Sanibel Beach — Local services in Sanibel

Beware of the price of paradise! Do not go to SANIBEL ISLAND. The beach was beautiful. Sugar sand, shells, turquoise water, sunny a perfect beach day UNTIL returning to our vehicle and seeing a parking ticket! No pay station, no markings for hourly rates, only a sign with some codes for paying. We did not feel comfortable texting a coded message so with no other directions assumed parking payments were suspended due to Ian. WRONG, a citation for $150! Apparently the ONLY option to park is to pay using the texting automated system. Then upon returning home, entering all the #'s into the system to pay the fine, we find out we are not in the system yet and may not be for another 7 days. After 14 days I will receive an additional penalty payment if not paid on time. So how can I pay for parking with no pay station? can't pay my fine online cause I'm not in the system yet...? So NO I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND VISITING SANIBEL...

For how much it is built up as one of the top beaches, I wasn't all that impressed. The sand is full of little shells. Its kinda crowded, the parking isn't close, and getting on and off the island takes so so so sooooo long. Don't get me wrong, it isn't a bad beach, but with all the cons, it isn't what its cracked up to be. The shelling here is average. There are so many people here, so chances of finding a true beauty is hard. The water isn't that clear here either.. it's blue and murky because of a lot of kicked up sand.. You'll definitely find some keepers, but you'll get that at most beaches. Cayo Costa is way better for shelling. Manasota has Sharks teeth. Naples isn't crowded. Fort Myers has the eat, drink,, and shop vibes. There are so many other options. I would give this beach a 4 but driving home takes an extra hour or more from traffic. Go if you must, but know and plan on what you're getting...

I absolutely love the beach. I’m a Florida resident for now 30 years. Shelling here is amazing. I couldn’t believe my eyes. BUT the sand fleas are like nothing I’ve ever experienced. I couldn’t even enjoy shelling because I was constantly hitting myself due to bites. I paid for two hours with hopes of adding more time. And left within one hour highly upset. I did leave with some nice shells, but I also have bug bites all over that have been itching me since I went, which was yesterday. So please note that you will be entering their (sand fleas) home and they aren’t too welcoming lol. The only good thing about this beach verses the beaches I go to down south, is the shells. I truly don’t know how sanibel will ever be able to fix...