Sanibel hurricane recovery at a glance
Hurricane Ian made landfall in Lee County on 28 September 2022 as a category 4 storm. Two more storms followed in 2024: Helene affected Sanibel on 26 September and Milton on 9 October. Each storm left debris and damage to roads, beach parks and buildings.
Most of what visitors use has reopened. The Causeway is repaired, the large beach parks are open and the Wildlife Drive runs. Recovery is not finished, though. Some projects are still in planning or under construction, and an open park does not always mean every facility in it is back. Read the Sanibel beaches guide for parking and access, and the Sanibel Island tours page if you want to book a trip.
Our pick: the science center in Fort Myers
The center is a dry-weather stop on the mainland, and its hurricane simulator is a paid add-on.
Hand-picked tours, booked through 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.
Sanibel Island tours and day trips
Shelling trips, dolphin cruises, kayak tours and more, with live prices and availability.
Recovery timeline
Dates for the storms and for the access that matters to visitors.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| 28 September 2022 | Hurricane Ian makes landfall in Lee County as a category 4 storm. |
| 19 October 2022 | The Causeway reopens, at first for emergency services, utilities, contractors and residents. |
| Christmas 2023 | All Causeway lanes are open. |
| 26 September 2024 | Helene affects the island. |
| 9 October 2024 | Milton affects the island. |
| 25 April 2025 | Turner Beach reopens, the last of the large beach parks to do so. |
| 1 November 2025 | Completion date of the permanent Causeway repair project. |
The first Causeway reopening in October 2022 was not a general opening for visitors. Use the later dates when you plan a trip.
The Causeway and the roads
The Sanibel Causeway is the road link to the mainland. The Causeway repair project is complete, with a completion date of 1 November 2025, so you no longer have to plan around a long-running emergency work zone. Tolls apply; see how to get to Sanibel Island for the current rates.
What has reopened and what is still in progress
Status for the places visitors ask about most.
Beach parks
The large beach parks are open, with Turner Beach the last to return on 25 April 2025. Open does not mean fully restored. Individual facilities can be missing, and some parking areas can be closed while the park itself is open. Debris can lie hidden in sand and water, so wear shoes on the beach. See the beaches guide.
Lighthouse fishing pier
The Sanibel Lighthouse beach park is open, but the fishing pier stays closed. The replacement and temporary repairs are still in planning. There is no reopening date. See the Sanibel Lighthouse page.
Dunes
An island-wide dune planting project is planned to start in early November 2026 and to finish by 14 February 2027, after turtle nesting season. Those are planned dates, not finished work.
Ding Darling refuge
The Wildlife Drive runs, but not every boardwalk is back, and the Calusa Shell Mound Trail is closed. See the Ding Darling guide.
Hurricane season and your trip
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Tropical storms can also form outside those dates, so no month is completely storm free. The wettest months in the long-term climate averages are June to September; the weather and best time to visit page has the monthly table.
If you travel in the season, book accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy and watch the forecast in the days before you leave. Check the current status of the Causeway and your beach before you drive out. The recovery pace differs by place, so a park that was open last month can still change.
Staying and planning in a recovering island
Some businesses and homes are still being repaired. Do not assume that every shop, room or service is open. For lodging, our where to stay on Sanibel page explains the areas and the taxes. For the story before the storms, see the history of Sanibel.
Be patient with construction and closed lots, park only in marked areas and leave the dunes and nesting sites alone.
Sanibel hurricanes: frequently asked questions
Is Sanibel open to visitors after Ian, Helene and Milton?
Yes. The Causeway repair project is complete and the large beach parks are open. Recovery continues, so expect some construction, closed parking areas and a few missing facilities.
When did the Sanibel Causeway reopen?
It reopened on 19 October 2022 for emergency services, utilities, contractors and residents. All lanes were open by Christmas 2023, and the permanent repair project has a completion date of 1 November 2025.
Is the Lighthouse fishing pier open?
No. The beach park is open, but the pier remains closed. A replacement is in planning, and there is no reopening date.
Is Sanibel fully rebuilt?
Not completely. Public access has returned in many places, but repairs and planned projects such as dune planting go on into 2027. Check the current situation for your dates.
When is hurricane season on Sanibel?
The Atlantic season runs from 1 June to 30 November. Storms can occur outside it, so keep the forecast in view whenever you travel.
Should I wear shoes on the beach?
It is a good idea. Debris from the storms can lie hidden in the sand and water.