stocked bar. After a long day of touring the Sanibel and Captiva islands, visit the Mad Hatter for a relaxing evening.
Bowman’s Beach
Bowman’s Beach is the most popular beach on Sanibel Island. Almost every shell-type can be found there, from conch shells to cockle shells, and the fishing is top-notch.
Since Bowman’s Beach is so large, there’s plenty of room to watch the sunset, and you will not be disappointed. The sky changes color from yellow to pink to orange as the sun goes down. The moonrise is incredible if you choose to remain after sunset. Additionally, Bowman’s Beach is a short drive from the Mad Hatter Restaurant, one of Florida’s best restaurants. An afternoon and evening at Bowman’s Beach is a brilliant experience.
Sanibel Causeway
Sanibel Causeway is the road crisscrossing from mainland Florida out to Sanibel Island. While a roadway may not sound like a vacation attraction, Sanibel Causeway passes two islands, Island A and Island B. These islands are brilliant for shelling, fishing, kayaking, windsurfing, and anything you like. Grilling is encouraged, perfect for a day at the beach.
It is worth noting that the Sanibel Causeway requires a toll to cross. However, the toll is worth it for the stunning view, warm waters, and fiery sunsets. As an impromptu destination, Sanibel Causeway is perfect. After sunset, you can cross onto Sanibel Island and head back to your rental to relax for the rest of the night.
Take a Sunset Cruise
A visit to Sanibel Island is not complete without a sunset cruise on a charter boat. Aside from sunsets, some cruises focus on spotting dolphins, local historic islands, shelling, and seeing other wildlife.
The Tarpon Bay Explorers have many years of experience in Florida and Sanibel Island. They feature guided pontoon tours, along with group kayak tours. The group tour is popular, so making reservations is essential. Their Nature and Sealife Cruise takes 1.5 hours every day and takes you on a pontoon boat to see some of the country’s largest mangrove estuaries.
Plan Your Stay
To get the most out of a trip to Sanibel Island, you need to experience it from land and the water. There is so much to be seen and learned from the beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, pockets of mangroves, and unforgettable sunsets. Sanibel Island is one of the best vacation destinations you could pick. Book your stay on Sanibel Island with Sandalfoot Condos today!
Every night their Evening Cruise sails at 4:45 p.m. except for Thursdays. The cruise is two hours on a pontoon boat, watching the beautiful sunset and birds returning to the rookery for the night.
The Captiva Cruises Wildlife Sunset Cruise is a must. The cruise leaves a few minutes before sunset every day; departure time varies depending on the sunset time. It’s a brilliant way to tour the waters around Sanibel Island and watch the sunset simultaneously.
