Unlike other barrier islands that typically run North and South, parallel with the main land, Sanibel and Captiva Islands have a predominately East-West orientation along the Gulf of Mexico. This special geography contributes to the world-renown shelling opportunities and famous natural beaches of Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

Sanibel beaches are not groomed – you won’t see tractors raking up the seaweed and plant debris that wash ashore. This material is important to the living creatures that make Sanibel beaches their home, and it also helps to stabilize the beaches from erosion.

Bring your four-legged friends along! Leashed pets are welcome on all Sanibel beaches (but not on Captiva). Alcoholic beverages are allowed June - October, but prohibited November - May. While shelling is customary on Sanibel, collecting of live shells is prohibited on all Sanibel beaches.

We encourage you to explore our beaches – you’ll find their character varies significantly as you travel from the East to West end of our island.

Sanibel Beach Map and Parking

Visitors that are not residents of Sanibel Island are restricted to parking only at public beaches OR visitors may purchase an annual 'B' parking permit for $124; a ‘C’ parking permit for $90, or a "B/C' permit for $248, allowing parking at Sanibel beaches marked with those restricted designations.

Island Residents may purchase an annual ‘A’ parking permit for $12 that allows them access to all Restricted 'A' access beaches. Residents can also purchase a 'C' parking permit for $90 or a "A/C" parking permit for $102, giving access to those restricted lots as well. 

Sanibel Island Public Beaches (6)

Restroom facilities are located at all Public Sanibel Beaches, with some areas offering picnic tables and showers as well. There is a General Parking fee of $5 per-hour (cash and credit cards accepted), OR park for free with an A or B Permit (excluding Gulfside City Park).

Causeway Beaches

With such beautiful sights and sounds, many any enjoy picnicking, jet skiing, sailboarding and kite surfing along the narrow beaches that line the Causeway Islands. Pull right up to the beach and park for free at either one of these two scenic Causeway Islands.

Lighthouse Beach and Fishing Pier

Next on the list of Sanibel Island public beaches is Lighthouse Beach. Located at the East end of the island, you can get to Lighthouse Beach by turning left at the first four-way stop sign you come to upon entering Sanibel.

This location includes:
o Restrooms and Outdoor Showers
o Free Handicap Parking – 4 Parking Spaces
o Fishing Pier, Lighthouse, Boardwalk and Nature Trails
o RV Parking – 2 Parking Spaces
o Bike Rack – No Fee for Bikes
o 24-Hour Parking

Tarpon Bay Beach

Tarpon Bay Beach is located at the southern most end of Tarpon Bay Road, at the intersection of Tarpon Bay and West Gulf Drive. The beach parking lot is located on Tarpon Bay Road, just north of the beach access point.

This location includes:
o Restrooms and Outdoor Showers
o Free Handicap Parking – 3 Parking Spaces
o Oversized (20 foot and over) Vehicle Parking – Several Parking Spaces
o Bike Rack – No Fee for Bikes

Bowman’s Beach

Located on the West End of the island, Bowman’s Beach boasts miles of warm white sand. See our Sanibel Guide for Bowman’s Beach for a detailed overview.

This Sanibel public beach includes:
o Restrooms, Changing Rooms and Outdoor Showers – Open 7am-6pm
o Free Handicap Parking – 7 Parking Spaces
o Oversized (20 foot and over) Vehicle Parking – Several Parking Spaces
o Picnic Tables and Barbecue Grills
o Pubic Telephone
o Nature and Fitness Trails
o Canoe and Kayak Launching

Blind Pass Beach

Located far West, where Sanibel ends and Captiva begins, Blind Pass Beach is known for great shelling and fishing through the pass.

This location includes:
o Parking on Both Sides of Blind Pass Bridge
o NO Restrooms on Sanibel Side
o Restrooms and Outdoor Showers on Captiva Side
o Free Handicap Parking – 1 Parking Space on Each Side

Gulfside City Park (Algiers)

Last but not least on our list of Sanibel public beaches is Gulfside City Park. Located just off of Casa Ybel Road, Algiers Lane runs to Gulfside City Park Beach. Gulfside is unique as it does not allow free parking to ‘A’ or ‘B’ parking permit holders.

This location includes:
o Restrooms and Outdoor Showers – Open from 7am-6pm
o Free Handicap Parking – 3 Parking Spaces
o Picnic Tables and BBQ Grills
o Bike Rack – No Fee for Bikes

Resident and Restricted Sanibel Beach Access (7)

The following Sanibel Island beach access points allow A and B permits only.
o Beach Road
o Nerita Street
o Donax Street
o Fulgur Street
o Bailey Road
o Dixie Beach
o Sanctuary Overlook

Sanibel Resident Only Beach Access (13)

The following Sanibel Island beach access points allow A permits only.
o Seagrape Lane (gulf and bay side)
o Buttonwood Lane (gulf and bay side)
o East Gulf at Colony
o West Gulf Drive Beach Access #1 through #7
o Bay Drive