Sanibel Island Wildlife & Nature

World weary travelers find refuge in peaceful Sanibel, as do scores of threatened and endangered animals. Nearly a third of the island is occupied by the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 7,000-acre stretch of maritime wilderness. Visitors tour the island’s unique ecosystems via canoe, kayak, and foot: a 5-mile nature trail runs through the refuge. Area outfitters offer guided tours, and lend additional insight into the science, culture, and history expansive park.

Tarpon Bay Explorers

A concessionaire to the Refuge, this outfitter provides tours with trained naturalists who will spot the wildlife for you and share fascinating information the area. Tours are available via by tram, electric boat or kayak. Quiet pontoon boat rides offer glimpses of the bay’s fascinating bird rookeries, dolphins, and manatees. www.tarponbayexplorers.com

900 Tarpon Bay Road . Sanibel Island, FL 33957 . (239) 472-8900

Hawkeye Charters, Inc.

Anglers seeking to land cobia, snook, monster red fish, or any of the prize catches swimming Sanibel’s waters should seek out Charter Captain Hawkeye Halper. With seven I.G.F.A. (International Game Fish Association) world records, he is one of the most sought after fishing guides on the coast. Hawkeye guides anglers to the back-country waters of Sanibel, Captiva, Pine Island Sound, Useppa, Bokeelia, Fort Myers, Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande. Children and non-anglers will also enjoy Hawkeye’s eco-tours of the area and island-hopping cruises for lunch on Cabbage Key. www.fishwithhawkeye.com

(239) 282-1263

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge sees nearly 800,000 visitors annually, putting it neck and neck with Sanibel’s beaches as the area’s main attraction. Encompassing over 7,000 acres, the refuge is home to eastern indigo snakes, American alligators, American crocodiles, bald eagles, wood storks, peregrine falcons, west Indian manatees, and Atlantic loggerhead turtles - all threatened or endangered species. An education center offers an introduction to the area’s wildlife, with state of the art exhibits and guided tours. The refuge’s 5-mile nature trail is ideal for hiking and biking, and a number of area outfitters offer guided trips for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking enthusiasts. dingdarling.fws.gov

1 Wildlife Drive . Sanibel Island, FL 33957 . (239) 472 1100