Sanibel Island Attractions

Sanibel Lighthouse - East end of Sanibel, public parking at the beach at east end of Periwinkle Way. First lit in August 1884. Since 1950, the U.S. Coast Guard property at the lighthouse has been a wildlife refuge.

Darling National Wildlife Refuge - One Wildlife Drive (off San-Cap Road). Open daily 9am to sunset, closed Fridays (a wildlife vacation from people). 5,000-acre sanctuary offers hiking, biking and canoe trails. The 5-mile wildlife drive is $4 for cars, $1 for bikers and hikers. More than 200 species of birds nest here, many of them threatened or endangered. Alligators, turtles, river otters, armadillos and other creatures may be spotted as well. Visitor Center with guides and facilities, observation tower, canoe rentals.

You'll never see Florida more beautiful than in its natural, unspoiled state at the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Encompassing more than 5000 acres, this extraordinary refuge on the north side of Sanibel Island provides nesting sites for over 200 species of birds, many of them threatened of endangered, and an ecological system that is sanctuary for hundreds of species of wildlife.

Named for Pulitzer prize-winning cartoonist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling of New York, the refuge was established in 1945 and dedicated to Darling in 1978. Darling, who spent numerous winters on Captiva, was a staunch environmentalist who once headed the U.S. Biological Survey, forerunner of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Duck Stamp program, which garnered money from licensing hunters and sportsmen, was one of his accomplishments. With the help of this program, Darling was instrumental in establishing more than 300 sanctuaries across this country. Along with his strong beliefs in conservation, Darling possessed a playful sense of humor. His cartoons captured the shellers who came to the islands in the familiar posture of the Sanibel Stoop, and you may still come across some of his lighthearted drawings in establishments on the islands.

Don't rush through this remarkable refuge. Bring along binoculars and cameras, and plan to spend an hour or two on the Wildlife Drive. Stop first at the Visitor Center, which is open Saturday through Thursday, to see the displays of wildlife in natural habitats. Volunteers are helpful with information, and you can purchase wildlife prints and books about animal life on the islands.

Once in the refuge, park the car and get out and experience first hand this unspoiled side of Florida. With binoculars in hand, climb the observation tower for a wonderous view. Explore the nature trails and walk the boardwalks through the mangroves. Be ready for encounters with herons, ibises, pelicans, or an occasional bald eagle. You may spot the colorful roseate spoonbill with its unusual flattened bill, or the elegant great egret that during mating season sports a beautiful spray of plumes. Be sharp-eyed for nesting birds and you may glimpse a family of young ones. But don't be tempted to touch-they are rigorously protected. Alligators, turtles, river otters, armadillos, and rabbits may show themselves. Native plant life is prolific and rarely seen in such natural splendor.

Open from sun-up to sundown daily except Friday, the refuge is best seen during times of low tide when large numbers of water birds are in residence, and if you can catch low tide in early morning morning or near sunset, you'll experience the soft, golden light so prized by photographers. Wildlife is most active at these times too. A fee of $4.00 is charged per car, unless you're 62 or older, then admission is free. Bikers and hikers are charged $1 per person, or $1 per family traveling together.

For a guided tour, hop aboard the tram that leaves from Tarpon Bay Center ((941) 472- 8900) at the end of Tarpon Bay Road. The driver narrates the two-hour drive, bringing attention to points of interest, identifying wildlife, and offering bits of island history as well. Canoe tours are also offered, or you can rent your own craft, either canoe or electric boat, and explore the mangrove swamps on you own.

Be sure to observe good habitat- viewing etiquette. Don't speed, don't leave evidence that you have visited, and leave refuge residents and their surroundings undisturbed.

Savor this rare experience while you're here and make it a habit whenever you're in southwest Florida. The ever-changing face of this natural habitat offers new and unforgettable sights with every visit.

For more information, call the refuge at (941) 472-1100.

Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Center - Mile Marker 1, San-Cap Road. Hours: 8:30am-3pm Mon-Fri during the summer, 8:30am-4pm Mon-Sat during winter months. A not-for-profit organization dedicated to conserving the island's natural resources. Several miles of walking trails, exhibits, marine touch tank, native plant nursery and nature store. Nominal admission fee.

Care and Rehabilitation of Wildlife (C.R.O.W.) - 3883 San-Cap Road. Non-profit veterinary hospital dedicated to rehabilitation and return to the wild of ill, injured and orphaned native wildlife. Thousands of patients - from all over Southwest Florida - are received annually. C.R.O.W. also participates in wildlife studies and sponsors educational programs. Tours 11am Mon-Fri, 1pm Sunday, no tours on Saturday. $3 requested donation.

Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum - 3075 San-Cap Road. Hours: 10am-4pm Tues-Sun; Closed Mondays. The Shell Museum is the only one of its kind in the United States. Exhibits are devoted to shells in art and history, shell habitats, rare specimens, fossil shells and local Sanibel-Captiva shells. Museum members and children 7 & under are free, youths 8 to 16 are $3, adults 17 and up - $5. Group rates and tour information availble.

3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel Island, Florida, USA 33957
Phone: 941-395-2233 ~ FAX: 941-395-6706

Hours of Operation:

• Tuesday - Sunday (Closed Monday)
• 10:00am - 4:00pm

Admission:

• Children 7 & under - Free
• Youth 8 to 16 - $3.00
• Adults 17 & up - $5.00
• Group rates and tour information available

"Our mission is to explain the miracle of sea shells and how they influence the affairs of mankind." Founding Director, the late Dr. R. Tucker Abbott. Learn the important role sea shells have played in ecology, medicine, literature, religion, art and as a food source. Interactive exhibits, educational and informative lectures, presentations and family events are just a few of the programs planned. Visit our Museum Store and inquire about special membership activities and benefits.

• SEE...cameos carved from shells, a long forgotten craft of the 19th century and many other exquisite collections in our Shells in Art section.
• EXPLORE...how nature has created shells with a breathtaking variety of colors, patterns and shapes, such as the chambered nautilus.
• HEAR...the sounds of the Florida Everglades as you walk through our Kingdom of Landshells.
• EXPERIENCE...the interrelationship between shells and the web of life found in our fascinating habitat exhibits.
• DISCOVER...why seashells wash ashore and why Sanibel and Captiva are known as "Seashell Islands".

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Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for Sanibel Island attractions