Island Wildlife & Estuary Tours
NOTICE: Some information on these pages are pre-Hurricane Ian and may not be fully up-to-date.
More than half of Sanibel Island is dedicated to public wildlife refuges you and your family can explore, offering landscapes ranging from winding estuaries, marshland, mangrove bayous, and undeveloped leeward beaches. Sanibel Island’s marshlands, estuaries, mangroves and beaches are teaming with life, including many species of birds including flamingos and rosette spoonbills, the American alligator, manatees and many other animals. Native vegetation on Sanibel Island is world-class, including the sea grape, sea oats, mangroves, and a variety of palm species. All this abundance of life makes for unforgettable tours. Find the right Sanibel Island Marshland and Estuary for you to tour below.
J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of Sanibel Island’s most popular attractions. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this refuge boasts more than 5,200 acres of protected land. Learn about the mangrove ecosystem and the animals who call it home, including hundreds of migratory bird species.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation manages more than 1,300 acres of land on Sanibel Island. The SCCF’s many educational programs include beach and rail walks, boat tours, wading trips, kayak tours and classroom-based activities. Be sure to visit the SCCF nature center complete with four miles of trails, an observation tower, a touch tank, butterfly house and Nature Shop.
Everglades Day Safari Ecotour
Experience the Florida Everglades! Everglades Day Safari Ecotour offers the area’s only full day guided tour of the Florida Everglades. The tour includes an airboat ride to see alligators and many species of birds, a boat cruise through the Everglades National Park to see manatee, dolphin and sea turtles, lunch and more! Make your reservation today!
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Grab your camera as we take a tour around beautiful south Florida. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is an amazing experience. Take a stroll down their boardwalk and see the many species of wildlife and one of the county’s last remaining stands of virgin bald cypresses.
C.R.O.W. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife
Grab your camera as we take a tour around beautiful south Florida. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is an amazing experience. Take a stroll down their boardwalk and see the many species of wildlife and one of the county’s last remaining stands of virgin bald cypresses.
Visitor Reviews
A Sunny Return We returned to The Island Inn for our first visit since Hurricane Ian and was heartened to see construction underway and Sanibel rebounding. We had a beautiful ocean-view room for six nights in the Matthews Lodge, which was extremely quiet and included a screened in balcony patio and a fully equipped kitchen. The staff was very attentive and friendly. We encourage you to support this historic property. 
Sanibel Wildlife & Ding Darling FAQ
When is the best time to see wildlife at Ding Darling?
Winter, roughly December through April, when migratory wading birds and shorebirds fill the refuge. Go early in the morning, and time your visit near low tide, when birds feed on the exposed mudflats along Wildlife Drive. Our Sanibel birding guide and Ding Darling hiking guide cover where to go.
How much does Wildlife Drive cost, and when is it closed?
Wildlife Drive is a 4-mile, one-way route you can drive, bike or walk. It costs $10 per vehicle and $1 for walkers and cyclists. It is closed every Friday, all year. Gate hours change with the seasons, so check the refuge’s website before you go.
Can you see alligators, manatees and dolphins on Sanibel?
Yes. Alligators live in the island’s freshwater ponds and marshes; keep your distance and never feed them. Dolphins are often seen from the Gulf beaches, including Island Inn’s. Manatees turn up in the bays and canals, most often in the warmer months.
When is sea turtle nesting season on Sanibel?
Loggerhead sea turtles nest on Sanibel from about May 1 through October 31. During the season, lights visible from the beach go off by 9 p.m., and guests are asked not to use flashlights or phone lights on the beach, to fill in holes and to take beach gear in at night. Report a nest or a turtle in trouble to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation’s sea turtle hotline at 978-728-3663.
