- Shelter
- N, S, SW, W, NW
- Seabed
- algae
- Anchoring
- Allowed
Anchorage off the east end of Sanibel Island in San Carlos Bay, south-west Florida, on a weed bottom, protected from N through W winds.
- Pontoon
- Beach
Guide
Approach and anchoring
San Carlos Bay opens between Sanibel and the mainland at Punta Rassa. The Sanibel Causeway crosses the bay, its main span a fixed 70-foot bridge over the marked navigation channel. Holding on the weed bottom can be uncertain, so set the anchor with care.
Practical
Sanibel Harbour Yacht Club lies 2.3 nautical miles to the NE and Port Sanibel Marina 3 nautical miles NE, both reachable for fuel and berths. The anchorage gives access to Pine Island Sound and the chain of outer islands running north towards Boca Grande.
Ashore
The two causeway islands form Causeway Islands Park, a public beach park used for shelling, swimming, fishing and windsurfing, reachable by tender. Sanibel Island itself is known for its shell beaches.
Key facts
- Type
- Anchorage
- Coordinates
- 26.45349, -82.02815 (26°27.21'N 82°1.69'W)
- Country
- United States
- Shelter
- Sheltered from north, south, south-west, west, north-west winds
- Seabed
- algae
- Anchoring
- Allowed
- Services
- Pontoon, Beach
- Boaters' rating
- 4.6/5
- Updated
- July 7, 2026
Getting there
Sanibel lies at 26°27.21'N 82°1.69'W, that is 26.45349, -82.02815 in decimal degrees.
Boaters' reviews
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Write a reviewFrequently asked questions
Which winds is Sanibel sheltered from?
Sanibel is sheltered from north, south, south-west, west, north-west winds.
Can you anchor at Sanibel?
Yes, anchoring is allowed at Sanibel.
How do boaters rate Sanibel?
Sanibel is rated 4.6/5 by boaters on BoatMap.
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