Southwest Florida’s islands are varied and unique. What they all share in common is a relaxing and welcoming ambiance where the seafood is always fresh, the calm waters invite you in, and picturesque sunsets bring peace to your days. From laid-back islands that are rich with adventure to remote barrier islands dotting the Gulf coast, find an island where you can sit back and stay a while.
The islands off the coast of Fort Myers can take you to a whole new vacation mindset. See what people are up to across our islands.
Select a marker on the map to learn more about a specific island.
Home to a beautiful state park, two lighthouses, and the quaint island town of Boca Grande. The iconic Gasparilla Inn anchors the town rich in history with an Old Florida feel.
Only accessible by boat, this remote barrier island may be small – 10 miles long and a mile at its widest point – but it’s rich with outdoor activities. The seashells are spectacular, and there are acres of sea oats, forests of windblown trees and crystal-clear waters to explore.
Experience relaxed luxury on this exclusive private island club. Enjoy lunch at the Tarpon Bar Restaurant, visit the island's History Museum and take a leisurely stroll through the lush garden pathways. You must be a member or a guest of a member to stay on the island, but you can visit during the day by booking a cruise with Captiva Cruises.
Your own piece of paradise is right here in Pine Island Sound. Watch the historic water tower come into view as you approach by boat, and then step into 100 acres of lush vegetation surrounding the inn and restaurant of the same name.
Not to be confused with neighboring Captiva Island, this remote barrier island is only accessible by boat. Enjoy a quiet, car-free retreat in a remote vacation rental home or enjoy the Island Club.
Home to some of the world’s most sought-after beaches, Captiva Island is utterly captivating for families and couples alike. Connected by a small bridge to Sanibel Island, this quiet, flower-filled island is idyllic for shell collecting, fishing, and on-the-water activities.
Considered one of the most beautifully preserved beach destinations in the world, Sanibel Island offers natural beaches and 25 miles of paved trails to explore. It's also known as the "Seashell Capital of the World" due to the pristine shells that wash ashore each day.
Find your slice of paradise on this 7.4-acre spoil island that lies along the Great Calusa Blueway. Dock your own boat or take a guided excursion for a day of swimming, fishing and plenty more outdoor adventures.
To reach the largest island off of Florida’s Gulf Coast, drive from the mainland and neighboring Matlacha across the “World’s Fishingest Bridge.” Explore the tropical fruit farms of Bokeelia and historic St. James City. Then, learn about the island’s past on the Calusa Heritage Trail in the Pineland archaeological site.
This tiny island bridges Pine Island and the mainland. Here you can find some of the freshest seafood and a water-based community that thrives on water activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating.
In the town of Fort Myers Beach, this separate island sits between the mainland and Estero Island. It’s a shrimping capital where you can see the pink-gold gems being harvested from the waters before dining on the freshest seafood in a waterfront restaurant.
Estero Island is also known as Fort Myers Beach, a colorful beach town filled with soft, white sands, waterfront restaurants, and the historic Mound House.
This quiet stretch of land is all about nature. Go paddling in the back bay, make your way to the Gulf beach or float along the mangroves.
10. You’re ready for a more intimate live music scene. Not a fan of huge concerts with tons of people? The Island Hopper Songwriter Fest is a uniquely intimate experience.
Create a different kind of getaway with a journey over to North Captiva Island.
Anyone who arrives on Captiva Island does so with intention — along the Sanibel Causeway, through Sanibel Island and over the Blind Pass Bridge.
Find ultimate relaxation in the quiet seclusion of Boca Grande and the Outer Islands — where the warmth of the sun and the sand is enhanced by the warmth of t
From Bokeelia at the northern tip to St. James City at the southern end, every area has a unique story.
Imagine cruising through the sparkling Pine Island Sound, docking up and then settling in at an outside table for a cold beer and a plate of fresh-shucked oysters.
We’re thrilled that Sanibel Island was named one of “The 50 Places to Travel in 2025” by Travel + Leisure magazine, on
As you cross the causeway from the mainland to Sanibel Island, you’ll immediately fall into an island state of mind.
Sharing Fort Myers memories from our islands. Share yours with #MyFortMyers!
