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Itineraries
The Visitor & Convention Bureau can help your group experience the sights and sounds of the Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. Lee County’s central location is the ideal group tour hub destination. Whether it’s an overnight stop on route to another destination or an extended stay in the area, this is a convenient point for visitors and group tours traveling Florida’s Gulf Coast. Use these sample itineraries as examples of things you can do when you bring your groups to the area.
Eco Explorations Itinerary | History Itinerary | By Appointment Only Itinerary | Birding Itinerary | Fishing Itinerary
Eco Explorations Itinerary
10:30 a.m.
Ninety-minute tram tour of J.N. “Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This more than 6,000-acre wildlife refuge is home to numerous native birds, raccoons, otter, alligator and other wildlife. The refuge features delightful footpaths, winding canoe trails and a four-mile scenic drive, all of which are lush with native plants.
Contact: 239-472-1100
dingdarling.fws.gov
2:00 p.m.
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum - A delightful display of shells from around the world with a focus on species from Southwest Florida. 1 1/2 hours
Contact: 239-395-2233
www.shellmuseum.org
3:30 p.m.
Stroll the shell-laden beaches of Sanibel at Lighthouse Park Beach at the southern tip of the island. In 1884, the lighthouse was built, and this quaint area became the center of island activity.
Other eco-tour possibilities (see our Visitor Guide for more details on these and other eco attractions):
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (2 hours)
Contact: 239-348-9151
www.corkscrew.audubon.org
Everglades Wonder Gardens (45 minutes)
Contact: 239-992-2591
Manatee Park (1 hour)
Contact: 239-694-3537
www.leeparks.org
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve (1.5 hours)
Contact: 239-432-2004
www.leeparks.org
History Itinerary
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates - A must see for visitors to Southwest Florida, the area’s number one historical attraction features a 90-minute guided tour of the inventor’s 1886, 14- acre riverfront estate, laboratory and experimental gardens. The three-acre winter home of automobile industrialist Henry Ford features a display of Ford vehicles dating back to 1914. Add a river cruise in a replica’s of Edison’s electric launch, the Reliance, to give your group a beautiful view of the historical downtown waterfront and the homes.
Contact: 239-461-2687
www.edison-ford-estate.com
The Estates have food service on site – plan a picnic lunch under the spectacular banyan tree for your group.
10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Babcock Wilderness Adventures - Take a 90-minute swamp buggy ride with a trained naturalist through Telegraph Cypress Swamp. See panthers, Florida cracker cattle, alligators, native birds and more. Reservations required. (2.5 hours)
Contact: 941-637-0551
www.babcockwilderness.com
9 a.m.- 9 p.m.
The Shell Factory - Billed as the “world’s largest collection of rare shells, corals and sponges from the seven seas fossils from the seven seas" with over 5,000,000 shells and shell related gifts, this unique attraction has been a part of the Southwest Florida landscape for over 65 years. With over 50,000 square feet of retail space, your group is sure to find something for everyone on their “souvenir" list. Octagon Animal Showcase and Waltzing Waters are additional attractions to include during your visit. And with several food venues on site, The Shell Factory could be included for a great lunch or dinner visit.
Contact: 239-995-2121, ext 116
www.shellfactory.com
By Appointment Only Itinerary
Randell Research Center at Pineland – By appointment only. Experience the world of Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians with a walking tour of the Pineland site complex or a kayak trip to Josslyn Island. Learn about their history, constructed mounds, beliefs, livelihood, shell tools, diet and how they governed. Walking tour - 2 hours; kayak tours - 3 hours.
Contact: 239-283-2062
www.flmnh.ufl.edu
Tropic Star of Pine Island, Inc. - Full-day narrated nature cruises of “Old Florida" aboard the 59-passenger Tropic Star to Cabbage Key and Cayo Costa islands. Narrated, guided kayak and canoe tours, shelling charters, lunch and dinner cruises. Other island destinations are Boca Grande, North Captiva, Useppa and more. Water taxis to the outer islands. (4.5 – 6.5 hours)
Contact: 239-283-0015
www.tropicstarcruises.com
Koreshan State Historic Site – A nationally recognized historical site, the Koreshan Park was a utopian community settled in the late 1800’s. Guided walks available seasonally. Picnic area available. (2 hours)
Contact: 239-992-0311
www.floridastateparks.org
Southwest Florida Museum of History – A restored train depot with displays on the Calusa Indians, Spanish explorers and Seminole Indian civilizations. Visit the museum to discover the answers to these and other questions about Southwest Florida history. (1.5 – 2 hours)Contact: 239-332-5955
www.cityftmyers.com
Birding Itinerary
Fishing Itinerary
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