Day trips from Sanibel at a glance
Most day trips start by crossing the Sanibel Causeway to Fort Myers on the mainland. From there you can visit a historic estate, head south to Naples or plan a longer trip to the Everglades. A boat day to Cayo Costa State Park is the one trip that stays on the water.
Pick one main stop per day. Traffic, the causeway toll back to the island and closing times shape the day more than distance does. Prices below are 2026 examples and can change, so check the current figure before you go.
Our picks: day trips from Sanibel
The Everglades safari is the full-day trip with an airboat ride and lunch, the science center is a rainy-day stop in Fort Myers, and the ghost walk fits an evening on the mainland.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator and GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Everglades day safari with airboat ride
- Naturalist guide
- One-hour airboat ride
- Lunch
A full day in a small group with a naturalist guide, an airboat ride and lunch. Hotel pickup covers only select hotels, so ask whether yours is one of them.
Check availability →
Haunted walking tour in Fort Myers
- One-hour walking tour
- Local guide
- Local ghost stories
A one-hour evening walk with a guide and local ghost stories, a mainland option for a night off the island. Getting there is on you.
Check availability →
IMAG History & Science Center fast-track ticket
- Fast-track entry
A fast-track entry to the science and history center in Fort Myers, a rainy-day stop on the mainland. The fossil hunt, stingray feeding and hurricane simulator cost extra.
Check availability →Day trips and excursions from Sanibel
Boat trips, wildlife tours and mainland excursions from Sanibel and Fort Myers, with live prices and availability.
Day trip destinations compared
What each trip involves.
| Destination | Getting there | Cost (2026) | Hours and notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers | Drive across the causeway | Self-guided: adults $28, ages 13 to 19 $20, ages 6 to 12 $15. Guided: $35, $28, $20. | Daily 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., last entry 4:30 p.m. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Under 6 free. |
| Cayo Costa State Park | By boat | $2 per person entry | 8 a.m. to sunset. Check access before booking. |
| Fort Myers Beach | Drive over the mainland | Parking varies | Open beach parks do not always have open parking lots. |
| Naples | Drive south | – | About 1 hour 5 minutes without heavy traffic. |
| Everglades | Plan as a long trip | – | A large region with several entry points, not one place. |
For most visitors with one spare day, the Edison and Ford estates are the easiest mainland trip, and Cayo Costa fits those who want a wild beach and can confirm boat access first.
Fort Myers and the Edison and Ford Winter Estates
The nearest mainland stop.
Fort Myers sits right across the causeway. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are the nearest big stop. A self-guided ticket costs $28 for adults, $20 for ages 13 to 19 and $15 for ages 6 to 12. Children up to 5 and members enter free. Guided visits cost $35 for adults, $28 for teens and $20 for children. The estates are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with last entry at 4:30 p.m., but they close on Thanksgiving and Christmas, so "daily" does not cover every holiday. Special tours can differ, so check before you book.
The toll for the causeway is collected electronically toward the island. A 2-axle car pays $6 with a transponder or prepaid account, or $9 by plate. Read the getting there page for details.
Cayo Costa State Park by boat
A barrier island without a road.
Cayo Costa State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset and charges $2 per person. Ferries and overnight stays are not available there, and access is for private boats. Some operators offer trips, but do not count on a regular ferry. Confirm access and the landing point with the operator before you book.
Do not count on drinking water, so bring your own. Plan without docks, electricity or overnight stays at Pelican Bay, and expect toilets on the Gulf side only. The park accepts card payment at a kiosk or at the entrance, so keep your receipt. See shelling tours and Captiva for the boat departures.
Fort Myers Beach, Naples and the Everglades
Longer drives and bigger days.
Fort Myers Beach
Open beach parks are not the same as restored parking. Parking lots can be closed while the beach is open, so check parking before you drive.
Naples
Naples is a drive of about 1 hour 5 minutes from Sanibel in light traffic. That is a rough guide only. Allow more time in busy periods and from other starting points.
Everglades
The Everglades are a region, not a single start point. Entrances, drive times and fees depend on the area you choose, so plan this as a long trip and check each entrance first.
Other Gulf Coast islands
North of here, Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island have their own guides if you want a longer coastal trip.
Day trips from Sanibel: frequently asked questions
What is the best day trip from Sanibel?
That depends on what you want. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates are the easiest by car, Cayo Costa suits beach and shelling fans, and Naples fits a longer drive.
How much is the Edison and Ford ticket?
In 2026 a self-guided adult ticket is $28. Guided visits cost $35 for adults. Check the current prices before you go.
Is there a ferry to Cayo Costa?
Do not assume one. Ferries are not available at the park, though some operators offer trips. Confirm before booking.
How long does it take to drive to Naples?
About 1 hour 5 minutes without heavy traffic. Treat it as a rough guide.
Can I do the Everglades in one day?
That depends on the entrance, and the Everglades are a large region. Pick the area and entrance first and check the current rules there.