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.
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.
Beach Rules For Tarpon Bay Beach
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
Island Inn
3111 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1561
Visit The Island Inn Website
Open in Google Maps
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.
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
Shalimar Cottages
2823 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-1353
Visit Shalimar Website
Open in Google Maps
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.
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.