Sanibel and Captiva Island Beaches

While we think the beach at Ocean’s Reach 

is the perfect spot for your beach chair during your Sanibel Island vacation, 

we admit to being a tad bit biased.

Here is a list of public beaches on Sanibel and Captiva islands. See the map below to determine the proximity of public beaches to Ocean’s Reach while on your Sanibel vacation. We’re conveniently located close to many of them!

A

| Causeway Island Beach Parks

On both sides of the causeway islands between Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. Great for fishing, windsurfing and picnicking, plus you can pull your vehicle right to the water’s edge to view sunsets! Reconstruction of the Causeway Island Beach Parks, damaged by Hurricane Ian, is scheduled for completion by 2027.

B

| Lighthouse Beach

On the east end of Periwinkle Way. The site of the historic Sanibel Lighthouse, this popular locale also boasts amazing wrap-around views from the tip of the island!

C

| Gulfside City Park

On Algiers Lane right next door to Ocean’s Reach. Offers picnic tables, shady trees and an interpretive loop nature trail. This beach is also a favorite nesting site for loggerhead turtles!

D

| Tarpon Bay Beach

At the south end of Tarpon Bay Road at West Gulf Drive. Easy parking for recreational vehicles. This beach has wide expanses of soft white sand and is ideal for swimming and shelling. Parking lot is a short walk away.

E

| Bowman’s Beach

Off Sanibel-Captiva Road. This beach has a plenty of picnic spots for families. It’s wonderful for its wildlife and seclusion, along with its large parking lot. Pack lightly, though, as to reach the beach from the parking lot, you’ll have an approximately 10-minute trek through a scenic wooded area.

F

| Blind Pass Beach

At Blind Pass on the Sanibel side. This beach straddles the pass between Sanibel and Captiva and is popular with shellers, fishermen and sunset-gazers. Pay attention to the signs warning against swimming the pass as swift currents pose frequent danger.

G

| Turner Beach

At Blind Pass on the Captiva side. On the other side of the Blind Pass beach. Also an excellent place for sunsets and romantics, plus it offers great fishing from the beach and the rock jetty. Swimmers should stay away from the bridge area, as the water gets deep quickly and there is typically a strong undertow.

H

| Alison Hagerup Beach

At the end of Captiva Drive. Often called “Captiva Beach.” A favorite spot for sunset, but offers limited parking.

Important to note:

All public beaches offer restroom facilities, and some have picnic tables, grills and showers. Parking costs $5.00 per hour, with the exception of the Causeway beaches which are free of charge. Cash and credit cards are accepted at kiosk-style parking meters. All offer free handicapped parking. Based on availability, courtesy beach wheelchairs are provided with a 24-hour notice to the City of Sanibel Police Department Dispatch by calling 239-472-3111.