J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is one attraction not to pass up. With an amazing 6,482 total acres of land on Sanibel dedicated to nature preservation, this refuge is home to about 250 species of birds and other animals including Roseate Spoonbills, American alligators, , Bald Eagles, Wood Storks, Ospreys, Reddish Egrets, Mangrove Cuckoos, Florida Manatees, Atlantic Loggerhead Turtles and more.
Besides protecting wildlife, “Ding” also provides high-quality interpretive and environmental education programs to impart each refuge visitor with an appreciation of wildlife ecology and provide quality wildlife-oriented recreation while conducting research to improve water quality and wildlife habitat.
Tower of Egrets – Click to Enlarge
“Ding” introduces visitors to wetland environment through its FREE Visitor & Education Center (don’t miss its award-winning restrooms while there), 4-mile Wildlife Drive, hiking and biking trails, fishing estuaries, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding and guided tram and boat tours.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Phone: 239-472-1100
Visitor & Education Center Hours:
- Saturday – Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Closed Friday’s
Wildlife Drive Hours:
- Saturday – Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Closed Friday’s
Fee:
- Visitor & Education Center: Free
- Wildlife Drive:
- $10/car,
- $1/bike or pedestrian (under 16 free)
Shop Ding Darling:
Visitors can shop for unique, eco-friendly products that professional staff have personally curated at three convenient locations. Many are made in America and, when possible, The Nature Store works with up-and-coming local artisans. Staff selects each item with quality, conservation, and recycling foremost in mind. Many items are exclusive to the Nature Store and ShopDingDarling.com and not available elsewhere.
Your in-store and online purchases support conservation efforts; 100% of all profits directly benefits the Refuge. So, you can feel good about your shopping experience and make a difference at the same time. Plus, guests of the Island Inn receive an Exclusive Promotion card at check-in that entitles them to special discounts! Click here for details.
- The Nature Store
- Located inside the Visitor and Education Center located at the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
- 1 Wildlife Drive Sanibel Island FL 33957
- Phone: (239) 472-1100 ext 241
- Shop Ding Darling Store Online
- Website: ShopDingDarling.com
- Phone: (239) 472-1100 ext 241
For information on supporting the Refuge, programs, and events, visit DingDarlingSociety.org
Visitor Reviews
Shelley’s paradise This is our second time at the Island Inn. First time was before Ian. The place has changed with the removal of the central building that held the restaurant but the accommodation and people are the same. It’s a great location right on the beach. We stayed for a week for my wife’s birthday and they left her a special treat. Great people and great place. Highly recommend 
After Ian Still recovering from hurricane Ian we knew in advance that amenities were limited. Our room was great, very clean and comfortable, the management are doing the best they can for visitors. Very welcoming and friendly, and if you understand how bad that hurricane was I still recommend this place. There is building work noise nearby but we expected that. This place will bounce back and we would definitely stay there again in the future.
Love the Island Inn! We have been coming to Sanibel for years and this was our first stay at the Island Inn. We booked again for next year before we left, we love it there. Wonderful and easy accommodations, great helpful staff, we couldn't ask for anything more. You step right onto the beach from your screened in porch, so even when you are not on the beach you are enjoying it. The best shelling around! We enjoyed the morning beach walk with the staff from the Sanibel Sea School, it was very knowledgable and fun! Highly recommend!
