Sanibel Island is a short ride from Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach, running east-west into the Gulf of Mexico. This unique position results in Sanibel being a top shelling destination. Where Sanibel Island ends, the land shifts north and Captiva Island begins. Upscale Sanibel and Captiva Islands have a lush, tropical ambiance. Here you’ll find pristine, quiet beaches and, along Periwinkle Way, intimate settings for boutique shopping and a variety of dining options. The J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge takes up about 7,000 acres of Sanibel Island – a haven for Florida wildlife. You can also enjoy a variety of sightseeing boat cruises. For more information, please see our Sanibel-Captiva Visitor Guide.