Sanibel, Coastal city in Lee County, Florida, United States.
Sanibel is a city on a barrier island in Lee County, Florida, extending over 85 square kilometers (33 square miles) with white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico at an elevation of one meter. The beaches run along the southern shore of the island, while the northern side features calmer waters and mangrove forests.
The Florida Peninsular Land Company initiated the first settlement attempts in 1832, which ended unsuccessfully by 1849 due to various challenges. The Sanibel Causeway later replaced the previous ferry system and established a direct link to the mainland.
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum presents exhibits about marine life and maintains collections of mollusks found along the island's shores. Shell collectors practice the Sanibel Stoop, a particular bending position adopted while searching for specimens on the beach throughout the year.
Tidal conditions affect the accessibility of certain beach sections and the visibility of shells during the day. Most facilities and beaches are located along the southern and eastern coasts of the island.
The island's east-to-west orientation differs from most other barrier islands in Florida, which run north to south. This unusual alignment influences the way waves and currents bring shells and marine organisms to shore.
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