Sanibel Island

Narrow, sandy barrier island in southwestern Florida, between the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound and San Carlos Bay, some 32 km/20 mi southwest of Fort Myers; length about 16 km/10 mi. It is connected to the mainland and to the smaller Captiva Island by causeways. The city of Sanibel (population (1990) 5,500) is a popular resort, with many hotels and beaches known for their shells.

Much of the island's north-central area is occupied by the J N ‘Ding’ Darling National Wildlife Refuge, noted for over 200 species of birds and many other animals.