sanibel island aerial view

Which Sanibel or Captiva Island Vacation Rental Is Right For You?

Once the winter stomping grounds for America’s wealthiest elite, today, Sanibel and Captiva Islands are beloved island getaways for all.

The area is renowned for its natural beauty and ideal weather. Suppose you are considering a vacation on either one of these islands. In that case, these are some of the best accommodations available to make your vacation a perfect one.

compass point aerial

Compass Point

For roomy accommodations with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, consider booking a Sanibel Island vacation rentals at Compass Point, located at 1299 Middle Gulf Drive. Each rental has two bedrooms and two bathrooms with up to 1581 square feet of the room overall. Units are beautifully furnished, and some have a den that can be used as a third bedroom. 

Compass Point is a low-density condominium with only 45 units in two buildings. If you prefer privacy and less crowded spaces, this might be appealing, especially when it comes to sharing amenities. Public amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, bikes and cabanas, shuffleboard, BBQ grill, and covered parking. Penthouse units on the top floor have access to the roof and a sun deck. Additionally, the units are within easy walking distance of many local restaurants.

Island Beach Club

This Gulf-front property is a 75-unit complex located at 2265 W Gulf Drive, Sanibel, Florida. Sanibel Island vacation rentals include two bedrooms with a space of 1,440 square feet. The most significant appeal of these rental units is their location, directly on the water and just steps away from Sanibel’s stunning beaches. You can spend each morning and evening watching sunrises and sunsets from your deck. 

Besides views and direct beach access, you’ll get from Island Beach Club, there are amenities such as a heated pool, shuffleboard, tennis courts, private washer/dryer, car garage with storage space, and BBQ grill. The complex is located mid-island, which is conveniently situated amongst all the main attractions and amenities of Sanibel. 

Loggerhead resort

Loggerhead 

For a family-friendly two-bedroom, two-bath condominium, look no further than Loggerhead Cay, located at 979 E Gulf Drive. This is one of the larger communities on Sanibel Island and is made up of five buildings with three to four stories. A total of 168 units are available for rent. Their vacation rentals in Sanibel Island include Gulf views, and units are designed to maximize water views. Each unit is beautifully furnished and fully equipped so families feel right at home. In addition, guests have full access to condominium amenities, including a large, heated swimming pool, tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, and prime access to Sanibel’s beaches. 

Sandalfoot

Sandalfoot condominium complex offers small, intimate, and low-density units for rent. It is located at 671 E Gulf Drive on the east end of the island, close to shops, restaurants, and the Sanibel Lighthouse. The lighthouse is one of the most famous attractions on Sanibel Island and is one of the top Sanibel Island things to do

The condominium itself has 60 units available for rent, with both one and two-bedroom rentals available. Units have approximately 970 square feet of space. All have beautiful views of the Gulf, with a screened lanai overlooking the beach. Rentals are complete with tasteful furnishings and are fully equipped for renters to make use of the kitchen. Sandalfoot amenities include a heated swimming pool, tennis court, laundry facilities, shuffleboard court, and reserved parking. 

white sands rentals beach walk

White Sands

Located in an exclusive and private neighborhood, White Sands fronts directly on the Gulf of Mexico. The beach is steps from your door! There are only 13 condominium units in this three-story building, so you are given about as much privacy as it is possible to have while renting a condo. All units are spacious, with at least 2370 square feet of room. There are two or three bedrooms in each, and all have a den. Amenities include a heated pool, tennis courts, BBQ area, covered parking, screened lanai, and, best of all, private access to the beach. Because White Sands is so small and exclusive, you won’t have to share your stretch of the beach with just anyone! 

White Sands is located at 2311 West Gulf Drive, only a short walk or drive to nearby restaurants, shops, and many island attractions. 

Just 11 miles north of Sanibel Island is its sister island, Captiva Island. Though a little more out of the way, Captiva Island is certainly worth exploring. For those who prefer tranquility, there are also several excellent Captiva Island vacation rentals.

Captiva Shores 

In the Tween Waters section of Captiva Drive, you’ll find Captiva Shore. This 21-unit condominium stretches from the gulf to the bay. Guests have access to both bodies of water as well as Gulf or Bay views. The Gulf beach is a beautiful place to go swimming and shelling. Both sunrise and sunset are visible from the condos. 

Each of the condo rentals in Captiva Island here has two or three bedrooms and two bathrooms. In addition, guests can enjoy the public swimming pool. If you happen to have a boat, you may use the Captiva Shores’ dock for a modest fee. While private, Captiva Shores is just a short walk from the village, restaurants, and local shops, so you can come and go as you please.

south seas beach view

South Seas Resort

This luxurious, full-service resort provides any and every service you could need. More than 600 deluxe hotel rooms are available to choose from – everything from villa suites to three-bedroom homes and cottages. The property is located on 330 acres. This includes 2.5 miles of pristine white sand. South Seas Resort is conveniently located near the village shops and restaurants and includes nearly any amenity you can think of! There are 13 pools, 6 restaurants, a marina, and ongoing activities. At the pool, attendants provide all the chairs and towels you need. Boat rentals allow you to head out onto the waves. This piece of paradise offers everything you could dream of!

Sunset Captiva

If you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood, something reminiscent of home, Sunset Captiva might be the place for you. Located along Sanibel-Captiva Road, there are 59 single-family home complexes. Each has two to three bedrooms, and some also have a loft. All have stunning Gulf views. Homes are centrally located – just a short bike or car ride away. As an added benefit, the community shares a swimming pool and tennis courts available to guests.

These homes are all privately owned and rented out. As a result, they are well maintained and often very stylish. Owners personally upkeep their properties, and as a result, it feels like a natural home. Each property has its personal touches!

Tween Waters Inn

Tween Waters Inn is beloved for its historic charm. Available for rent are 137 rooms and cottages, including standard guest rooms, studios, and suites with up to 3 bedrooms. There are 19 cottages in total – the oldest part of the property – and they transport guests back to simpler times. 

The property itself comprises 13 acres; the front faces the Gulf of Mexico while the rear faces Roosevelt Channel and the bay waters. On either end, one is very close to the water. There is also an Olympic-size swimming pool, three tennis courts, a fitness center, three restaurants, a pool-side bar and grill, a full-service marina, and a clothing store. The inn is centrally located and close to the main village. Still, with all the amenities on the property, you might not even need to step outside!

Plan Your Next Stay

For more information, explore our full array of Captiva vacation rentals. Whether you choose to stay in Sanibel or Captiva, we guarantee your vacation in paradise will be one you don’t want to leave! So many of our guests return time and time.