Waterfront Dining and a Boat Cruise for Valentine’s Day

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What is more romantic than dinner along white sandy beaches, dancing ocean waters and a radiant sunset? Knock your honey off their socks with surprise waterfront reservations to one of these Sanibel area restaurants on Valentine’s Day. Then, step it up with a sunset boat ride, available for rent at Port Sanibel Marina.

A Few of Our Favorite Waterfront Restaurants in the Sanibel Area

Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant

Get cozy and keep it casual at the Cabbage Key Inn and Restaurant for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The main room of the restaurant is nestled among live Cuban laurels, dripping with moss. Kick back next to the crackling fireplace or feast in the front dining area settled on a rustic porch with a view of the marina.

Bring your blue jeans and boat shoes! This dining spot is known as “the bar with all the money on the walls.” Add a token of your love to the wall with your Valentine. Just ask your sever for a marker and tape, and leave a bill of love behind.

Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant


Dance the night away at the Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, located overlooking Connie Mack Island. Walk inside and enjoy a cocktail at the full liquor bar or boogie down to the area’s best live music.

Get some fresh air at the outside seating area, featuring a dockside view. The expansive 160’ outdoor porch is perfect for sunsets. For your comfort, outdoor dining is covered, screened and heated, which is perfect for a cool February night. Whether you sit inside or outside, The Lighthouse Waterfront Restaurant provides guests with the ultimate setting for savoring a variety of appetizers, soups, salads, fresh seafood dishes, fine steaks, poultry and popular dessert items.

Barnacle Phil’s on North Captiva

Boat it to Barnacle Phil’s, a seafood shack on a remote portion of North Captiva Island.  This lunch and dinner spot is isolated and only accessible by water. Don’t have a boat? Call the Port of Sanibel about reserving a rental.

After dinner, stroll down the dock and have ice cream, while getting in touch with nature. Watch otters scampering about the mangroves and manatees floating in the shallow canal waters. This boater’s getaway is a favorite for fishing friends, shell seeking sweethearts and beach strollers.

The Green Flash of Captiva Island

Treat your date with a fine dining experience on Captiva Island. Situated on the waters of Roosevelt Channel, The Green Flash overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway, the tranquil waters of Pine Island Sound and the pristine beauty of Buck Key. The Green Flash is easily navigable by boat and is located southwest of Marker 38 on the Intracoastal Waterway. Enjoy a picturesque view while eating lunch or dinner prepared by The Green Flash’s prestigious chef.

Tween Waters Inn Island Resort of Captiva Island

With over six different onsite dining options, you can wine and dine your Valentine all weekend.  Be it garden breakfast or poolside lunch, casual waterfront dining or gourmet delight, the mouthwatering flavors of Captiva Island are all located at this romantic getaway spot.

The Waterfront Restaurant and Marina on Pine Island

Wind down at the Waterfront Restaurant & Marina, located on the southern tip of Pine Island. This local favorite is known for its delicious food and laidback atmosphere. Dock your boat outside at the marina and enjoy a romantic evening by the water.

Top it off with a Boat Rental from Port Sanibel Marina!

There are plenty of romantic options in the Sanibel Island area. If you haven’t made plans for Valentine’s Day weekend, don’t be afraid to check out some of these restaurants. To add a boat cruise to your Valentine’s Day plans, contact Port of Sanibel at (239) 437-1660 to ask about boat rentals and other activities available for your special weekend.