When you explore Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island, you will experience expansive white sands and turquoise water. Besides its great natural beauty, Bowman’s Beach is a treasure trove for beachcombers searching for shells. Low or high tide, this beach has some of the best shelling Sanibel Island has to offer.
Explore Award-Winning Bowman’s Beach
Bowman’s Beach has received many accolades over the years. Here are just a few:
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U.S News Travel voted Bowman’s Beach one of the Top 10 Best Beaches in the World. Also voting it The #1 in The Best Things To Do in Sanibel Island.
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Travelocity named Bowman’s one of the Top 25 Beaches in the United States.
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Refinery29.com nominated Bowmen’s Beach one of The 15 Most Beautiful Beaches in the U.S.
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Conde Nast Traveler has Bowman’s Beach as one of The Best 15 Beaches in Florida.
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Tripadvisor bestows Bowman’s Beach with it’s converted Travelers Choice Award.
There is plenty to do when you explore Bowman’s beach. Firstly, Bowman’s boasts a picnic area, restrooms, charcoal grills, a fitness station and a playground, Bowman’s Beach has all the amenities for a fun day for the whole family. Secondly, for those craving adventures, there are numerous hiking trails. Thirdly, this popular spot is excellent for shelling and is home is to wonderful wildlife.
Where to park at Bowman’s Beach
Address: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
218 parking spaces. 3 RV spots and 2 spots for cars with trailers. There are 7 handicap spots that are free.
Parking is $5 per hour.
5 min (0.2 mile) walk from the parking lot to the beach.
Access Tips & Facilities
Beach Rules, for Bowman’s Beach
There are just a few simple rules to follow when you set foot on Sanibel Island sand, whether you’re exploring Bowman’s Beach or any other beach on Sanibel Island.
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No live shelling.
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A valid Florida fishing license is required to fish. Poles must be attended at all times.
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Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet and cleaned up after.
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Stay off dune vegetation and avoid nesting shorebirds and sea turtles.
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Recycle and dispose of trash and fishing line properly.
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Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
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Campfires must be permitted through the City Fire Control District
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Respect your neighbors and wildlife: Play music at a low volume; no nude sunbathing allowed.
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Leave nothing on the beach but your footprints.
What To Do On Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel Island
Swimming
Swimming is relatively safe at Bowman’s beach, although there can be some steep drop offs when wading out.
Shelling
Shelling at Bowman’s is excellent especially after a westerly storm. There is a vast expanse of sand and fewer people than other shelling spots which may improve your chances. Please note there is ‘no live shelling’ law allowed on any of the island beaches. Check out our Complete Guide To Shelling.
Wind & Kitesurfing
Although Bowman’s Beach would be good for windsurfing and kiteboarding, people rarely do, because of the walk from the parking lot. There are more accessible places on the islands like the Sanibel Island Lighthouse, the Sanibel Causeway or Blind Pass Beach or Turner Beach. Surfing is popular at Silver Key Beach (when the winds are right). Check out our Sanibel Captiva Beach Guide.
Watch The Sunset
Bowman’s is the perfect place to watch the sunset on Sanibel Island, providing an idyllic end to any beach day. Whether you’ve been kiteboarding, windsurfing, swimming, shelling or just relaxing, Bowman’s provides the most stunning sunsets Sanibel Island & Captiva Island have to offer. Check out our Guide To Sanibel Captiva Sunsets.
Fishing at Bowman’s Beach
If surf fishing is your thing then Bowman’s has you covered. You can expect snook, sheep’s head, shark, redfish (red drum). Tarpon can come close to shore during the summer months.
Saltwater fly fishing is also great along Bowman’s Beach. As fly fishing is more of a visual experience, you can cover long distances walking along the beach whilst casting. Snook are the main attraction for fly fishermen and women. Fly rodding for snook is good all year but the best time to find them along the shoreline is between May through October just as long as the water is warm. You may also be lucky enough to land a tarpon, sea trout or redfish.
Check out Norm Zeigler’s Fly Shop located at 2242 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957. They have a very knowledgeable staff and offer lessons.
Saltwater Fishing from the shore or from a boat requires a license.
Florida residents click here for more information.
FAQ about Recreational Licenses. Apply for a fishing license.
Water Sports And Rentals
Water sports at Bowman’s Beach include kayaking, SUP (stand up paddle boarding), surfing, canoeing and kite boarding. There are no equipment rentals at Bowman’s Beach, however, places like Billy’s Rentals and Finnimore’s Bike and Beach Rentals have paddle boards, kayaks and canoes for rent.
Billy’s Rentals
1470 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Billy’s Rentals Website
Standard Bike Rentals, Specialty Bikes & Physically Challenged, Beach Equipment, Segway Tour and Paddle Boards Rentals.
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Finnimore’s Cycle Shop
2353 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Finnimore’s Website
Rents Beach Equipment, Bikes, Trikes & Tandems, Canopy Group Bikes, Paddleboards & Kayaks.
Which Restaurants Are Close To Bowman’s Beach?
Lazy Flamingo 2
1036 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-6939
Down-home sports pub and an island favorite offering beer-steamed seafood, a raw bar & ice-cold brews! You must try the garlic bread!
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
Sunset Grill
6536 Pine Ave, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2333
Visit The Sunset Grill Website
An intimate cottage atmosphere with great views of the sunset, serving upscale seafood-focused American fare. The Sunset Grill is open breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
The Mad Hatter
6467 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0033
Visit The Mad Hatter Website
A fun and eclectic restaurant perfect for a romantic evening or a special occasion. Reservations are definitely needed and the restaurant is highly recommended.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
Where To Stay At Bowman’s Beach?
Blind Pass Condominiums
5117 Sea Bell Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-6981
Visit Blind Pass Condo’s Website
Open in Google Maps
Blind Pass Condos provide free kayaks and canoes for their guests. The compound is made up of seven buildings, a swimming pool and a tennis court.
Guide To Captiva Resorts
Guide To Waterfront Accommodation
‘Tween Waters Resort & Spa
15951 Captiva Dr, Captive, FL 33924
239-472-5161
Visit ‘Tween Waters Website
Open in Google Maps
Old-Florida style resort with many amenities in bay to beach location. Offers boat dockage at a small marina. Popular venue for weddings!
Guide To Captiva Resorts
Guide To Waterfront Accommodation
Jensen’s Twin Palms Cottages & Marina Resort
15107 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
239-472-5800
Visit The Jensen’s Website
Open in Google Maps
Old-Florida cottages, great for fishing enthusiasts with full marina services and boat accommodation for guests.
Castaways Beach & Bay Cottages
6460 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Fl 33957
1-800-375-0152
Visit Castaways Website
Open in Google Maps
These “old Florida” charming one-, two- and three-bedroom cottages, efficiencies and guest rooms are either on the back bay with a private marina or directly on the beach.
