Sanibel Island is a barrier island about 12 miles long and 4 miles wide, located just off the southwest coast of Florida by Fort Myers. It is technically within Lee County but in 1974 became incorporated. Sanibel Island is known around the world for its premier shelling beaches. The island's geography and Gulf tidal currents result in great quantities of shells washing up on fine white sand. The island is a resort area with beaches mostly along the western shore, and preserves in the interior and along parts of the eastern shore. Development consists of single family homes and condominiums, with limited commercial development on the main thoroughfare of Periwinkle Way and Sanibel Captiva Road. Access to Sanibel is by way of a new high span bridge completed in 2007. Sanibel's current population is around 5600 people, however these numbers can quadruple during the winter when it is Sanibel Island's prime tourist season.

There are three types of unique properties with boating access in Sanibel. Indirect access restricts boat size and height with low bridges. This type of property is found directly to the west of the subject, in the interior of Sanibel. Direct access like the subject is located on canals with no bridges. There are two of these neighborhoods on the south end of the island, one being the subject. Bayfront properties are located on the eastern edge of the island and command much higher prices in the market place due to their views as well as boat access. Boating access is a primary factor in the market value of these properties. The limited number of these properties, creates a separate market area all of its own.