Located in southwest Florida is Sanibel Island, one of the most idyllic and beautiful beachside locations. A perfect holiday for friends and families, Sanibel Island houses wildlife refuges, a multitude of the sea- and land-based activities, and its beaches have been voted amongst the top 10 in the world for beach-combing. Beat the tourist buzz as Sanibel Island is still unknown to those outside the inner circle of local families that seem to have their annual visits pinned down in advance. Fly into the Fort Myers airport and then only a 40-minute drive separates you from the beautiful beaches and ecosystem of the island. Read on to find the best Vrbo cottages in Sanibel Island to ensure your vacation gets the right start.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Coastal-themed cottage near Sanibel Lighthouse (from USD 175)
Featuring a coastal theme, this cottage is a great place to stay for up to three guests. It features one bedroom and one full bathroom. It has a nice kitchenette where guests can prepare meals as well. For entertainment, guests are provided with internet access and a satellite TV. Heating and air conditioning are also provided for comfort.
This rental boasts a great location on the quiet East End of the island. It is located close to Sanibel Lighthouse, the fishing pier, and several restaurants. There are also bicycles that come with the rental so guests can explore nearby attractions more enjoyably.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
the macaw efficiency cottage was immaculate and really comfortable for usCleanliness:
room was clean and smelled goodthe cottage was very clean and the location was perfectvery clean and quiet and close to beach lighthouse and restaurantsRead more reviewsLocation:
the unit and location was greatnice location down by the lighthouse with a nice restaurant within walking distance for mealsthe surrounding property was quiet and is close to the lighthouse cafe very popular for breakfastthe property was lovely and in a peaceful location close to naturei love the location the room was very cozy and clean
2. The Ibis: a Floridian beauty (from USD 170)
Take yourself back in time to Florida’s famed bright-coloured homes and friendly neighbourhoods. The Ibis is a spacious seaside cottage that is ideal for those looking for a vacation home away from home. One bedroom comes with a large living space, ideal for entertaining or just relaxing with a book. This cottage is well decorated with furnishings and textiles that never let you forget you are by the seaside. Experience “old Sanibel” charm and Florida’s most beautiful sunsets when you stay at this wonderful spot.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
It was just the right size with plenty of closet and drawer spaceEach of the four cottages comes equipped with a small grill - which we loved using after long days spent swimming and sunbathing at the virtually private beach right down the quiet street Thickprovided laundry detergent - an outdoor shower as well as a shell cleaning station with buckets and colanders to clean your beach bling :)-- it is rare to find that level of foresight in an establishment of this sizeour sweet little Ibis Cottage provided the relaxing rustic lazy atmosphere that we neededCleanliness:
Our cottage was clean and stocked with everything we neededHost:
She was easily accessible and so sweetthe proprietor was wonderful and accommodatingWe will definitely be back next year Super cute cottages in the perfect location Kim was quick to reply back to our requestWe are already thinking about going backWe stayed at the lovely Ibis cottage at Periwinkle (1 of 4 cottages on the property) and were completely charmed The cottages have been updated with minimal yet tasteful beachy decor and KimRead more reviewsLocation:
Close to nature and a quiet beach away from the public accessesThis property is just as represented Service by Kim (property manager) andMy boyfriend and I decided to escape the cold of Minnesota to unwind and beachcomb Sanibel's beautiful beaches to ring in 2018but I wanted a change of pace andWe loved having access to bikes
3. A captivating home at South Seas Island Resort (from USD 300)
There can be no better feeling than waking up each morning right on the beach for those early morning strolls or to enjoy beautiful sunsets from your own porch. Stay in this newly renovated space to enjoy the facilities provided (two bedrooms, a full kitchen, laundry room, a beautiful private pool and tennis court) and the stellar location. There are countless activities for the whole family, both on water and land, which include jet ski rentals, boat rentals for fishing or swimming, parasailing, golfing, go-karts and entertainment arcades.
4. A beachside condo for two (from USD 375)
The quintessential romantic getaway can be found at this one-bedroom condo, which is located just minutes away from the white beaches of Sanibel Island. Walk down your road for two minutes and you will be met by untouched Gulf beaches to spend your day in the sun, reading, swimming, kayaking or jet skiing. Explore the outdoor areas of the island including the mangroves on the bay, parks and bird sanctuaries. Take advantage of the location of your holiday home which is near to convenience stores, great restaurants and local boutiques.
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
small efficiency that was clean and best of all steps from the beachHost:
property owner was very helpfulnancy was so helpful when we needed her for questionsthis unit was clean with a comfortable bed and owner did communicate wellthis was a great location host was incredible and we’d happily stay here againRead more reviewsLocation:
property well groomed so close to the beautiful beachvery close to beach which was nicethis property was so close to the beach and perfect for us and our little dog
5. Willey Cottage: a treasure amid the greens (from USD 1090)
Spend your holiday at this beachfront cottage which hosts two bedrooms in the heart of Captiva Beach. Willey Cottage boasts beach views from each of their rooms and it provides ample space for leisurely days in the house. Willey Cottage features a new kitchen equipped with top-of-the-line cookware, appliances, as well as a new outdoor grill for those who may get lucky on their day-time fishing expeditions. Take in the amazing sunsets over the beach, or spend the evening from the nearby town restaurants, cafes, and other entertainment options, which is just a short walk away.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The cottage itself was warm and inviting with all of the amenities anyone could possibly need down to the beach umbrella and chairsWe should note that outside the cottage gate is the public parking lotWifi and all the amenities to have a comfortable staystring-lights for the screened-in porch after dusk?Beach has comfortable chairs to lounge inCleanliness:
owners are very hospitable and can't do enough to make your stay as good as possibleThe beach was very crowded Perhaps because Easter week?Host:
the owner is delightful thoughtful and kind; she responded to my texts within minutesI have made repeat visits to Willey Cottagewhispering Sea Pine Trees and exotic birds flora and faunaNo matter how big the budget you might give me I simply could not improve upon anything SusieWe watched dolphins swim by having morning coffee most daysRead more reviewsLocation:
As for location it doesn't get much betterAnd this exemplified that conceptThe weather was perfect with evening rain that lasted 30 minutes to an hour Just enough to water the lush grounds of the propertyjust steps away from cottage & waterBought fresh fish and cooked it on the grill
6. Beach Daisy: a stylish haven for eight (from USD 1148)
A well-designed and laid out home is the beautiful Beach Daisy. Located on Captiva Drive, this home is newly renovated, providing the comforts and style factor of a beach villa. The stellar interior design and gorgeous textiles of the home do not compromise on comforts. Find your spot by the window with bookshelves for reading. Cook and dine both indoors and outdoors, areas that seat eight. Lounge in any of the two large-screened porches which come complete with sofas, two chairs and dining area, and two swinging loungers. Families will also enjoy the large backyard for games and grilling, an ideal way to end your beach day. The home is located a short walk away from restaurants and any amenities you may need.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The owners have thought of every detail to make your stay as comfortable as possibleand it was awesome to have high end pots/pans for cooking (same stuff i have at home)terry robes high-end beach loungers and chairsIt is owned by the same familyThis spacious yet classic Florida cracker-style cottage is situated next to an undeveloped piece of land providing quiet and privacy Plenty of indoor and outdoor living space with upscale yet casu...Cleanliness:
The cottage (and guest cottage) are stunningThe beds are so awesome along with the bathroomsHost:
Beach Daisy's property manager is uber helpful and friendly and made sure we checked in with ease Upon arrival to Beach DaisyWe were also provided with a first aid kit which we utilized Unlike most vacation rental homes that are doused with Fabreze to nauseating levelsSusie is a graciously warm and accommodating hostess offering up her little slice of heaven on CaptivaThere's an abundance of high quality cooking & baking ware along with herbs and spices and a selection of morning teas Induction stove made cooking much easierWe decided not to try Missed out on an adventureRead more reviewsLocation:
(Captiva Provision Company) and walking distance to the main street of shops and restaurants on Andy RosseThe main strip/downtown of captiva is probably two streets awayAll the restaurants and activities in Captiva are easy to get to on the golf cartIt's a short walk to Starbucks and shopsThe house is also an easy walking distance (or even easier golf cart ride) from a little shopping plaza across from South Seas that has a Starbucks and a high-end market
7. Charming cottage by the Captiva Beach (from USD 450)
Take full advantage of this three-bedroom home which provides guests with the best of both worlds - a heated pool and close proximity to the beach. The home is spacious, with a comfortable living area and an open-plan kitchen space which is ideal for families or groups of friends. Surrounded by tropical vegetation and just steps away from the Gulf Coast beach, this cottage provides all the facilities you need to enjoy your family holiday as well as access to outdoor activities and entertainment for the whole family. Go swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, try your luck at fishing for game-fish or enjoy a hike along the Captiva Beach. For days that you want to be more low-key, sit by the pool or under the gazebo to enjoy cocktails and catch up on your reading.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
The very large screened porch just off of the living area and master bedroom (complete with 2 ceiling fans) provided a very nice place to spend evenings and early morningspretty much everything you needThe cottage had everything we needed to feel at homeThe cottage had everything 4 adults could need Location to the beach is excellentthe kitchen was well-equipped outdoor grill screened in porch poolside gazebo and an easy walk to a beach that might as well be private for the few people we encountered the entire weekCleanliness:
The house was very nice and very cleanThe house was immaculately clean and a joy to experienceHost:
The owner was so accommodating and personableWe saw amazing wildlife--plenty of dophins sting rays fish of all sorts manatee and a variety of birds including an eagle fishingWe had four older teens with us and the downstairs area was perfect to give them (andThe rental house and locale if anything exceeded both our expectations and the posted descriptionVery nice well equipped houseRead more reviewsLocation:
Restaurants and galleries are close by but far enough to not be intrusiveThe location of the Captiva Cottage was excellent as we were only 5 - 10 minutes from Sanibel activities and the Captiva villageThe cottage is located just off of Captiva Drive in a beautiful tropical setting that gives you a wonderful sense of privacyPool is wonderful and probably the best we've seen in CaptivaThe house is located on the Southside of the island which is less crowded
8. Coquina Cottage: a cozy nest to witness exemplary sunsets (from USD 963)
Walk to beautiful Captiva Beach from Coquina Cottage, surrounded by tropical gardens, this delightful area has all the hallmarks of a romantic holiday for two. Stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico with white sandy beaches and clear blue waters; soak in the sun and water when you stay at the Coquina Cottage. The home is also close to shops, the marina and restaurants for the ultimate convenience. The home comprises of two suites (upstairs and downstairs) which can accommodate two adults and two kids each under the age of 12.
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsCleanliness:
the cottage was very clean and comfortablewonderful beach great layout everything was very cleanplenty of water and showers outside to keep sand off our feet and keep the inside clean
9. Tiki Cottage: a pet-friendly home by the sands (from USD 115)
Constructed and decorated in old Florida style and charm, the Tiki Cottage provides a sense of peace and tranquillity with its secluded location. t is an oasis that is just minutes away from the beaches of Sanibel. The comfortable home provides all necessary amenities for visitors and even includes the perks of beach chairs, umbrellas and a beach cart for your days spent on the sand and by the sea. Tiki Cottage is pet-friendly and allows two pets to join you on your vacation.
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
this cottage is cute and has what you need: washer and dryer small kitchen very nice updated showerthe two twin beds in the one room would be perfect for kidsCleanliness:
bedding and towels were clean and softalso i'm super-picky about cleanliness - the bathroom and kitchen have been tastefully remodeled and are sparkling cleanRead more reviewsLocation:
very nice location and easy to get aroundvery easy access and short walkreally easy to get to and close to a nice beachin reality it's super closethe location of this rental is fantastic relative to the beach
10. Pet-friendly retreat with beach essentials
Bring your pets along and stay in this pet-friendly cottage with a beach theme. The place features two air-conditioned bedrooms, one full bathroom, and a well-equipped kitchen, just enough for a total of four people. It also comes with modern conveniences, including radiant heating, Wi-Fi, and cable TVs. Beach toys, boogie boards, chairs, and a wagon are also provided for a fun day on the sandy shores.
Staying in this rental provides guests with access to the Recreation Center, which features a pool table as well as several board games.
Sanibel, FL, US
Sanibel Island: the ideal beach holiday destination
Between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island, visitors come for the beautiful blue seas and the white sandy beaches. Bowman’s Beach and Blind Pass Beach are popular with those looking for shells, conches and cockles. There are endless activities on the water and off, but also pick yourself a comfortable holiday home so that you can spend your evening grilling, playing games and spending quality time with family and friends. Sanibel is an ideal beach holiday location and we hope our list of recommendations will help you with your holiday planning.
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