Attraction: J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

The footpaths that branch throughout this 5,220-acre wildlife refuge are bordered by salt myrtles, cabbage palms, seagrapes, and other native trees just 15 miles southwest of Fort Myers. There's also a four-mile scenic drive, but a guided kayak trip may be the most fun. Paddling through the mangroves along Commodore Creek, you'll spy pelicans, osprey, and herons, and learn about the sea squirts, seahorses, barnacles, and oysters that live in the estuary. –Candyce Stapen

 

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Expert Review of J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

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Family Review of J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Away Travel Expert: Candyce H. Stapen

FamilyExpert Rating Recommended for:
Children aged 3 - 5 , 6 - 12 and 13 - 17

FamilyExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• Bring a bike (there are rental stores in Sanibel) and take one of the guided tours of the refuge.
• Family Craft and Storytime is for 4 to 14 and their families.

Romance Review of J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Away Travel Expert: Christine Loomis

Romance Expert Favorite
RomanceExpert Rating Recommended for:
Anniversary,Honeymoon,Weekend Getaway

RomanceExpert Tips & Helpful Hints

• December through March is the best time to view the refuge's abundant bird population.
• Shell Mound Trail, the boardwalk, is universally accessible.
• There's a modest fee to enter Wildlife Drive by car; it's even less for cyclists.

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a jewel among Sanibel attractions. The easiest way to experience nature and history in this 6,400-acre habitat is to drive or bike Wildlife Drive, stopping to mosey along the three marked trails off

(+) More

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a jewel among Sanibel attractions. The easiest way to experience nature and history in this 6,400-acre habitat is to drive or bike Wildlife Drive, stopping to mosey along the three marked trails off the roadway. Indigo Trail is four miles round-trip—you may spot alligators. Wulfert Keys Trail is a quarter-mile path leading to views of the sound. Shell Mound Trail, also a quarter mile, is a lovely interpretive boardwalk. Tarpon Bay Explorers, the refuge's official concessionaire, also offers guided tram tours and canoe/kayak interpretive tours. Start or end your visit at the excellent education center.

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Address:
1 Wildlife Dr.
Sanibel, Florida 33957

Parking: Fall and Winter: Saturday to Thursday 7:30 a.m. to sunset

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Visitor Information

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Attractions Near J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

• CROW (Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife) Sanibel Island, FL - 1.8 mi.
• Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum Sanibel, FL - 3.8 mi.
• Castaways Marina (The) Sanibel Island, FL - 4.0 mi.
• Captiva Kayak Company Captiva Island, FL - 4.2 mi.
• Captiva Cruises Captiva Island, FL - 4.3 mi.
• Tarpon Bay Explorers Sanibel Island, FL - 4.9 mi.
• Aboriginals: Art of the First Person Sanibel, FL - 5.3 mi.
• Sanibel Historical Village and Museum Sanibel Island, FL - 5.5 mi.
• Island Cow Sanibel Island, FL - 5.5 mi.
• Thistle Lodge Sanibel Island, FL - 6.0 mi.

Hotels Near J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

• Sanibel Beach Club Sanibel Island, - 3.4 mi.
• Tween Waters Inn Captiva, - 3.8 mi.
• West Wind Inn Sanibel, - 4.3 mi.
• Sunset Beach Inn Sanibel, - 4.4 mi.
• South Seas Island Resort Captiva Island, - 4.6 mi.
• Island Inn Sanibel Island, - 4.7 mi.
• Waterside Inn on the Beach Sanibel, - 4.8 mi.
• Shalimar Cottages and Motel Sanibel Island, - 5.1 mi.
• Casa Ybel Resort Sanibel Island, - 5.9 mi.
• Casa Ybel Sanibel Island Resort Sanibel, - 6.0 mi.