Thinking of heading to sunny Florida for your next vacation? Have you considered checking out Airbnb Sanibel Island for options? Sanibel Island is a superb alternative to the busy mainland holiday hotspots like Tampa and even the Florida Keys. Let’s look any some of the best Airbnb’s in Sanibel Island…
It’s a barrier island sandwiched between Fort Myers Beach and its sister island Captiva. As with many subtropical holiday destinations, beaches are a major draw to these islands. But Sanibel is also a world-renowned shelling spot. The shell beaches here are breathtaking, and are perfect complements to the other wildlife and natural beauty on offer.
Shell hunters will love Blind Pass Beach. Nestled between Sanibel and Captiva, its location makes it a natural repository for millions of shells, due to the current flowing through the channel. See some of the biggest shells ever found at the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum.
Another top attraction is the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which spreads out over 2200 acres of wetland. And here’s some good advice: Bring a camera! Sanibel and Captiva are both alligator heavens. So you’re more than likely to see one or two on a visit here.
In fact, more than half the island is part of a conservation or refuge program. More natural and beautiful you couldn’t ask for. And while you’re here, an Airbnb rental in Sanibel Island – or even a vacation rental in Captiva – could be your home away from home. This is your list of the 13 best that can be found.
Quick Breakdown of Sanibel Island Airbnb Rentals
In a hurry? Check out this shortlist of my top five ‘quick picks for vacation rentals in Sanibel Island.
- Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View – Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo
- Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island – Captiva Breeze – 4 bedrooms each with own bath
- Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell Collectors – Rare walkout condo on Sanibel Beach
- Best Castiva Beach Rental for Sunsets – Ultra Luxe Beach Villa at South Seas Resort
- Best Captiva Vacation Rental for a Group – Sanibel Sandcastles and Starfish 306
- Best Luxury Captiva Island House Rental – Exclusive Beach Estate on Captiva Drive
There are lots of beautiful beach options on Sanibel Island. It’s to be expected from this long, narrow strip of land. Be sure to take a look at some of the videos I’ve included for a good idea of what there is to do and see around here!
The 12 Best Vacation Rentals & Airbnbs in Sanibel Island, Florida
Now, let’s dive into my list of outstanding Airbnb rentals on Sanibel Island (and one or two for neighboring Captiva)…
1) Shorewood Beachfront Penthouse Sanibel Island Condo
Best Sanibel Island Vacation Rental with a View
Location: Beachview Country Estates
Price: $400+ USD per night
https://www.vrbo.com/4984590ha
You can feel like a big-time player here. Mostly because you can tell your friends you rented a penthouse condo on a luxury island. And you did. Describing this immaculate wood-ceilinged beauty as “gorgeous” is the height of understatement. Take a look at these full-wall windows, which are actually sliding doors. They let the view of the ocean dominate your living space, connecting the blue of the ocean with the velvety blue of the sofas.
The sofas themselves occupy just a section of the deep, cavernous living area, which also has a dinner table for 6 and a fitted kitchen. And you could still park a couple of cars in there, it seems. When you’re not enjoying the space, the deck or one of the three bedrooms, there’s a private cabana downstairs to hang out at, too. Your friends will hate you. Perfect.
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Guest Review: “Shorewood 3B was perfect and spacious for our family of five. The location on the beach has stunning views and everything is a short bike ride away.”
Credit: VRBO
2) Captiva Breeze – 4 bedrooms each with own bath
Best Luxury Vacation Rental in Sanibel Island
Location: Captiva Island
Price: $500+ USD per night
https://www.vrbo.com/7153922ha
There’s a majestic stairwell in this Captiva Island living space that totally transforms the already impressive home into something special. Not that it needs it. A wonderfully ergonomically-shaped kitchen balances social time with a formal dinner setting. Barstools face the island, which itself demarcates a beautiful and spacious fully fitted kitchen. But it has competition. Outside, a first-floor deck looks out onto a lush tropical view.
But it doesn’t end there. Keep climbing till you reach the captain’s cabin, a small deck right on top of the house that overlooks the neighborhood. And then there’s the enormous master bedroom with it’s indescribably beautiful wooden king bed. And we haven’t even explored the pool, spa tub and games room (complete with old-style arcade machines) yet. Among the most interesting of Captiva Island vacation rentals.
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Guest Review: “Captiva Breeze is an awesome house…tons of amenities, close to the beach, and a wonderful pool area!”
Credit: VRBO
3) Rare walkout condo on Sanibel beach
Best Florida Gulf Coast Airbnb for Shell Collectors
Location: Bright Water
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $300+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1945247
When you face west in Sanibel, you get to see sunsets that aren’t available to many others. This delightful ground floor condo is a few yards from the beach, and even closer to a pool. Sanibel beach, famous for its world-class shell collecting, is a fabulous location to explore with your kids, or romantically stroll along with your partner. Your patio also provides views of a tropical garden, keeping your holiday feeling fresh and green. The living space and its thematic blue does elevate the “maritime” feel of the holiday. That said, there’s a warm sense of comfort to the furnishings. You’ll want to spend time here reading a book. And that’s what holidays are about.
Guest Review: “We loved our family vacation. The walk to the beach was very short and we made the most of it. The cart we purchased to lug our things back and forth was perfect.”
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4) Ultra Luxe Beach Villa at South Seas Resort
Best Captiva Beach Rental for Sunsets
Location: Captiva Island
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $400+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4058966
As Captiva Island rentals go, this one feels very much like your own comfortable home. Only it’s right by the sea, and offers beach views that most inland residents would only dream about. Here, you’ll watch the sun drop below the horizon from the balcony, cool beverage in hand. It’s the perfect way to end a day spent on the private resort beach, which you stepped onto just a few yards from your door. Earlier, you may have walked into downtown for a look around the restaurants and shops. Later, you may catch some TV or a movie on the couch. But you also can’t wait to drop into that king bed for a snooze.
Guest Review: “This condo was in the perfect location for our family of five with kids 5, 8 and 9 years old. It’s steps from the beach and the condo provides everything you need.”
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5) Sanibel Sandcastles and Starfish 306
Best Captiva Vacation Rental for Large Groups
Location: Beachview Country Estates
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: yes
Price: $700+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/20372786
Two units of a four-unit triplex have been combined here to create a wonderful 12-sleeper super-unit. So if you’re looking for a Sanibel Island Airbnb that can host a big party, start here. The lemon-yellow theme in the main downstairs living space puts you in the tropical mood on first entry. And if you’re really short of sleeping space, the day-bed becomes a king sized extra. In fact, the features of the two units remain mostly intact – so each floor has a kitchen, living space, master and second bedrooms, and so on. It’s an ideal solution for two family groups vacationing together, offering privacy and close proximity in one neat package.
Guest Review: ”The location couldn’t have been better! An easy block to the beach, down a quiet street. The separate units, though booked together, offered nice separation of space for the family.“
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6) Exclusive Beach Estate on Captiva Drive
Best Luxury Captiva Island House Rental
Location: Blind Pass, Captiva Island
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $970+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/37972603
If you’re in the mood for fun, this 5 bedroom mini mansion is a good bet. Make use of the games room to burn off that holiday energy. That’s assuming you have any left after exploring the lagoon. There’s a huge pool, too, and an in-house bar! The house is massive at four floors and two entire wings. It has a private dock, and if you don’t have a boat, just head to Turner Beach instead. It’s just a minute away. Take the kayaks and canoes out from the launching pad. One of the main points of interest for me, though, is the fact the kitchen is dual-stocked. Meaning, it has two of everything. If only it could provide you with two holidays as well!
Guest Review: “This house is truly a blast from the past. It is an old-fashioned beach house of my youth where you can just really relax and not worry about messing it up. ”
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7) Sanibel Sandals and Flip Flops, 301
Location: Beachview Country Estates
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $450+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/18987093
Six of your favorite people can enjoy some time off in this suite in a triplex. And it’ll be a cosy but enjoyable stay literally just off the beach. As the description implies, you’ll never have to be in anything but sandals or flip flops. The cute trundle day bed in the living space adds a bit of charm. And because you’re right in the middle of the island’s main activities, you can drop into downtown at a moment’s notice. Try the seafood!
Guest Review: ”Nancy’s place was great! My mother and I felt at home staying there, and the proximity to the beach was amazing! ”
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8) Exclusive Oceanfront Pointe Santo Residence
Location: Butterknife / Ybel
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $250+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/35741462
The southernmost area of Sanibel offers its own charms. The Pointe Santo de Sanibel is a prestigious development looking out over the open ocean. Go directly south for long enough, and you’ll be in Havana. It’s a stone’s throw from the good eating of the Butterknife suburb, and the occasional colorful elements make it feel like a well-loved home. Not only will you enjoy the comfortable two bedrooms of the waterfront home, but you’ll also be able to use the development’s sports facilities. Beach volleyball, tennis and the pool should be at the top of that list.
Guest Review: “The interior is even more beautiful than the photos show, and beach access was closer and easier than I expected. We wanted to stay forever!”
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9) Beachfront Condo
Location: Butterknife / Ybel
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $400+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/24890648
When you’re on holiday at the beach, what you might be craving is some Vitamin Sea. That’s what this 3rd floor condo is called, quirkily. Enjoy the views from the lanais, which adds to the open, airy feel of the home – perfect for a relaxing holiday, right? Resort living in Ybel is definitely a good way to go. Beach chairs and other beach odds are provided. And there’s a convenient BBQ area that’s shaded, just waiting for a fish to grill.
Guest Review: “There’s a reason that it’s all 5 star reviews. Clean, beautiful, with a pool and a beach. We had such a nice quiet time.”
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10) Holly House
Location: Captiva Island
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $696+ USD per night
https://www.hotels.com/ho1471525664/holly-house-captiva-united-states-of-america/
If you really want something to write home about, put yourself in the lap of luxury here. It’s on what’s regarded as the Gold Coast of Captiva. You’re among the luxury estates and mansions here, on Captiva’s narrowest strip. The Ocean is basically on both sides of your home. There’s simply too much to describe with adequate justice here. The sunshine seems to emanate from its walls. The pool is impressively large. The living space and its tiled floors feel like a large marble hall. The lanai is irresistible in its round castle tower feel, and has a superb view of a watery alcove. Walk to the dock for a sense of the serenity of the exclusive area. And of course, walk along the white sand beach. It’s a vacation to remember, in a home you won’t forget.
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Guest Review: “This place is top notch! The heated pool is very private. The enclosed terrace, inaccessible from the 1st floor, was one of my favorite locations at all times of the day.”
11) “Pearl of Sanibel” lake view & heated pool
Location: The Dunes
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $116+ USD per night
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/42744087
What’s better than a pool? A pool right on the lake! It’s great for a sunset dip, watching the sun from the cool water as it goes down. Inside, the sense of home comforts is dominant. Flowery sofas, a welcoming glass dining table, and a superbly functional kitchen truly suit the get up and go holidaymaker. I love the corner tub design in the en-suite master bathroom, and any host that describes the bedrooms as a “dreaming area” scores points with me. I recommend the cute balcony for breakfast with its self-described million dollar view (it’s quite stunning. As a cherry on top, there’s an additional “sun room” overlooking the pool, serving as an alternative dining space.
Guest Review: “What a beautiful house and pool. We appreciated the bikes available to use and the location. We Would definitely stay again.”
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12) The Palm and Shell Captiva Home w/Pool
Location: Captiva Island
Airbnb Plus: No
Superhost: Yes
Price: $764+ USD per night
A beautiful, huge home for 12, nestled in the South Seas Iisland Resort. You’ll have a private, glass-house covered pool, an expansive deck area, and an exquisitely designed living space. Beautiful white and gray furnishings and interiors glow in the Florida sun. And there’s plenty of that through these gigantic windows. That’s a good thing in any kitchen, but in this one, it’s simply glorious. Get lost in the master suite – it’s that big! And the secondary bedrooms are perfectly primed for deep, sleepy snoozes. The pool also has a hot tub, by the way, making any thoughts of leaving the water extremely challenging. But if you do, you don’t have to go further than the adjacent deck, which also has a table and seating to enjoy your meals together.
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Am I Missing Any Top Sanibel Island Airbnbs?
Have you rented a Sanibel Island, FL Airbnb? If you know of any awesome vacation homes for rent on the island or neighbouring Captiva, please let me know. You can reach out via email or my social media. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.
Other USA Recommended Travel Reading…
I have so many lists, guides and itineraries on my website, to help you plan your own USA road trip. Here’s a helpful list of other excellent Airbnb destinations in the USA.
- 17 Stunning Airbnbs in Tampa for the Ultimate Florida Getaway
- The 17 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Miami for the Ultimate Beach Getaway
- 15 Coolest & Best Airbnb Asheville Rentals in North Carolina
- The 20 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Michigan for an Epic Great Lakes Getaway
- The 22 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Hawaii for the Ultimate Vacation Experience
- The 17 BEST Airbnbs in Las Vegas for all Budgets & Travelers
- The 17 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Oahu for an Amazing Hawaii Vacation
- The 18 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Colorado for a Rocky Mountain Getaway
- The 19 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Maine for a New England Getaway
- 19 Incredible Airbnbs Along the Oregon Coast: Cannon Beach & Beyond
- The 18 Coolest & Best Airbnbs in Dallas, Texas – Airbnb Dallas Guide
- Top 20 Coolest Airbnbs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Final Thoughts on Sanibel Island Airbnb Vacation Rentals…
So get your shell on! Yes, Sanibel Island is perfect for beach walking shell collectors, lovers of sunsets and resort-style living. And chances are good that you’ll get to see some amazing subtropical wildlife when you’re out here. Don’t pet the alligators!
