Taking your boat to Sanibel: How and Why

We realize that with all the boat rentals, cruises and crews for hire available, taking one's own boat to Sanibel Island is often not necessary or considered desirable.


But we do on occasion get calls from vacation rental guests who want to come to the island on their boat or with their boat in tow.


For someone who has a keen attachment to home, I can understand this preference to have your own rather, than rent a boat. You know your own boat and its idiosyncrasies, you have supplied your boat in the way you feel most comfortable. You may even have decorated your boat a bit to make it feel like home. So why not bring it along?

There are several places on the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva where you can dock your boat.

For those staying on the far west end of Sanibel, dockage on Captiva, easily accessed would make the most sense. Tween Waters Inn on Captiva has 41 slips for guests and non guests at their marina. And for those with smaller boats, several homes on that far west end offer sufficient parking where boats can be kept and boat launch ramps are not very far away.

Going in the opposite direction, dockage can be found on the far East end of the Island. The Sanibel Marina is nestled near the lighthouse on the southern tip of Sanibel Island. The Sanibel Marina’s ideal location grants boaters traveling up and down the Intercoastal Waterway direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and the Island’s gorgeous beaches as well as Florida’s fantastic fishing. The Sanibel Marina has 65 slips for boats up to 70'. Several east and west end homes have pools, so wouldn't it be nice after a day on the water to come home and take a dip in the water?


But you don't have to stay in a private house to have nearby docking. Sanibel Arms West is one of many complexes where boaters can dock very easily. In addition to your private beach, you’ll have access to a boat dock on the canal. Try your hand at sport fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving or just soak up the rays on the gorgeous blue water of the Gulf of Mexico, all just steps away from your condo door. Aside from all the recreational activities, the complex is conveniently located near a variety of restaurants and picturesque shopping villages.


With all the pet friendly accommodations on Sanibel, we often say there is no reason to leave your pooch behind. And, with all the places to dock and launch, there is no reason to leave your boat behind either!