The waterfront accommodations on Sanibel make a vacation here very unique. Stay near any of the amazing beaches such as Bowman’s, Blind Pass, or Turner beach. The various options can cater to pure relaxation, outdoor adventures, fishing, biking, or all the above! The guide below provides information on the waterfront accommodations of Sanibel Island. We hope it helps you can pick your perfect spot! The guide starts at the East end of Sanibel and lists all waterfront options up to Blind Pass!

👉 Start Exploring Everything Sanibel Has To Offer

Sanibel Island’s 11 Best Beachfront Hotels

Including a Full List of Every Beachfront Hotel on the Island

#1 Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

Sundial Resort with pool - Sanibel Island

The Sundial Beach Resort & Spa ranks highly among Sanibel Island’s beachfront hotels! This unique tropical island destination is nestled among Sanibel’s gorgeous shell-strewn beaches.

When booking a room with Sundial you get the opportunity to choose from spacious, fully-equipped condominium-style accommodations. These homey beachfront abodes are fully equipped with a kitchen, living room, and dining area!

There are so many fabulous amenities at Sundial, you could enjoy your full vacation without setting foot off the property! Directly within the resort, you will find a few restaurants, shops, tennis facilities, swimming pools, a fitness center, and so much more!

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa is a great place for families, the Sanibel Sea Schools’ newest location is very nearby, here you can spend a day learning all about Sanibel’s marine life! The resort is entirely family-friendly and we always had a great time with our kids during any visit!

We suggest Sundial for longer stays, with a fully equipped kitchen, guests are able to balance between enjoying Sanibel’s best restaurants and making home-cooked meals.

👉 Explore Sundial’s Current Prices and Accommodations!

Location: 1451 Middle Gulf Drive

Contact:239-472-4151

Pet Friendly?: No

#2 Sanibel Moorings

kids fishing at the lighthouse on Sanibel

The Sanibel Moorings is without a doubt a breathtaking slice of tropical paradise! This location is perfect for any occasion, a romantic getaway for two, or a full-on family vacation for all. There is a place to stay for every group.

Something special about these beachfront Island condos is the access to Sanibel’s only botanical garden! 6 beautiful acres of lush tropical foliage, flowers, and more!

Of course, we can’t forget to highlight Sanibel Mooring’s private beach access, scattered with sacred shells for the perfect island keepsake! Enjoy resort convenience tied closely with the feeling of your own private home!

All of Sanibel Moorings’ rooms ranging from 1, 2, to 3 bedrooms feature a living room, dining area, and full kitchen. Best of all every condo has a private screened lanai, making it easier than ever to wake up and start your day with a breathtaking ocean view from the comfort of your condo!

One of the Mooring’s stand-out features is the newly refurbished docks on the canal side, able to accommodate boats up to 25 feet! From these docks, you can also enjoy some fishing, a great spot to catch Tarpon, Snook, and Sea Trout!

👉Explore Options To Stay At Sanibel Moorings

Location: 845 East Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-4119

Pet Friendly?: Yes, with certain restrictions.

#3 Sanibel Inn

Island Time Bar and Grill Sanibel Inn

The Sanibel Inn boasts the slogan “where nature meets the sea!” and this couldn’t be more true! Choose between a variety of accommodations, such as a hotel room-style guestroom, suite, or condominium nestled in Sanibel Islands’ beautiful nature scenery, while taking only a short walk to meet the sea!

We would have to heavily recommend Sanibel Inn to family-centered travelers! This is the place to be if activities and entertainment are among your priorities! You’ll also be located very near the Sanibel lighthouse!

The Inn itself offers bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, and most importantly chairs, towels, and umbrellas to enjoy the beach! The wide variety of private chairs on the shores makes it a guarantee that you’ll have the perfect place to search for shells, lay-out in the sunshine, or simply take in the view!

Our favorite unique benefit to this Sanibel Island beachfront hotel is the exclusive member access to the Dunes Golf Course & Tennis Club throughout your stay! This includes benefits such as reduced green fees & cart rates, complimentary use of the driving range, and reduced tennis court fees.

If you’re traveling from within Florida make sure to take advantage of their Florida Resident Rate when booking!

👉 Start Planning Your Stay At Sanibel Inn!

Location: 937 East Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-3181

Pet Friendly?: No

#4 Island Inn

Ilsand Inn on Sanibel Island

Among Sanibel Island’s beachfront hotels lies the Island Inn, a historic landmark with a modern twist! Although this hotel has been serving guests since 1895, its current pristine condition creates a wonderfully modern feel while still preserving a few historic traits!

If you want to get a feel for the historic side of things be sure to have a meal at their in-house restaurant Traditions, the ambiance is undeniable as here you’ll find delicious food served among the beautiful hardwood floors, accompanied by a pianist!

There is an itinerary for anyone at the Island Inn to choose between Sanibel Island Hotels, Beachfront Cottages, and Monthly Vacation Homes! This Inn is family-friendly, while still providing plentiful opportunities for a cozy and quiet romantic getaway for two.

Of course with any beachfront stay, one of the top amenities is beach access, the Island Inn is placed in a wonderful spot for shelling and offers complimentary guided beach walks!

The list goes on as the Island Inn is not short of amenities, enjoy the swimming pool, tennis courts, beach volleyball, bbq grills, rentals (kayak, bike, & paddleboard), and so much more!

👉 Find Out About Island Inn’s Current Prices And Availability!

Location: 3111 West Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-1561

Pet Friendly?: No

#5 Signal Inn

Pet lovers stop here! The Signal Inn is one of the only beachfront Sanibel Hotels that are truly pet-friendly!

The Signal Inn offers a choice of 19 wonderfully decorated and fully furnished condos. Everything is island inspired with coastal decor and ocean views!

In regards to the pet policy, Island Inn welcomes you to bring up to two dogs or cats, offering some of the most reasonable pet fees on the Island. Even the resort has its own pets who you may see in the office!

Every condo has washer/dryers, fully equipped kitchens, living, dining, and deck areas, and can accommodate anywhere from one to four bedrooms!

On the grounds, you’ll find winding walkways surrounded by naturally landscaped grounds that lead you right out to the beach! There is also a pool, jacuzzi, a wonderful courtyard area, charcoal grills, and a gazebo for picnics and outdoor gatherings!

Location: 1811 Olde Middle Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-4690

Pet Friendly?: YES! Read the full policy here.

#6 Casa Ybel Beach Resort

Casa ybel resort on Sanibel island

It doesn’t get any more beachfront than Casa Ybel Resort! This Sanibel Island resort has a location at the edge of the Gulf of Mexico!

This wonderful Island resort is conveniently located among many of Sanibel’s top attractions and has direct access to the beach, only steps away from your front door! Casa Ybel’s private beach access allows for visitors to be ensured a sandy sliver of the island’s coast!

Some of our favorite things among Casa Ybel’s amenities are the outdoor pool, filled with ample seating, and paired with tropical cocktails at the poolside Coconut’s Bar and Grille! While also being home to the on-site restaurant, Thistle Lodge, where some of Sanibel Islands’ best food can be found, a must-visit when eating out on the Island.

Every single room located at Casa Ybel is a suite equipped with oceanfront views and kitchens, minus the nightly resort fee!

When residing at Casa Ybel you are sure to start your day on the right foot, it is impossible not to enjoy yourself when surrounded by Sanibel Island’s natural beauty out every window!

👉 Start Exploring Casa Ybel And Plan Your Stay!

Location: 2255 West Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-3145

Pet friendly?: No

#7 West Wind Island Resort

Westwind Inn Pool Bar on Sanibel Island

The West Wind Island Resort is best suited for a weekend getaway with the family! On the quieter and more private side, this quaint little Inn is right on the shore, with plentiful opportunities for family fun!

Although since it is smaller in size, you may want to consider bringing some beach chairs, just in case the resort is full!

Choose from a beach view or garden view guest room, all rooms are equipped with a mini fridge and microwave, for kitchen and living spaces, larger more luxury rooms are available!

One of our favorite things about West Wind Island Inn is the option to easily access Bowman’s Beach through an enjoyable bike ride! Biking is one of Sanibel’s favorite activities and the ride to Bowman’s is just perfect, not too difficult for the kids either!

If you’re interested in taking a ride West Wind offers free bike rentals and paddle boards! You will also receive discounted rates for Sanibel Island golf while enjoying your stay!

👉Check Availability At West Wind Inn Today!

Location: 3345 West Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-1541

Pet Friendly?: Yes, with certain restrictions.

#8 Waterside Inn on The Beach

waterside Inn on Sanibel Island

Waterside Inn on The Beach is wonderfully charming, to say the least! This Inn is a bit more secluded than some of the larger resorts and has equally as much to offer!

Ideal for a couple seeking seclusion or a family looking to have some fun, Waterside Inn has a little bit of everything! Choose between cottages, guest rooms, or condominiums all located equally within reach of Sanibel’s sandy beaches!

One thing that makes this location stand out is the outdoor activities! This is one of the best starting points to explore the island by bike, don’t worry about bringing your own as the Island has many rentals, but Waterside Inn is also equipped with complimentary bikes for guests!

A few things you may want to explore by bike are easy rides to ice cream shops, restaurants, and shopping centers! Not too far is the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge a great spot to enjoy a nature-filled bike ride!

Of course, Sanibel’s main attraction is the beaches which can be seen from almost every window at Westside Inn. Also provides beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas for all your waterside relaxation needs!

👉Start Planning Your Trip To Waterside Inn!

Location: 3033 West Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-1345

Pet Friendly?: Yes, with certain restrictions.

#9 Pointe Santo De Sanibel

Boy Shelling on Sanibel Island

Pointe Santo De Sanibel is a beachfront resort home to a large complex of privately owned condominiums nestled right upon Sanibel’s white-sand beaches, this allows you to book through Airbnb on Sanibel Island and other similar sites!

A unique amenity available at this beachfront Sanibel hotel is the children’s program! Monday through Friday there is a supervised children’s program available for ages 4 and up! This is a great way to enjoy both family and alone time, don’t worry the kids will be busy with daily activities schedules, and crafts!

Every unit available has the desirable and picturesque gulf views that make your stay even better! There are plenty of easy beach access paths from every building as well.

Among the many recreational activities are swimming at the pool and hot tub area, complimentary tennis and pickle ball courts, grill stations, lounges and umbrellas beachside, and so much more!

This beautiful beachside hotel sits among one of the best shelling spots! Equipped with shell washing stations be sure to treasure your finds, clean them off, and admire the beauty! Shelling on Sanibel Island is a must-do even if you don’t think it’s for you, there is something to be found by all!

👉 Discover One Of Pointe De Santo’s Best Cottages!

Location: 2445 West Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-0222

Pet Friendly?: No

#10 Mitchell’s Sandcastles

Alison Hagerup Beach - Sanibel Island

Mitchell’s Sandcastles is truly a hidden gem among Sanibel Islands beachfront stays! This little Sanibel Island beach resort is tucked away in a residential area of Sanibel Island, the beach is very secluded visited mostly by guests and rarely the general public!

The seclusiveness of this resort makes it a treasure trove for shelling! Having the pristine beaches all to your self be sure to get out at low tide and start to explore.

Another pro is fishing! There are many places to rent fishing equipment on the island and a stay at Mitchell’s might just be a necessity! Be sure to keep up to date with all the fishing rules and regulations before doing so.

Mitchell’s is loved by families as there are so many fun things to do as well as plentiful amenities for all! Biking, tennis, pools, kayaks, and more, there are so many ways to enjoy your Island getaway at Mitchell’s.

There are an array of rooms and cottages available ranging from one to three bedrooms, all within short walking distance of the beach!

Location: 3951 West Gulf Drive

Contact: 239-472-1282

Pet Friendly?: Yes, with certain restrictions.

#11 Blue Dolphin Cottages

a beach on Sanibel Island

For those of you traveling in pursuit of a romantic island experience, the best place is without a doubt Blue Dolphin Cottages! One of the very few adult-only resorts on the Island, Blue Dolphin is 18+ allowing for a guarantee of adults only!

Blue Dolphin is beautifully modern, chic, and secluded. This boutique inn is gently tucked away on a pristine stretch of Sanibel’s sandy coast. Specializing in celebrations, Blue Dolphin wants to make your next anniversary, honeymoon, or birthday a one to remember!

Choose from 11 uniquely appointed and individually decorated guest rooms, suites, and beachfront suites! All of the accommodations are within a short walking distance to the beach, some even just a few steps away!

Keep in mind that Blue Dolphin’s exclusivity means that restaurants, shops, and other enjoyable Island experiences will be a bit further out the way. However, the beach is always near and rarely occupied by large crowds!

Blue Dolphin Cottages, was recently taken over by new owners and all their full renovations will be completed in 2023!