Things to Do
Nature & Wildlife
Half of Sanibel is protected land. Explore world-class birding, sea turtle programs, and miles of trails.
26 places on Sanibel & Captiva
Adventure Sea Kayak & SUP
Guided sea kayak and SUP tours through Captiva's mangroves and coastal waterways
Visit WebsiteAlbright Island Preserve
Undeveloped preserve protecting island habitat — part of Sanibel's extensive conservation network
Bailey Homestead Preserve, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Historic preserve with native plant garden center — the only source for 100% native plants on the islands
Visit WebsiteBailey Tract
Freshwater marshes and trails managed by Ding Darling — popular for birding and quiet nature walks
Carefree Birding
Guided birding tours and nature excursions — expert-led trips through Ding Darling and beyond
Visit WebsiteClinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) - Visitor Education Center
Wildlife education center with interactive exhibits — learn about native species and conservation efforts
Visit WebsiteClinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) - Wildlife Hospital
Wildlife hospital rescuing and rehabilitating injured and orphaned animals — call if you find injured wildlife
Visit WebsiteCROW (Clinic for Rehabilitation of Wildlife)
Wildlife teaching hospital and education center — veterinary care, research, and conservation programs
Visit WebsiteEndless Summer Charters
Fishing charters and dolphin tours departing from Port Sanibel Marina — inshore and offshore trips
Frannie's Preserve
Quiet nature preserve with a short trail through native vegetation — a hidden gem off Tarpon Bay Road
Galt Preserve
Lee County conservation preserve on Pine Island — hiking trails through pine flatwoods and wetlands
Gulf Ridge Preserve
Quiet preserve with trails through native coastal habitat — limited access, pristine setting
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
6,400-acre refuge with Wildlife Drive, kayak trails, and world-famous birding — the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S.
Visit WebsiteJ.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Visitor and Education Center
Interactive exhibits, educational programs, and info on the refuge's mangrove ecosystems and wildlife
Visit WebsiteJ.N. "Ding" Darling Wilderness
Federally designated wilderness area within the refuge — pristine mangrove and wetland habitat
Visit WebsiteObservation tower
Observation deck along Wildlife Drive — great for spotting roseate spoonbills, osprey, and alligators
Visit WebsiteObservation Tower
Elevated observation platform in Ding Darling — panoramic views of mangroves, birds, and waterways
Pond Apple Park and Trail
Short nature trail through a pond apple swamp — one of Sanibel's lesser-known walks
Sanibel Lighthouse
Historic 1884 iron-pile lighthouse and pier — iconic island landmark with great fishing and sunset views
Sanibel Sea School
Marine science education through hands-on ocean experiences — camps, classes, and field trips for all ages
Visit WebsiteSanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation
Nonprofit protecting coastal ecosystems — nature center, trails, sea turtle programs, and research
Visit WebsiteSCCF (Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation)
Protecting Southwest Florida's coastal ecosystems — nature trails, sea turtle patrols, and research
Visit WebsiteSeaspray Preserve
Small neighborhood preserve with a short trail through native vegetation
Visitor Center and Trails
Hiking trails and visitor center at Ding Darling — exhibits, boardwalks, and wildlife viewing
West Sanibel River Preserve
SCCF-managed preserve protecting freshwater wetlands — part of the Sanibel River corridor