6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are two of the most popular vacation destinations in Southwest Florida. With world-renowned shelling, sunshine, and shorelines, these two tropical islands are a beach lover’s dream!

Of course, there are loads of places to stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island when you visit.

After all, the thousands of visitors that flock to these popular southwest Florida islands need to have a variety of places to stay.

And while the many accommodation options may seem overwhelming at first, we’re here to help narrow your search.

Sanibel vs Captiva: Main Differences to Consider

When it comes to the accommodations on the islands, the biggest question people ask us is what are the biggest differences between Sanibel and Captiva?

Here is our best explanation about Sanibel vs. Captiva in a nutshell.

Essentially, Sanibel and Captiva islands are sister islands.

In 1921, a hurricane severed what was once a single island into two, separating them by a narrow channel of water.

Today, the two islands remain separate but close enough to walk between on the small bridge that joins the two — about 100’ feet in length. (Just please don’t try and swim between the two — the distance may seem close, but the water current running from the Gulf to the bay is super strong and can be very dangerous.)

Both islands have some of southwest Florida’s best beaches, salty tropical bars, and very good restaurants!

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When it comes to where to stay, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island offer a good number and variety of island-y places to stay, from family beach resorts and high-end hotels to cozy beach cottages and vacation rentals.

If you’re looking for waterfront places to stay, your choices are many.

Overall, the biggest difference between Sanibel and Captiva is this:

Sanibel has more tourists while Captiva has more private property. Sanibel has the shopping while Captiva feels more secluded.

If you prefer a bit more action (but make no mistake, both islands are quieter for a reason) stay on Sanibel. Want a bit more exclusivity? Choose Captiva!

Here are the best places to stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island on the water — both beachfront and bayfront:

6 Best Waterfront Places to Stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

1. South Seas Island Resort

5400 Plantation Rd, Captiva Island

South Seas Island Resort is one of the most popular Captiva Island resorts – and for good reason!

The resort itself occupies the entire northern tip of Captiva Island, so you have the best of both the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound at your doorstep.

One of the coolest things about the South Seas Island Resort is the wide array of accommodation options.

You can choose to stay at the waterfront Harbourside Hotel, in one of the lovely condominiums, or even in a large vacation home.

In other words, regardless of what type of accommodation you’re looking for, South Seas Island Resort has something that’ll fit your preferences.

This also makes South Seas one of the best resorts for a destination wedding in southwest Florida!

Then, there’s all of the excitement that happens outside of your room. Technically, South Seas Island Resort is a nature preserve.

This means that you’ll be able to see thriving mangrove trees, friendly dolphins, and cute manatees without even leaving the property.

You can even take a guided nature walk to make sure that you see all of the noteworthy spots.

If a nature walk seems a little bit too tame for your interests, don’t worry!

There are other activities that might pique your interests, including kayaking, tennis, volleyball, and even an arcade room.

On top of all that, South Seas Island Resort also boasts three beautiful pools and two exhilarating waterslides for kids of all ages.

And after your fun-filled day, you’ll need to get reenergized.

Luckily for you, South Seas Island Resort is home to some of the best restaurants on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island.

While there are six eateries at this Captiva Island resort, the highlight is definitely Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille, thanks to its fresh seafood dishes and tasty rum drinks.

Check availability and more details

2. Casa Ybel Resort

2255 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island

If you’re looking for a resort that’s just as cool as Captiva Island’s South Seas Island Resort but is on Sanibel Island instead, we highly recommend Casa Ybel Resort, one of our favorite Sanibel hotels.

First, Casa Ybel Resort boasts a fabulous beachfront location.

This means that you can enjoy views of the beautiful Gulf of Mexico from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep.

You can even enjoy a fantastic waterfront meal at the Thistle Lodge, where you can savor a delicious brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Casa Ybel Resort also offers a wide array of activities, so you’ll never be bored.

You can fish, bike, boat, paddleboard, kayak, swim, and even play a few games of pickleball.

But many guests at the Casa Ybel Resort opt for an extremely relaxing vacation.

You can wake up late, spend a while nursing your cup of coffee over breakfast, and get pampered at the spa.

Enjoy a couples massage, a hot stone treatment, a facial, or a salt glow scrub.

And then, to cap off your day of relaxation, you can stretch your muscles with a rejuvenating sunset yoga class.

Even better? Its prime location makes it one of the best island spots to catch that fiery Sanibel sunset!

3. 'Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa

15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva Island

If you’re looking for where to stay on Captiva Island in particular, you’ll definitely want to check out ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa, a Captiva Island landmark.

Opened in 1931, ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa has been welcoming guests to Captiva Island for nearly a century!

And with all of those years in business, this Captiva Island resort has mastered the art of island charm and hospitality.

One of the reasons we love ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa as a best place to stay on Captiva Island, is the variety of accommodations to choose from, including guest rooms, studios, and suites.

But the most beloved accommodation option is undoubtedly the adorable beach cottages.

These 19 ocean-inspired cottages boast everything from Gulf views to stone fireplaces.

If you can convince yourself to leave your charming cottage, you won’t be disappointed by the many things to do.

You can enjoy any water activity you have in mind, including paddle boarding, canoeing, parasailing, and wave running.

And if you’d prefer to stay dry, you can test your tennis skills, dine at the famous Old Captiva House, and enjoy a relaxing treatment at the spa.

The bar at ‘Tween Waters is a popular spot to catch music, especially during Sanibel’s annual Songwriter Festival!

4. Sanibel Inn

937 E Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island

Sanibel Inn is located near the very end of the Sanibel Causeway, which means you’ll have easy access to the many Fort Myers attractions, and restaurants in Fort Myers Beach and downtown Fort Myers.

On top of that, Sanibel Inn is one of the Sanibel Island oceanfront hotels and resorts, which means you’ll be able to enjoy the views of the Gulf of Mexico all day long, and beachfront shelling any time of the day or night.

Could you ask for a better location?

And while the location is certainly the main highlight of Sanibel Inn, there are other perks that make it one of the best places to stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island.

For starters, the dining scene on the property is fun and island themed.

Enjoy a tropical lunch from Island Time, be a little fancy at The Dunes Clubhouse, or go for something casual at Dante’s Coal Fired Pizza.

And if you want an unforgettable dining experience, you can book a picture-perfect beach picnic for two or the whole family.

Clearly, the dining at Sanibel Inn is top-notch, and the recreational activities are of the same caliber.

Play tennis, pickleball, or golf. Head outside to the beach or on a nature tour. Or take to the water for some stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, or boating.

5. Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

1451 Middle Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa has secured its spot as one of the best Sanibel hotels on the beach, thanks to its many amazing amenities and waterfront location.

All of the activities as Sundial Beach Resort & Spa make it easy to stay entertained throughout your trip.

You can play tennis, try a game of pickleball, take a dip in the pool, go for a swim in the gulf, or get pampered at the spa.

On top of activities that will keep you occupied for hours on end, Sundial Beach Resort & Spa boasts five different restaurants.

Whether you’re craving island-inspired dishes or Japanese cuisine, you love the many eateries on the property.

And with all of these activities and restaurants, you’ll never have to leave the resort!

That said, if you choose to explore outside of Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, you won’t be disappointed.

You can easily make your way to some of the best things to see on Sanibel Island, including the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, and Lighthouse Beach Park.

6. West Wind Island Resort

3345 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel Island

West Wind Island Resort made it onto this list of the best places to stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island because of its handful of unique touches.

A lovely butterfly garden and koi pond, free use of stand-up paddle boards during your time at the resort, and free bike rentals are just the start of guest amenities!

And while these distinctive touches are what make West Wind Island Resort stand out from the competition, there are other noteworthy aspects to this Sanibel Island resort.

Like many of the other accommodations in the area, West Wind Island Resort boasts loads of activities, including kayaking, boating, shelling, and fishing.

With all of these exciting activities available, you’ll want to have some eateries in mind. After all, you’ll need to refill your energy reserves.

Luckily, there are two restaurants on the West Wind Island Resort property, so you won’t have to go far.

And to make it even better, one of the two restaurants, the Normandie Seaside Café, is open for three meals a day!

Finally, West Wind Island Resort is the closest accommodation to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

So if you’re looking to do a little birding, hiking, or kayaking during your trip, West Wind Island Resort may be the perfect place for you to stay.

Whether you’re hoping to book a gulf view suite or charming cottage, there are so many amazing places to stay on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island.

With all of that variety, you’re sure to find an accommodation that’s perfect for you, your group, or your entire family.

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