Exploring Bowman’s Beach

Photo: FredericoLukkini Void of any nearby development, Bowman’s Beach provides a peaceful and remote location to simply enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Located on Sanibel’s west end, the beach is the place to explore white sand and partake in world-class shelling. About a five-minute walk from the parking lot, it’s necessary to pass along a boardwalk bridge to reach the sand. Once there, though, you’re treated to miles of beachfront, ranked by US News Travel as one of the “Top 10 Beaches in the World”. It’s the natural state of the beach that is perhaps the biggest attraction of all. Just behind the beach you’ll find the protected saltwater bayous, a place to spot shorebirds and native fish. In fact, Bowman’s Beach is a fantastic spot for birding and, of course, for shelling. While you won’t find any lifeguards on duty here, you will find a few tables for setting up a picnic lunch, some BBQ grills, nature trails and a small playground. You’ll also find some restrooms, changing rooms and outdoor showers for the convenience of visitors. In addition, you’ll discover a kayak and canoe launch at Bowman’s Beach, plenty of room for fishing and you’ll find numerous walking trails to enjoy. While often not crowded, parking is still sometimes a problem, especially during the busy tourist season and on certain holidays. If you do go to explore, remember to get there early and give yourself enough time to fully enjoy all that this secluded beach has to offer. That’s likely easier than ever now that a shared use path has opened. Years in the planning stage, the new path provides beachgoers with a simpler and safer way to access the park, perhaps enticing even more visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the area around Bowman’s Beach. If you are looking for your own piece of the beach on Sanible, here is a resource to explore homes and condos for sale in Sanibel Beach communities.