Sanibel - JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Located at the north end of the island, JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a 7000-acre mangrove estuary. Home to large flocks of neo-tropical wading water birds and migrating waterfowl, alligators, otters, raccoons and American crocodiles. Over 220 species of birds have been sighted in the Darling Refuge. Hiking trails, canoe routes, biking paths and an interpretative tram ride on the "wildlife drive." The refuge was named for cartoonist and early conservationist, Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling. It was created in 1945 and renamed in 1978 in his memory.
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Must-see attractions nearby:
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JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
1 Wildlife Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
United States
1 Wildlife Drive
Sanibel, FL 33957
United States
Phone 1 (239) 472-1100
Fax 1 (239) 472-4061
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 7:00 | 7:00 | 7:00 | 7:00 | Closed | 7:00 | 7:00 |
| Close | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset | Sunset |
Closing times vary each month.
The visitor center is open daily 9:00 to 17:00 (to 16:00 in the off-season: May 1 - December 31)
Tram tour leaves twice daily from the Tarpon Bay Marina during the high season.
Best time to observe bird-life is in the morning, one hour before or after low tide.
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities
Gift shop
Related Attractions
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation works to preserve the natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around Sanibel and Captiva. Guided nature trails, a butterfly house, touch tank, displays of the area wetlands are part of the foundation exhibits.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel, FL 33957
United States
3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel, FL 33957
United States
Phone 1 (239) 472-2329
Fax 1 (239) 472-6421
