It has been over three years since Hurricane Ian devastated Sanibel Island in September 2022. The recovery has been remarkable — and it is far from over. If you want the longer historical view, read our companion piece on Sanibel three years after Hurricane Ian.
The Timeline
Hurricane Ian made landfall on September 28, 2022 as a Category 4 storm. Sanibel took a direct hit. The causeway was destroyed in multiple sections, cutting the island off from the mainland. Homes were leveled. Businesses were gutted. The island that millions knew and loved was, overnight, unrecognizable.
The causeway was rebuilt and reopened within weeks. Residents began returning. And then the real work started.
What Has Reopened
The comeback has been extraordinary:
- 40+ restaurants are serving again — from longtime favorites like Doc Ford's, The Timbers, and Lazy Flamingo to exciting newcomers like MudBugs Cajun Kitchen, Tutti Pazzi Italian Kitchen, and Scooter's Pizza Kitchen
- All public beaches are open and accessible, with our beach guide helping you choose where to go first
- J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is fully operational, including Wildlife Drive, the Visitor & Education Center, and kayak tours
- The Sanibel Lighthouse stands as it has since 1884
- Over 25 miles of shared-use paths have been repaired — the island's famous bike path network is back, and our Sanibel biking guide maps out why that's such a big deal
- Bailey's General Store — the island's lifeline — never really closed
- The Community House is hosting events again, including the 89th Shell Show in March 2026
- Shopping along Periwinkle Way is thriving again
What Is Still Rebuilding
Not everything is back yet:
- Some hotels and condo resorts are still under renovation — but new ones are reopening every month
- Construction is visible everywhere — cranes, trucks, and rebuild activity are part of the current landscape
- Housing for workers remains one of the biggest challenges. Many island employees lost their homes and affordable housing is scarce. Community Housing and Resources (CHR) is working hard on solutions.
- A few beloved businesses did not return — The Island Cow, Schnapper's Hots, and some others closed permanently after the storm
- The Sanibel Fishing Pier at Lighthouse Beach is still closed, though $2.1 million in state funding has been secured for its restoration
- The Mucky Duck on Captiva — one of the most iconic sunset dining spots in Florida — is rebuilt and hiring staff, with reopening expected soon; our full Mucky Duck reopening update has the details
The Tree Canopy
One of the most visible changes is the tree canopy. Hurricane Ian stripped decades of growth from the island's trees. Australian pines, sea grapes, and mangroves that once created shaded tunnels over the roads are thinner now. The vegetation is growing back, but slowly. If you visited before Ian, the island will look different. More open. More sky.
But give it time. The tropics heal fast.
What Visitors Should Know
- The island is open and welcoming visitors. Tourism is Sanibel's economy, and every visit helps.
- Traffic is lighter than pre-Ian. Fewer tourists overall means less congestion — which some regulars actually prefer.
- Prices are comparable to pre-Ian for restaurants, activities, and rentals.
- More vacation rentals are coming online every month. Availability is improving steadily.
- The vibe is different — quieter, more authentic, less crowded. Many repeat visitors say they prefer it this way.
- You may see construction. It is part of the story right now. The island is rebuilding in real time.
How to Help
The best thing you can do is visit. Eat at island restaurants. Shop at local stores. Book with Sanibel-based tour operators. Stay in island accommodations.
Beyond that:
- CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) is still rebuilding their campus — donations help at crowclinic.org
- FISH of SanCap provides social services to island residents and workers — fishofsancap.org
- Community Housing and Resources (CHR) is tackling workforce housing — sanibelchr.org
The Bottom Line
Sanibel is not "back to normal." It is becoming something new. The shells are still world-class. The sunsets have not changed. The dolphins still play in the pass. The birds still fill the refuge.
The community is tighter than ever. There is a resilience you can feel when you are here — in the restaurants, on the bike paths, at the farmers market. People chose to rebuild. They chose to stay. And they are proud of what is coming back.
Come see it for yourself.
