Tarpon Bay beach is one of the better Sanibel Island beaches for shelling. It is also great for swimming, fishing, relaxing, Kayaks, and paddleboarding. Tarpon Bay Beach has great amenities. These include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, Tarpon Bay Beach is a short walk from public parking for recreational vehicles and, at the beach entrance, there are 3 complimentary handicap parking spots. The amenities are open 7am to 6pm. Close by the beach are some great nature trails.

Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel Island
sunrise Tarpon Bay Beach on Sanibel Island
tarpon bay beach on Sanibel Island

Parking & Facilities At Tarpon Bay Beach


Address 111 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

Once you are across the Sanibel Causeway turn right on to Periwinkle Way, drive to the end and take a left on Tarpon Bay Rd. Parking is a little before the entrance of the beach which is located at the end of Tarpon Bay Rd.

Public Parking Address 205 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957

There are 76 general parking spaces, the parking lot is a 3-minute walk from the beach entrance, free but limited handicap parking is available at the beach entrance.  Parking is $5 per hour.

Tarpon Bay Beach has restrooms and outdoor showers, a picnic area with a drinking fountain, close by are nature trails and, it is a good place for fishing.

Where to charge your electric car

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Beach Rules For Tarpon Bay Beach


  1. No live shelling.

  2. A valid Florida fishing license is required to fish. Poles must be attended at all times.

  3. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet and cleaned up after.

  4. Stay off dune vegetation and avoid nesting shorebirds and sea turtles.

  5. Recycle and dispose of trash and fishing line properly.

  6. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

  7. Campfires must be permitted through the City Fire Control District

  8. Respect your neighbors and wildlife: Play music at a low volume; no nude sunbathing allowed.

  9. Leave nothing on the beach but your footprints.


Top Things To Do On Tarpon Bay Beach


Swimming

One of the best beaches for swimming with calm waters, high sands and multiple sand bars.

girls on the beach on Sanibel Island

Shelling

A good place for shelling, it is advisable to go at low tide as the shells are most plentiful by the shoreline.

Please note there is ‘no live shelling’ law allowed on any of the island beaches. For more information on shelling click HERE.

kid with shelling net on sanibel island

Paddle Boarding & Kayaks

A great place for paddleboarding and Kayaking, Tarpon Bay Beach and the close-by Tarpon Bay offer several rental options and nature trails to explore.

Kitesurfing on captiva

Sunset

Similar to its peers, Tarpon Bay Beach is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, with parking and the Bailey’s General Store close by, it is the most accessible beach to have a romantic sunset picnic. Tarpon Bay Beach is also known for dolphin sightings! Check out our Guide To Sanibel Captiva Sunsets.

beach sunset, sanibel island

Fishing

As with all of the beaches on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island the fishing is phenomenal. Good for Kayak and surf fishing and known for a wide variety of fish including Tarpon, Snook, King Mackerel, Snapper, Grouper, and Redfish. Boat rentals with charter guides for the best fishing in the area available close by.

Fishing on Turner Beach on Captiva Island

Do I need a fishing license?

A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore or from a boat.

 Florida residents click here for more information.

FAQ about Recreational Licenses

How do I get a fishing license?

To Apply Click Here!


Equipment Rentals & Charters Near Tarpon Bay Beach


A great place for paddle boarding and kayaking, Tarpon Bay Beach has rental options nearby. Billy’s Rentals, located at 1470 Periwinkle Way provides all the beach rental options you will need and can be reached at 239-472-5248. Also close by is Finnimore’s Bike & Beach rentals, located at 2353 Periwinkle Way and can be reached at 239-472-5577.

It should also be noted that the Tarpon Bay Explorers provide rentals but in addition to Kayaks and Paddle Boards, they rent pontoon boats, fishing equipment and offer guided nature tours and charter fishing trips if you want a break from the beach. Tarpon Bay Explorers are located at 900 Tarpon Bay Rd and can be reached at 239-472-8900.

Billy’s Rentals, Sanibel island

Billy’s Rentals
1470 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-5248
Visit Billy’s Website

Standard Bike Rentals, Specialty Bikes & Physically Challenged, Beach Equipment, Segway Tour, and Paddle Boards Rentals.

Finnemore's Bike Rental, Sanibel Island

Finnimore’s Cycle Shop
2352 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-5577
Visit Finnimore’s Website

Rents Beach Equipment, Bikes, Trikes & Tandems, Canopy Group Bikes, Paddleboards & Kayaks.

Kitesurfing on captiva

Tarpon Bay Explorers
900 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-8900
Tarpon Bay Explorers Website

Rents Kayak, Canoe, Stand Up Paddleboard, Hobie Fishing Kayak, Pontoon, Fishing Equipment, Bikes


Restaurants Close To Tarpon Bay Beach


When you explore Tarpon Bay Beach it is recommended you check out some of the numerous restaurants close by. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is great for a sit-down meal serving up delicious Caribbean flavors and plentiful fresh fish. This casual beach-themed island institute has an extensive premier rum selection and other original cocktails. Close by you will find George & Wendy’s who boasts a fresh, local and fun menu with over 20 beers on tap including a wide variety of craft beer. With an outdoor patio, sports bar, and traditional dining room, George & Wendy’s also boasts the “Best Place for Entertainment of the Islands 2017” offering live music almost every night of the week. If seafood is what you crave, check out Island staple The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market. A bustling, large restaurant with beautiful wood décor, Timbers continues to serve up the freshest fish daily, sticking to their tagline that at The Timbers “Fish Happens”. For something a little different, the Great White Grill provides a Pittsburgh Steelers-inspired pub atmosphere serving up tasty and fresh pizza, signature sandwiches including the Pittsburgh sandwich and jumbo wings. The interior has an impressive display of sports memorabilia and aged, vintage beer cans making this unique spot a sports lover’s dream.

doc fords restaurant on sanibel island

Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill
2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-8311
Visit Doc Ford’s Website

An island favorite, Doc Ford’s combines delicious Caribbean flavors with a laid-back atmosphere and impressive rum and cocktail selection.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

seafood casual dining on sanibel island

George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille (Located in Bailey’s Plaza)
2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-1263
Visit George & Wendy’s Website

Fresh seafood, cocktails and craft beer with nightly live entertainment.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Timbers Restaurant Sanibel Island

the Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
703 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-2722
Visit Timbers Website

Sticking to their tagline that at Timbers “Fish Happens!”, this busy island staple with outstanding wood décor offers a vast menu of seafood and claims to have the World’s Largest Collection of Oysters!

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

olde Sanibel Shoppes Sanibel Island

Over Easy Cafe
630 Tarpon Bay Rd #1, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2625
Visit Over Easy Cafe’s Website

A family-friendly, colorfully decorated casual eatery which is a great spot to start your day with a hearty breakfast or brunch.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

Great White Grill restaurant on Sanibel Island

The Great White Grill (Located in Pelican Place)
2440 Palm Ridge Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0212
Visit The Great White Grill Website

Fun sports bar and restaurant with great sports memorabilia. Voted the best place to grab a beer, watch a game and chow down on their signature pizza, wings, and sandwiches.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining

fried chicken Sanibel island

The Pecking Order (Located in Town Center Plaza)
2496 Palm Ridge Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2534
Visit The Pecking Order Website

A great place to grab some delicious comfort food on the go. Serves excellent fried chicken, classic sides, and pies.

Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining


Where To Stay Near Tarpon Bay Beach


Casa Ybel Resort on Sanibel Island

Casa Ybel Resort
2255 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-3145
Visit Casa Ybel’s Website
Open in Google Maps

With 23 acres overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this upscale, full-service resort provides stunning amenities, elegant suites and onsite dining options. Private paths will lead you to the beautiful sandy beach at this truly pristine and secluded retreat.

Accommodation Guide


waterside Inn on Sanibel Island

Waterside Inn On The Beach
3033 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel FL, 33957
239-472-1345
Visit The Waterside Website
Open in Google Maps

True Old Sanibel charm, this delightful beachfront resort provides great amenities, bike rentals and a good selection of cottages, efficiencies and condominiums. A relaxing, tropical paradise.

Accommodation Guide


Ilsand Inn on Sanibel Island

Island Inn
3111 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1561
Visit The Island Inn Website
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Located on a gorgeous 10 acre stretch of Gulf-front property, the Island Inn boasts 49 rooms and cottages and provides a truly relaxing atmosphere with beachfront dining, excellent shelling and access to fun activities such as Paddle Boarding and Kayaking.

Accommodation Guide


Caribe Beach Resort Road Sign

Caribe Beach Resort
2669 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1166
Visit Caribe Resorts Website
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A small, beachfront resort with 26 fully equipped and pet-friendly units. Steps away from the beach with a large swimming pool and jacuzzi. 19 of the units are efficiencies with a fully equipped kitchen. Great for the whole family

Accommodation Guide

Shalimar on Sanibel Island

Shalimar Cottages
2823 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1353
Visit Shalimar Website
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Old-Florida style resort offering 33 units featuring modern amenities, beach access and close by to JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, tennis courts, golf courses and a recreation center. Offering spacious motel efficiencies, 1 bedroom cottages or 2 bedroom apartments.

Accommodation Guide

Blind Pass Condos on Sanibel Island

Blind Pass Condominiums
5117 Sea Bell Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-6981
Visit Blind Pass Condo’s Website
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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.

Accommodation Guide