Sanibel Island is an island located on the Gulf coast of Florida, just offshore of Fort Myers. Located within Lee County, Sanibel is a barrier island – a collection of sand on the leeward side of the Gulf Stream from the more solid coral-rock of Pine Island.

The city of Sanibel incorporates the entire island, with most of the city proper at the east end of the island. The community of Santiva is at the northwestern end of the island. After the causeway was built to replace the ferry in May 1963 the residents fought back against overdevelopment by incorporating the island as a city in 1974. A new, higher bridge without a bascule (drawbridge) having to open for tall boats and sailboats, was completed in late 2007. The 1963 bridge was broken up and dumped offshore to create an artificial reef.