The Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is one attraction not to pass up. With an amazing 6,390 total acres of land dedicated to nature preservation this refuge is home to over 220 species of birds and many other animals including eastern indigo snakes, American alligators, American crocodiles, Bald Eagles, Wood Storks, Peregrine Falcons, Florida Manatees, Atlantic Loggerhead Turtles and more.

Besides the protection of wildlife the “Ding” also aims to “provide high quality interpretive and environmental education programs in order to develop within each refuge visitor an appreciation of fish and wildlife ecology and to provide quality wildlife-oriented recreation compatible with the purposes for which the refuge was
established.”

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Tower of Swans - Click to Enlarge

The “Ding” does this through a wonderful education center, wildlife drive, hiking trails, fishing estuaries, canoeing/kyaking and more. A single 4.25 mile paved road loops through the preserve, in addition to gravel side trails.

Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
239-472-1100

http://www.fws.gov/dingdarling/

Hours:
Education Center
Nov-Apr: 9AM-5PM
May-Oct: 9AM-4PM
Wildlife Drive
Sunrise-Sunset every day except Friday

Fee:
Education Center: Free
Wildlife Drive: $5/car, $1/bike or pedestrian (under 16 free)