Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are two of the best island destinations in Florida, just off the coast of Cape Coral and Fort Myers. Situated in the Gulf of Mexico, these are great places to be for beautiful beaches, low-key vibes, and ultimate relaxation. The islands are ideal for both romantic getaways and family vacations, and they’re filled with lush foliage and wildlife to learn about and admire.
When you travel here, plan to stay in an Airbnb or Vrbo vacation rental to truly immerse yourself into the island life culture.
Sanibel Rentals
The Turquoise Turtle
The Turquoise Turtle is a vacation condo available to rent through Airbnb. It is a rental for up to six people and has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The condo was fully renovated in 2021 and is a family-friendly place that overlooks a pool. The white, sandy beach is a two-minute walk away. For your outdoor lifestyle, you can step out to the patio with woven wood furniture and listen to the surf. There are beach toys, a cooler, umbrella, and beach chairs available for guests. This is a family-friendly rental that comes with a high chair and play-yard if you are traveling with little ones.
Luxury Direct Beachfront 2BR with Den, Free Bikes, and Wi-Fi
With about 1,500-square-feet of space, this condo is available on Vrbo and sleeps six people. It is a Sanibel rental with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. You’ll be less than 25 feet from the beach and have views of the gulf from nearly every room. The rental comes with two bikes, free Wi-Fi, in-unit laundry machines, four flat-screen TVs, and sliding doors that lead out to a screened lanai.
Rare Walkout Condo on Sanibel Beach
For your trip to Sanibel Beach, consider renting this 1,150-square-foot condo that sleeps six people. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms in a ground-floor unit. You’ll love the walk-out patio that takes you to the pool and beach. From here, you can walk or drive two miles to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The pool is 50 feet away, and the gulf beach is 136 yards away. There are tropical gardens in view of the condo. Sit back and watch the sunsets over the gulf, cook meals in the fully equipped kitchen, and wash your beach laundry with the in-unit washer and dryer.
Renovated Condo with Direct Waterfront Views
Travelers also enjoy staying at this 975-square-foot condo that sleeps four people on Sanibel Island. It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and it is expected to be ready for new guests by the summer of 2023. The condo offers direct waterfront views from a ground-floor unit. There are lots of community amenities here, including a private fishing pier, BBQ grills, two heated pools, kayak rentals, tennis courts, a boat dock, and pickleball. From the condo, it is a five-minute drive to the famous shelling beaches. It’s also a fun area to explore on bike or on foot using the 25 miles of trails on the island.
Gulf Front, Two-Story Townhouse with Coastal Flair
For up to eight people, there’s the option of renting this three-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhome on Sanibel Island. It is a great spot for families and about 1,640 square feet in size. The two-story townhouse has an open-concept living and dining area that is ideal for entertaining guests. It has a fully stocked, galley-style kitchen and small nook to use as an office. The townhouse is part of the Cyprina Beach complex with 11 elevated townhomes on the quiet eastern end of Sanibel. Guests can use the complex’s shared amenities, such as the heated pool, BBQ grills, and private boardwalk that leads to the beach.
The Tropical Penthouse
Sanibel Island vacations are comfy and cozy when you book a stay at this two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo for four to six people. It is a 1,385-square-foot condo that occupies the third floor and a portion of the fourth floor. There is a beautifully furnished lanai where you can enjoy a quiet breakfast and a courtyard that leads to one of the largest pools on the island. Other features of the home are vaulted ceilings, three TVs, a fully equipped kitchen, and new laundry machines. When you aren’t relaxing in the unit, it’s fun to take a walk or bike ride over to the local shops and restaurants during your stay.
Captiva Rentals
Modern Single-Family Vacation Home
This vacation home accommodates eight people and has three bedrooms and two bathrooms on Captiva. It is in a beachfront-to-bayfront community that has a pool, tennis court, and marina with dock and boat slip. The home is ideal for six adults and two young children. The amenities provided include cable TV, Wi-Fi, laundry machines, covered parking, and a screened porch. From the home, you can walk to the gulf beach in less than five minutes. There is a garage stocked with beach supplies to make your beach vacation easy and convenient.
The Pearl Beach House
One Airbnb option on Captiva Island is this four-person home with two bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The home is on a waterfront property and pet-friendly for dogs weighing up to 25 pounds. It offers both a main house and a guest cottage, as well as 1,600 square feet of sun decks outside. The house and cottage are 20 steps apart from each other, and you’ll have access to both buildings and the entire property during your stay. Guests can also access the North Captiva Island Club, which has two pools, tennis courts, bikes, kayaks, a restaurant, and bar.
Gulf Front Beach Cottage
When you stay at this 1,200-square-foot beach cottage, you’ll have direct views of the Gulf of Mexico and be at the tip of Captiva Island. There are two bedrooms and two bathrooms to accommodate four travelers here. The condo will give you access to a community pool, tennis courts, and grill. Inside, the condo offers a full kitchen, living/dining area, TV, and screened lanai. When you arrive for your vacation, there is contact-free check-in available, so there’s no need to stop by the office.
Blue Laguna
Available to rent on Airbnb, Blue Laguna is a six-person vacation home with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is on Captiva and a four-story home with a private pool. You’ll enjoy lovely views from the observation deck and have an open and airy floor plan inside. The home has a game room on the third floor with a pool table and board games. There is strong Wi-Fi throughout the home and a fully equipped kitchen too. As an added bonus, the Airbnb host includes a golf cart for four people to ride in. You can access the Island Club of North Captiva’s pools hot tub, kayaks, tennis courts, bikes, half basketball court, and beach chairs during your stay.
My Sea Shack
For your stay on Captiva Island, consider this vacation home that has two bedrooms and three bathrooms. Six people can stay here and enjoy a low-key paradise off the coast. The stilt home was built in 2018 and is accessible by ferry from the marina. Island Girl Charters will bring you from Pine Island to North Captiva, and then the Airbnb concierge service will pick you up and bring you to the house.
Sunrise Bay Townhouse
Six people can stay in this three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse and also enjoy having the use of two golf carts on Captiva Island. It is on North Captiva Island, which is accessible by ferry, plane, or private boat. There are no cars on the island, but you can use the host’s two bikes and two kayaks to get around. It’s a fun place to spend time with your kids, grab a drink at the local tiki bar, and relax in a setting with earthy and eclectic vibes. The neighborhood that this townhome is located in provides access to a dock and pool. There is fast internet service available here for guests.
Modern Single-Family Vacation Home
Here’s a 687-square-foot condo in the Beach Villas area of the South Seas Resort on Captiva Island. It is available to rent through Vrbo and includes a king-size bed and queen-size sleeper sofa to accommodate up to four people. However, it is best for two adults and one or two children, who can use the sleeper sofa. The condo has a stocked kitchen, beach supplies provided, Wi-Fi, and smart TVs with streaming services. The highly rated vacation rental also comes with beach chairs, towels, and an umbrella.
