Most visitors come to Sanibel Island for the beaches and the shelling. But tucked away on the east end of the island, just past the causeway, there’s a place that surprises even longtime Sanibel regulars — The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club.
Set inside a wildlife preserve sanctioned by the Audubon Society, The Dunes is one of those rare places where the setting is just as memorable as the activity. Whether you’re here for a round of golf, a tennis match, or just a sunset cocktail on the patio, it’s an experience worth building into your Sanibel itinerary.
Here’s everything you need to know before you visit.
The Course: 18 Holes Through a Wildlife Preserve
The Dunes’ 18-hole championship course was designed by Marc McCumber, a 10-time PGA Tour winner, and it plays unlike anything else in Southwest Florida. At 5,606 yards from the tips with a slope of 129, it’s not the longest course you’ll ever play — but don’t let the yardage fool you. Water comes into play on 17 of 18 holes, and the course rewards accuracy and shot selection over raw distance.
The front nine features lush, tropical links-style holes, while the back nine winds through an active wildlife preserve. It’s not unusual to spot osprey, great blue herons, anhingas, and even the occasional alligator sunning itself near the fairway. Some visitors have even reported seeing bobcats.
Green fees for non-members vary by season, and tee times can be booked up to five days in advance through the website. If you’re staying at any of The Inns of Sanibel properties, you automatically receive a Resort Membership during your stay — which means reduced greens fees, member cart rates, complimentary driving range access, and seven-day advance booking.
Tennis, Pickleball, and Beyond
Golf gets the headline, but The Dunes is a legitimate multi-sport facility. The club features six newly resurfaced Har-Tru tennis courts and four dedicated pickleball courts — and both sports have been booming on the island.
Courts are available for reservation, and the club runs daily clinics for players of all levels. The Blackwood Tennis Academy, based at The Dunes, offers high-level instruction for anyone looking to sharpen their game. Whether you’re picking up a paddle for the first time or you’ve been playing competitive tennis for decades, there’s a program here for you.
Court fees for non-members run $24 per person for a 90-minute session, or $12 per person after 1pm. Members and resort guests pay reduced rates.
Clubhouse Dining: More Than an Afterthought
A lot of golf clubhouses offer forgettable food — a limp club sandwich and a warm beer. The Dunes is not that kind of place.
The Clubhouse Dining Room, led by Executive Chef Roro, has developed a genuine following on the island. The lunch menu runs from 11am to 3pm daily and covers everything from coconut shrimp and crab cakes to a signature steak sandwich with caramelized onions and gorgonzola fondue on ciabatta. The domestic red grouper — available fried, grilled, or blackened — is a perennial favorite and priced at market.
On Monday and Friday evenings, dinner service runs from 5:30 to 8:30pm with live music. The dinner menu steps it up with dishes like Scottish key lime salmon, char-grilled filet mignon with bourbon demi-glace, and a rosemary rack of lamb. Friday night features certified Black Angus prime rib, slow-roasted and served with creamy horseradish.
But here’s the move that most visitors discover by accident: the daily happy hour from 3 to 6pm. Grab a seat on the patio, order something off the appetizer menu, and watch the sun drop behind the lakes and the 18th fairway. It’s one of the best low-key experiences on the island.
What Makes The Dunes Different
Sanibel has three golf facilities: The Dunes, Sanibel Island Golf Club, and The Sanctuary Golf Club. The Sanctuary is private with a very limited membership roster, and Sanibel Island Golf Club is a solid public option but has been working through post-hurricane renovations.
The Dunes occupies a unique position. It’s open to the public but operates with the feel of a private club — well-maintained grounds, an attentive pro shop staff, quality dining, and a community of members who genuinely enjoy the place. You get the polish without the pretension, and the pricing is accessible.
The setting is the real differentiator. Playing golf inside an Audubon wildlife sanctuary, where a great egret might be standing 20 feet from your ball, is something you simply can’t replicate at a typical resort course.
Planning Your Visit
Location: 949 Sand Castle Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957 Phone: (239) 472-3355 Pro Shop Hours: Daily, 7am – 5:30pmRestaurant Hours: Lunch 11am–3pm daily | Appetizers & salads 3–6pm | Dinner Monday & Friday 5:30–8:30pm
Tip for vacationers: If you’re visiting Sanibel for a week or more and plan to play multiple rounds or use the tennis courts, ask about the 30-day membership option. It can save you significantly on greens fees and court time, and gives you access to member benefits like dining discounts, pool access, and advance booking. For many return visitors, the 30-day membership is the gateway to becoming a full annual member.
To book a tee time or reserve a court, visit sanibeldunesresort.com or call the pro shop directly.