The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is 6,400 Acres of preserved and undeveloped mangrove ecosystem land. It is home to over 245 species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and endangered species. The wildlife refuge was created to protect endangered and threatened creatures. Additionally, it was created to sustain and develop the incredible natural habitat of Sanibel Island. The reserve is a vital support system for the wildlife and a unique element of Sanibel Island quite unlike any other.
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| Directions | Parking & Facilities | Rules | What To Do | Bailey Tract | Where To Stay | Restaurants |
Directions To The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Address: 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957
There are many parts to the refuge throughout the Island but, the free visitor and education center at 1 Wildlife Drive is a great place to start your exploration. Next to the center is the Wildlife Drive, Hiking Trails, and Tram tour. The Center is located approximately 2 miles West of Tarpon Bay Road on Sanibel Captiva Rd.
Parking At The J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge
Public Parking Address: 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957
Free parking is available at the Visitor & Education Center, you can drive or walk the 4-mile Wildlife Trail loop.
Facilities
Restrooms
Picnic Area w/Drinking Fountain
Parking
Handicap Accessible (Free Handicap Parking)
Close to nature trails
Fishing Access
Rules & Regulations
Permitted Activities
- Driving, biking and walking on the Wildlife Drive in accordance with state law. The speed limit is 15 mph on this one-way road for all modes of transportation for your safety. Seat belts and safety helmets (for children) must be worn.
- Paddling (kayak/canoe) from the right side of the Drive only. Paddling from the left side is prohibited. There are 2 designated launch sites for your ease.
- Hiking on designated trails only.
- Fishing or crabbing from Wildlife Drive
- Nature photography, wildlife observation, and nature study.
- Dogs under control and on a 6-ft leash. All dog feces must be collected and disposed of properly.
- While boating obey No-Motor and Pole/Troll Zones in Refuge. Motors must be up out of water in No-Motor Zones
- Keep 100 ft. distance from nesting birds.
For a full list of ALL federal, state, and local laws and regulations are applicable on Refuge lands and waters, please click HERE!
What To Do At The J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge
Visitor & Education Center
Cost: Free
Hours: 9:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m, open daily except for federal holidays
Features all the information you need to plan your visit, interactive exhibits, the story of and the work of refuge founder Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, the Nature Gift Store, field guides. nature books, children’s books. postcards etc…
Wildlife Drive
Wildlife Drive is 4 miles long and can be completed by car, bike or foot. There are three trails that can be accessed from Wildlife Drive the Indigo Trail, Shellmound Trial and Wufert Keys Trial. There is also a Wildlife Education Boardwalk. You will see an abundance of nature including birds, alligators, bobcats, raccoons among many other of our furry friends. For a full map of the refuge, please click HERE!
Cost: $10 per car, $1 for a bike or if you are on foot. Please note the speed limit for cars is 15mph.
Hours: Wildlife Drive is closed every Friday. The drive is open at 7:00 a.m. with the exception of October and November where the opening is at 7:30 a.m. For up to date hours, please click HERE!
Tram Tours: Organized tram tours around Wildlife Drive with a guided naturalist are fun and informative. To find out the Wildlife Drive Tram schedule please click HERE!
Trails
The refuge site at Wildlife Drive provides access to 3 trails:
The Indigo Trail – 4.2 Mile loop, Skill level: Easy
Shellmound Trail – 0.5 Mile with a focus on the ancient Indians who used to populate Southwest Florida. Features many interesting, informational panels.
Wuffert Keys Trail – 0.5 Mile which is great for spotting pelicans, osprey and larger birds also, has a terrific view of Pine Island.
Check out our Guide to Biking on Sanibel
Kayaking, Paddle Boarding & Canoeing
There are two places that act as launch sites for Kayakers, Paddle Boarders and Canooers. One is at the East end of Wildlife Drive, the other at the West. Guided tours are offered by the Tarpon Bay Explorers who are also able to provide rental equipment.
Fishing & Boating
Salt Water fishing is very popular on Wildlife Drive, Tarpon Bay and at the back of the refuge. There are very specific rules and designated areas for fishing on Sanibel and the refuge brochure can be found HERE!
How do I get a fishing license?
For fishing rentals check out Tarpon Bay Explorers and for a guide to fishing on Sanibel Island and Captiva Island click HERE!
The Bailey Tract
The Bailey Tract is the one trail separate from those on Wildlife Drive. Noted for great bird watching in the morning, this easy trail runs for approximately 2.2 miles with the option to take shorter routes. It is a loop, there is no admission fee and it is open from dawn till dusk.
The Bailey Tract is also very close to a local favorite, Tarpon Bay Beach, check out our Guide to Tarpon Bay Beach.
Equipment Rentals And Charters
A great place for paddle boarding and kayaking, Tarpon Bay has rental options nearby. Billy’s Rentals, located at 1470 Periwinkle Way provides all the beach rental options you will need and can be reached at 239-472-5248. Also close by is Finnimore’s Bike & Beach rentals, located at 2353 Periwinkle Way and can be reached at 239-472-5577.
It should also be noted that the Tarpon Bay Explorers provide rentals but in addition to Kayaks and Paddle Boards, they rent pontoon boats, fishing equipment and offer guided nature tours and charter fishing trips if you want an break from the beach. Tarpon Bay Explorers are located at 900 Tarpon Bay Rd and can be reached at 239-472-8900.
Billy’s Rentals
1470 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Billy’s Rentals Website
Standard Bike Rentals, Specialty Bikes & Physically Challenged, Beach Equipment, Segway Tour and Paddle Boards Rentals.
Finnimore’s Cycle Shop
2353 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
Finnimore’s Website
Rents Beach Equipment, Bikes, Trikes & Tandems, Canopy Group Bikes, Paddleboards & Kayaks.
Tarpon Bay Explorers
900 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
Tarpon Bay Explorers Website
Rents Kayak, Canoe, Stand Up Paddleboard, Hobie Fishing Kayak, Pontoon, Fishing Equipment, Bikes
Restaurants Close To The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
There are numerous restaurants close to the wildlife refuge. Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is great for a sit-down meal serving up delicious Caribbean flavors and fresh fish. This casual beach-themed island institute has an extensive premier rum selection and other original cocktails. Close by you will find George & Wendy’s who boasts a fresh, local and fun menu with over 20 beers on tap including a wide variety of craft beer. With an outdoor patio, sports bar, and traditional dining room, George & Wendy’s also was voted the “Best Place for Entertainment of the Islands 2017”. They offer live music almost every night of the week. If seafood is what you crave, check out Island staple The Timbers Restaurant and Fish Market. A bustling, large restaurant with beautiful wood décor, Timbers continues to serve up the freshest fish daily, sticking to their tagline that at The Timbers “Fish Happens”. For something a little different, the Great White Grill provides a Pittsburgh Steelers inspired pub atmosphere serving up tasty and fresh pizza, signature sandwiches including the Pittsburgh sandwich and jumbo wings. The interior has an impressive display of sports memorabilia and aged, vintage beer cans making this unique spot a sports lover’s dream.
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill
2500 Island Inn Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-8311
Visit Doc Ford’s Website
An island favorite, Doc Ford’s combines delicious Caribbean flavors with a laid-back atmosphere and impressive rum and cocktail selection.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
George & Wendy’s Seafood Grille (Located in Bailey’s Plaza)
2499 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-1263
Visit George & Wendy’s Website
Fresh seafood, cocktails and craft beer with nightly live entertainment.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
the Timbers Restaurant & Fish Market
703 Tarpon Bay Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-395-2722
Visit Timbers Website
Sticking to their tagline that at Timbers “Fish Happens!”, this busy island staple with outstanding wood décor offers a vast menu of seafood and claims to have the World’s Largest Collection of Oysters!
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
Over Easy Cafe
630 Tarpon Bay Rd #1, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2625
Visit Over Easy Cafe’s Website
A family-friendly, colorfully decorated casual eatery which is a great spot to start your day with a hearty breakfast or brunch.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
The Great White Grill (Located in Pelican Place)
2440 Palm Ridge Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-0212
Visit Great White Grill Website
Fun sports bar and restaurant with great sports memorabilia. Voted the best place to grab a beer, watch a game and chow down on their signature pizza, wings, and sandwiches.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
The Pecking Order (Located in Town Center Plaza)
2496 Palm Ridge Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957
239-472-2534
Visit The Pecking Order Website
A great place to grab some delicious comfort food on the go. Serves excellent fried chicken, classic sides, and pies.
Guide to Sanibel Restaurants
Guide to Captiva Restaurants
Guide To Waterfront Dining
Where To Stay Near The J.N. “Ding” Darling Wildlife Refuge
Casa Ybel Resort
2255 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
Visit Casa Ybel Resort Website
Casa Ybel Resort is 0.4 miles from Tarpon Bay Beach.
With 23 acres overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this upscale, full service resort provides stunning amenities, elegant suites and onsite dining options. Private paths will lead you to the beautiful sandy beach at this truly pristine and secluded retreat.
Waterside Inn on the Beach
3033 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
Visit the Waterside Inn Website
Waterside Inn is 0.9 miles from Tarpon Bay Beach.
True Old Sanibel charm, this delightful beachfront resort provides great amenities, bike rentals and a good selection of cottages, efficiencies and condominiums. A relaxing, tropical paradise.
Island Inn
3111 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
Island Inn is 1.1 miles from Tarpon Bay Beach.
Located on a gorgeous 10 acre stretch of Gulf front property, the Island Inn boasts 49 rooms and cottages and provides a truly relaxing atmosphere with beachfront dining, excellent shelling and access to fun activities such as Paddle Boarding and Kayaking.
Caribe Beach Resort
2669 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
Visit Caribe Beach Resort Website
Caribe Beach Resort is 0.5 miles from Tarpon Bay Beach.
A small, beachfront resort with 26 fully equipped and pet friendly units. Steps away from the beach with a large swimming pool and jacuzzi. 19 of the units are efficiencies with a fully equipped kitchen. Great for the whole family.
Shalimar Cottages and Motel
2823 W Gulf Dr, Sanibel, FL 33957
Shalimar is 0.6 miles from Tarpon Bay Beach
Old-Florida style resort offering 33 units featuring modern amenities, beach access and close by to JN “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, tennis courts, golf courses and a recreation center. Offering spacious motel efficiencies, 1 bedroom cottages or 2 bedroom apartments.
‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa
15951 Captiva Dr, Captiva, FL 33924
Visit Tween Waters Inn Website
This lovely resort has historic charm in spades. The main building has a relaxed colonial feel about it. They have lots of amenities including a spa, a large lagoon-like swimming pool, a hot tub, an adult pool, a pool bar, a marina with docking. The Crows Nest is the more casual restaurant and bar has crab races every Thursday and live music. The Captiva House is a more formal dining room. Tween Waters is a popular destination for weddings.
