Bookmark and Share

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

One Wildlife Dr.
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239-472-1100,

This 6,400-acre wildlife refuge is home to 238 bird species, 51 types of reptiles, 32 mammal species, paddling trails and a four-mile scenic drive (drive closed Fri.) Free visitor/education center. Guided tours offered through Tarpon Bay Explorers 239-472-8900. Check website for special tours.

Top Property Features
  • Dates closed: Wildlife Drive is closed every Friday, Education Center times vary
  • Hours: Wildlife Drive: hours vary, call for times
  • Open Year-Round
  • Marina
  • Fishing Charter
  • Canoeing
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking

Activities

  • Back Bay Fishing
  • Bicycling
  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Canoeing
  • Children's Programs
  • Fishing
  • Kayaking
  • Natural Wildlife Viewing
See All activities

Category

  • Archaeological Site
  • Bicycle Trails
  • Boat Tours
  • Fishing Charter
  • Hiking/Nature Trails
  • Marine Attractions
  • Nature Interpretive Center
  • Nature Preserve
  • Nature Tours
  • Protected Species Habitat
  • Scenic Highway/Byway
  • Sightseeing Tours
  • Wildlife Management Area
See All category

Disabled Traveler Information

  • ADA Compliant
  • Disabled Accessible
  • Wheelchair Seating
  • Wheelchair-accessible Transportation
  • Wheelchair-friendly
  • Wheelchair-friendly Trails
See All disabled traveler information

Discounts

  • Other Discount

Facility Amenities

  • Baby-changing station
  • Bus Parking
  • Canoe/Kayak Launch
  • Gift Shop
  • Indoor activity
  • Instruction Available
  • Marina
  • Parking
See All facility amenities

General Information

  • Dates closed: Wildlife Drive is closed every Friday, Education Center times vary
  • Distance from Airport: 1 hour
  • Distance from Public Transportation: n/a
  • Hours: Wildlife Drive: hours vary, call for times
  • Open Year-Round
See All general information

Golf Course Type

  • Resort Course

Guest Information

  • Family Friendly
  • Meeting/Tour groups welcome

Information/Services Provided

  • Brochures
  • Maps Available
  • Multilingual Materials Available
  • Printed guides available
See All information/services provided

Payment Options

  • Cash
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Pet Information

  • Pets on Leash Allowed

Rentals

  • Bicycle Rental
  • Boat Rental
  • Canoe Rental
  • Kayak Rental
  • Pontoon Rental
  • Watersport Rentals - Motorized
  • Watersport Rentals - Non-motorized
See All rentals

Suitable for Ages

  • All Ages

Time To Experience Activity

  • 1 - 2 hours
  • 2 - 3 hours

Tour Information

  • Guided Tours
  • Self-guided tours
  • Tour Duration: 4 hrs max
  • Tour Schedule: Tram tours available - call for schedule
Slideshow
Map and Directions
Javascript is required to view this map.
Upcoming Events
April 21, 2012

Earth Day at the Refuge

J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, 1 Wildlife Dr.
Sanibel Island, FL 33957
239-472-1100
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge and Tarpon Bay Explorers co-host a free day of family environmental activities including earth crafts, free bicycle use, and other environmental activities.