Nestled on the stunning southwest coast of Florida, Port Sanibel Marina is a great place to dock your boat and explore the surrounding areas. With an exceptional array of amenities, spectacular storage facilities, and an unrivaled climate, the Marina is the perfect place to enjoy the Sunshine State. From relaxing water cruises to high-octane adventures, Port Sanibel Marina is the ideal location for your next excursion.
Situated within the Greater Fort Myers area of Lee County, Port Sanibel Marina is just a short drive from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Within 20 minutes of touching down on the runway, you can be relaxing on the water’s edge or touring the coast on your very own charter cruise. At the Marina, you’ll find a wide range of amenities and attractions. This includes charter cruises, boat rentals, nature trails, a waterfront restaurant, and more.
Our guide below gives an in-depth look at everything you’ll find at the Port Sanibel Marina.
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With warm winters and super hot summers, there’s never a bad time to visit the southwest shores of Florida. If white, sandy beaches, glistening waters, and luxury boat tours sound like your perfect trip, then Port Sanibel Marina will certainly exceed your expectations.
Close to the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), Port Sanibel Marina is in a prime location. If you want to spend your time on the water, there’s no better place to be. Whether you own your own vessel, or you plan to hire a boat to explore the area, you’ll find all the amenities you need close by.
A boat cruise or tour is the ideal way to take in the ocean air and marvel at your unique surroundings. With numerous options available, you can opt for a shorter tour or plan a full day excursion. What’s more, there are plenty of charter tours available, so why not be the captain of your own destiny and plan a complete boat cruise for you and your travel partner?
As well as enjoying the scenery, a boat tour gives you the opportunity to pack some southwestern activities into your itinerary. The waters surrounding Sanibel are perfect for saltwater fishing, so be sure to bring your fishing gear or rent it from the marina. Catch trout, tarpon, mackerel, snook, redfish, and even shark before shelling on Cayo Costa or dolphin watching in the bay.
From sightseeing tours and evening excursions to wildlife boat tours, fishing charters and sea life encounters, there’s a boat tour for everyone at Port Sanibel Marina. Charter captains make it easy to plan your own excursion, so why not take advantage of the boat rentals available? Whether you opt for an eco tour, a wildlife adventure or a spectacular sightseeing cruise, a voyage around Sanibel Island will ensure you have a trip you’ll never forget.
If you’d rather set your own course, there are 6 boat models available for rent from the marina. Reservations must be made ahead of time and can be rented for a half day, full day, or an entire week. Boat rentals can even be delivered to you for a fee if you’re staying on Sanibel or Captiva Island.
For boat owners, top quality docking facilities are essential for any excursion and you’ll find them right here at Port Sanibel Marina. Wet slips are available for short-term and long-term docking, so you can customize your trip as much as you choose. Although, with the opportunity to dock your boat for weeks or months at a time, you’ll be tempted to stay forever!
Port Sanibel Marina has over 100 stationary docks, as well as additional boat storage facilities. All stationary docks have tie-off pilings and finger piers, so you’ll find it easy to moor your vessel. Of course, you can always contact staff members at the marina if you require any assistance. As well as standard channels of communication, VHF Channel 16 is consistently monitored by staff from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. every day.
In addition to docking facilities, Port Sanibel Marina is home to three dedicated dry storage buildings. With room to house over 120 boats, dry boat storage is easily accessible. Furthermore, the exceptional supporting facilities make docking or storing your boat easy and effortless.
At Port Sanibel Marina, you’ll find:
As well as ensuring you can store or dock your boat with ease, our state-of-the-art equipment, and dry storage facilities enable you to keep your vessel in superb condition. Protecting every aspect of your boat, the unparalleled storage and service on offer makes Port Sanibel Marina your first choice for boat storage and docks in Southwest Florida.
With docks and storage for boats up to 34 feet, Port Sanibel Marina is exceptionally well-equipped. Whether you’re looking for a secure boat storage facility or a temporary haven to enjoy, Port Sanibel Marina combines effortless docking with outstanding on-site amenities.
When you’re visiting Southwest Florida, you’ll want to explore the wide range of onshore attractions, as well as those on the water. Rich in wildlife, Sanibel Island is the ideal destination to wander through picturesque mangroves and stroll down winding lines.
The Port Sanibel Marina Nature Trail is a must-see attraction for everyone who visits the island. A mile long, the forest provides a natural canopy for this awe-inspiring walk. Giving you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the shade and explore Old Florida, the Port Sanibel Marina Nature Trail offers glimpses of rare birds, fish, plants, and wildlife.
Although manmade, the Nature Trail complements its surroundings and allows you to experience nature at its finest. Taking around 30-45 minutes to complete, you can incorporate a stroll through this exquisite outdoor attraction into a day of adventure.
If you’re eager to see more Sanibel Island wildlife, take a trip to J.N. ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge. A haven for birdwatchers, the refuge spans 7,600 acres and is home to 32 species of mammal and over 51 types of amphibians and reptiles. Keep your camera ready for glimpses of alligators, otters, and bobcats near the water and look to the sky to see over 200 species of birds.
Of course, boat cruises and tours are always a great way to experience local wildlife in their natural habitat. The warm waters surrounding Port Sanibel Marina attract manatees to the area, so you could be in for a special treat if you catch a glimpse of these stunning creatures. Springtime means loggerhead turtles on the beaches of Sanibel, while iguanas and alligators can be seen throughout the year in the wetlands, lakes, and rivers.
Birdwatchers flock to Sanibel Island to spot rare species and watch them soar around the sky in their natural habitats. You’ll see an array of wading birds, waterfowl and shorebirds near the island, particularly when low tide occurs fairly early in the morning. These conditions make it easy for wading birds and shorebirds to catch fish, so you’ll see the most variety when you time your birdwatching activity according to the tide. With well over 200 species spotted around Sanibel Island, you can see a fantastic variety from almost any location, including:
Even nesting pairs of bald eagles have been spotted on Sanibel Island, so be sure to keep your camera at the ready when you’re on the lookout for local wildlife! Needless to say, the birds of Sanibel Island are a must-see when you're visiting the island.
The exceptional amenities at Port Sanibel Marina make it easy to access everything you need. No matter what type of excursions or activities you want to take part in, you’ll find a range of rental options available. From fishing equipment to renting a charter boat, there is no end to the range of rental gear available.
Boat rentals are extremely popular on Sanibel and the Marina makes it easy to select the perfect vessel. You can rent a boat in Port Sanibel Marina for half a day, a full day or an entire week, although custom packages are also available. Offering the largest fully Coast Guard equipped fleet in the entire area, you’ll find vessels of all sizes available for rental. You can even arrange to have your rental boat delivered straight to your unit upon arrival.
When you rent a boat at Port Sanibel Marina, you’ll have plenty of space to enjoy cruising on the water. Rental boundaries extend to the Intracoastal Waterway, right up to the North tip of Cayo Costa and up to the Fort Myers Yacht Basin on the Caloosahatchee River, as well as up to Lovers Key on the Back Bay on the Estero River.
As well as boat rentals, there’s plenty of additional rental gear available at Port Sanibel Marina. Why not try paddleboarding on Larry’s Lagoon or take an eco tour around the shores of Sanibel? With guided paddleboarding tours and paddleboarding lessons available, you can rent the equipment you need, join an excursion with fun in the sun rentals or explore on your own with just your paddle to guide you!
In addition to this, Port Sanibel Marina offers fantastic canoe and kayak rentals. As one of the most popular water sports in the area, it’s the ultimate way to explore the waters. Rent a single canoe and set off on a solo adventure or buddy up in a double kayak for extra fun. With the option to rent canoes and kayaks by the hour or for a full day, you’ll have endless fun with a view from the water’s surface.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning for another day of fun, arriving at Port Sanibel Marina is always exciting. No matter how you get here, the warm weather, extensive amenities and helpful staff make every trip fun..
As well as superb water-related amenities, the onshore facilities are just as impressive. From paved parking areas and laundry facilities to trailer storage and Wi-Fi, you’ll find everything you need for the perfect excursion.
When you first arrive at Port Sanibel Marina, you can relax in lush, park-like surroundings and watch the sun set slowly over the water. Perhaps you can’t wait to set sail? If so, you can use the wide range of amenities to launch your boat into the water. Alternatively, you’ll find it easy to arrange the boat rentals when you’re at Port Sanibel Marina.
If you’re feeling peckish, head to the Lighthouse waterfront restaurant for a sumptuous meal and wind down with access to a full liquor bar. Alternatively, why not stretch your legs with a walk through the immersive Nature Boardwalk? No matter how you choose to spend your first few hours in this stunning location, you’ll revel in the unparalleled atmosphere of the Port Sanibel Marina.
When you’re in need of the essentials, or even a few luxuries, the Ship Store at Port Sanibel Marina is your first port of call. Here, you’ll find everything you need to make the most of your time in Southwest Florida. For last-minute provisions, essential extras or anything you forgot to bring, Ship Store will save the day.
Amongst a variety of other products at the Ship Store, you’ll find:
The Ship Store is also the perfect place to stock up on snacks and beverages before you head out for a day of fun. If you’re planning an excursion, setting off on a boat tour or exploring the area on foot, be sure to get your supplies ready with a trip to the Ship Store.
For even more shopping opportunities, check out Port Sanibel Marina’s Coast Outfitters store. With a fantastic range of apparel and outerwear, you can grab some necessities or treat yourself to a whole new wardrobe. In addition, you’ll find exclusive fishing gear and equipment, as well as sports and activity wear. Coastal Outfitters features some of the finest brands, including:
When you’ve furnished your wardrobe with Florida-inspired styles, it’s time to explore the homewares, artwork and unique gifts that are also available at our Coastal Outfitters store. You can treat yourself to something special and take a piece of Sanibel Island home with you when you pick up a spectacular souvenir at any of our well-stocked stores.
As well as being perfectly situated on the Southwest Florida coast, Port Sanibel Marina is well served by a variety of top-class amenities. In fact, you’ll find everything you need to make your trip complete.
The Lighthouse waterfront restaurant is a wonderful place to enjoy brunch, lunch or dinner. The outdoor porch is the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset, while its dockside location gives you a prime view of Florida wildlife in its natural habitat. What’s more, The Lighthouse offers the best live entertainment in the area and Happy Hour runs from 4-7 pm, so you can relax and unwind in style.
Expert landscaping ensures the Port Sanibel Marina retains its stunning vista throughout the year, while high-end marble bathrooms, laundry facilities and access to Wi-Fi add a touch of luxury to your essential amenities.
For boat owners, the extensive dock and storage facilities make securing your vessel easy and straightforward. In addition, you’ll benefit from trailer storage, launching facility, Wiggins forklift, pump-out station, and 30/50 amp electrical storage.
While the outstanding amenities at Port Sanibel Marina ensure an effortless day of fun, you can look forward to superb service and support from staff too. With the option to have a rental boat delivered right to your unit, you can jump on to your vessel as soon as you arrive and start enjoying your time on the water without wasting a moment.
With so much on offer, it’s not surprising Port Sanibel Marina is popular with tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re planning a weekend break or a long trip, it’s easy to plan the perfect excursion to Sanibel Island. In fact, the trickiest aspect of organizing your trip here is deciding what to do first!
Royal Shell vacation rentals offer unrivaled views, phenomenal facilities, and unrivaled luxury. Our rental experts live and work on the island and can find the perfect Sanibel Island vacation rental for you. From phenomenal amenities to meticulously maintained properties, you'll want to come back again and again. Whether you're looking for a vacation condo rental on Sanibel Island or a luxurious villa, we'll have the ideal property for you.
If you’re planning a romantic break for two, a lively trip with friends or a family-friendly excursion with your pets in tow, we’ve got everything you need. Check our availability today and book your dream vacation to Sanibel Island!
Note: Sanibel Island has a 7-day to 30-day minimum stay requirement which varies by property.