Beaches around Cape Coral

The best way to experience the beaches around Cape Coral is by boat — and Cape Coral Charter Boats puts all of them within easy reach. From the world-famous shelling beaches of Sanibel Island to the lively waterfront of Fort Myers Beach and the secluded shores of Lovers Key, every destination below is accessible directly from your boat rental. Skip the bridge traffic and the parking fees — arrive by water the way Southwest Florida was meant to be explored. Browse the beaches below and start planning your route.

LIGHTHOUSE PARK & BEACH ON SANIBEL ISLAND

The Sanibel Lighthouse Beach is located on the eastern end of Periwinkle Way, on the eastern tip of Sanibel Island. If you follow the Periwinkle Way to the end, you will automatically come to the parking lot at the Lighthouse.

The lighthouse, built in 1884, is not open to the public and is 120 meters above sea level, from the outside it is to photograph a beautiful object. From lighthouse there is also access to the beach, where swimming is not recommended, as there are currents of which can be dragged into the sea.
A great advantage of this beach is clean nature and the variety of birds and fish that will find their habitat and an experience for nature lovers. On the beach you can also starfish, snails, dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat – the crystal clear sea water – experience. Many pelicans frolicking on the beach and also try to capture fish. But nests with birds of prey, which can be observed at certain seasons feed their young with fish.

BUNCHE BEACH

Welcome to one of the most beautiful beaches on the Lee County coast. Bunche Beach is located right between Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island.

It is part of the 731 acre San Carlos Bay -Bunche Beach Preserve which is a completely natural preserve containing Mangrove Forests, Salt Flats, and Sandy Beaches.

There is a huge variety of wildlife that calls this area home and it is an especially popular spot for bird watching. 

The Bunche Beach beach is not suitable for swimming.

Dogs are often seen, even though they are not allowed. 

Most land is private, but is used by the public for years. The district owns a small piece where parking is easy and absolutely free. There are no toilets available.

ALGIERS BEACH, SANIBEL

Gulfside Park, AKA Algiers Beach, is a long beach great for shelling and long strolls along the Gulf of Mexico. Like Turner Bay Beach it is centrally located and its waters are shielded from any strong currents. This makes for great swimming conditions.
If you follow the bike path from the park you will discover an old pioneer cemetery that is only accessible by that path.

The parking lot is open 7AM to 7PM and costs $3.00 per hour.

27.5 acres, Bike racks, Drinking fountain, Outside showers, Restrooms, Picnic Areas, Barbeque grills, 43 parking spaces, Handicapped accessible (free handicapped parking)

TARPON BAY ROAD BEACH, SANIBEL

Located on Tarpon Bay Road on Sanibel Island, this beach features high sands, good shelling and new restrooms.

It’s a great place for swimming or windsurfing.

Parking is available for $2 per hour.

An ice cream truck occasionally swings by.

BOWMAN’S BEACH, SANIBEL

Isolated and picturesque, this beach is probably the most popular on Sanibel.

Great shelling and amenities make it worth the five minute hike from the parking area to the beach.

Adventurous beachcombers can walk for several miles on unobstructed white sand beaches covered in shells.

The shoreline at Bowman’s Beach has experienced little of the intense development seen on the rest of the islands.

Amenities include picnic tables, grills, pay phone, bathrooms and bike racks.

TURNER BEACH, CAPTIVA

This beach is just past the bridge to Captiva. Parking is limited (fee is $4/hour), so arrive early.

This is a great place for sunsets and romantics.

This area has great fishing from the beach and the rock jetty.

Swimmers should stay away from the bridge area.

The water gets deep quickly and there can be a strong undertow.

So stay away from the strong currents and move farther down the beach.

The sand quality is good. There are bars and restaurants just back across the bridge.

SANIBEL CAUSEWAY BEACH, SANIBEL

Great for swimming, fishing, windsurfing and picnicking. Pull your vehicle right to waters edge. There is no fee when you park on the causeway beach. Located along both sides of the road. Restrooms are available.

  • Free parking
  • Dogs allowed on leash only
  • Restrooms
  • Picnic tables

Causeway Ordinances PROHIBIT the following:

  • Launching of motorized vessels
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Open fires

BOWDITCH POINT REGIONAL PARK

Bowditch Point Park is a nice, clean beach and inland park located at the north tip of Estero Island. If you’re coming from the mainland on San Carlos Blvd, drive over the bridge to the island and turn right at your first

opportunity and head to the very end of the road and you’ve arrived.

There is plenty of parking normally (although you must pay at the meter) unless there is an event happening.

The beach has recently been significantly widened so it is beautiful and wraps all the way around the end of the island. There are restroom facility, snack stand and picnic tables at the park. You can also rent kayaks or other activities.

LYNN HALL MEMORIAL PARK

Lynn Hall Memorial Park is located on Ft. Myers Beach, just north of the foot of Matanzas Pass Bridge, next to “Times Square” in the heart of downtown. This lively Gulf-front park is conveniently located adjacent to shopping and restaurants. It features a licensed fishing pier with bait/gift shop, shelters with grills for picnicking (available on a first come first serve basis only), outdoor freshwater rinse off showers, restrooms with changing facilities and accessible beach access.

Parking fees: $2/hr. Payment is accepted in change, bills, as well as most major credit cards.

Lynn Hall Park’s parking lot is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

Lynn Hall Park and its restroom facilities are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week.

BEACH AREAS ALONG ESTERO BLV.

There are six beach accesses, #37 thru #43, that allow for foot traffic only to the Gulf of Mexico as there are no parking areas provided.

They are located north of Matanzas Bridge on Estero Blvd. between Lynn Hall and Bowditch Point Regional Parks.

Colored banners on poles designate the access number and entrances from the road and by posted signs on the Gulf side.

There are no amenities, only trashcans.

LOVER’S KEY

Lovers Key Beach is nestled between the quaint town of Ft. Myers Beach and the City of Bonita Springs inside Lovers Key state park. Once slated for development of luxury high rise condos, the land, thankfully was donated to the state and has become the most visited destination in Southwest Florida.

LITTLE HICKORY ISLAND BEACH PARK

A white-sand beach combined with a feeling of seclusion is the main attraction at this beachfront park. Surf fishing is a favorite pastime for visitors. The beach is wide and clean and offers restrooms, picnic tables and showers. A ramp runs from the parking lot to the sand allowing accessibility for wheelchairs.

BONITA BEACH PARK

This beautiful beach front park is on the southern tip of Bonita Beach. It offers a variety of amenities. You will find restrooms, shelters with tables and grills, a playground and a sand volleyball court.