J.N. View this post on Instagram . Whether you're looking for high-octane thrills or you just want to relax on the beach, Sanibel has no shortage of activities and attractions that the whole family can enjoy. September 5, 2020 by writer writer Leave a Comment. You just have to decide where to start. There is so much to see and do on the island. It has no high-rises, no stoplights, theme parks or malls…. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Share; Tweet; Pin; Sanibel Island is located about 45 minutes from Fort Myers, Florida. And if you go during low tide you improve your odds even more. Sunset-gazing and beach walks are only the beginning of the story on the 150-plus islands that make up southwest Florida’s coast. Kids will find themselves immersed for hours in this natural treasure hunt—without a care given to the backbreaking stance known as the "Sanibel stoop." Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, I saw some fascinating birds and a park that I’d love to revisit. Sanibel Island is where Florida achieves its full potential. Sanibel Island is near Fort Myers in Southwest Florida, but it’s unlike any other place in the world. Sanibel is heaven to the many people who have had a Sanibel vacation and enjoyed all its charms and pleasures. Unmissable on your list of things to do. Sanibel Island is made for biking. Things to do in Sanibel Island Florida J.N. By foot or bike would be my preference, but you can also take a 90-minute tram tour with Tarpon Bay Explorers, or drive through. 11/26/2019 — By Jamie Beckman. And it’s one of those destinations that tends to remain popular, year-round. Collect shells along the beach. A post shared by Captiva Cruises (@captivacruises) on Feb 19, 2020 at 1:29pm PST. 21 09, 2020. Anyone who has visited Sanibel Island will tell you the JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is tops on a Sanibel Island Things to do list. For a look at how to spend your time here, see our list of things to do on Sanibel Island. J.N. There are no traffic lights, no chain restaurants, no neon signs, no streetlights, over 7,800 acres of conservation land, 22 miles of bike paths, 15 miles of white sand beaches, and some of the best shelling in the world. Anywhere on the sourthern coast of Sanibel from west to east is a good place to go for a hunt. Your friends at West Wind Inn have the inside scoop on the best activities that will create spectacular memories, without hurting your wallet! With beaches that boast over 60 different kinds of seashells, Sanibel Island is a shell hunter's dream. Whether you are a Southwest Florida resident, or simply vacationing in the Sunshine State, Sanibel Island is your go-to location for all things fun. Sanibel Island is literally made up of shells. 1661 shares. Things to do on Sanibel Island. Free Things to do on Sanibel Island Brandon Sherwood 2015-12-02T14:34:16+00:00. The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum: Pink, orange and all kinds of pastel hues await the shell lover and collector at this one of a kind museum. Go fishing. This goes without saying, but be sure to plan time to simply enjoy the beach, which has to be one of the best things to do in Sanibel Island and other Fort Myers beaches with kids. Located mid-island on Sanibel off Sanibel-Captiva Road, Bowman's Beach is a beautiful stretch of remote coastline that offers excellent opportunities for shelling, swimming, romantic walks and beachcombing. Its shores scoop up the beautiful shells of different types from the Gulf of Mexico. Sanibel Island Recreation & Things to Do. True, they're both quiet spots with great shorelines, but there are a few differences. Most people think of Sanibel and its quirky little sister island, Captiva, as interchangeable. We have reviews of the best places to see in Sanibel Island. Browse upcoming events on Sanibel and Captiva Island. Shelling is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island, so plan to spend lots of time at the beach! Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. So if you fly into the Fort Myers and rent a car, you and your family can easily be exploring this island in no time. Rent Bikes . Bike around Sanibel Island. There is an array of things to do in the area too, so there is no way visitors will get bored while they are enjoying the lovely weather. Sunset watching and beach walks are just the beginning of the story on more than 150 islands off the southwest coast of Florida. I’ve locked away fond memories of our short stay on this very special island. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge is the premier destination in the area for seeing nature and wildlife. This Sanibel Island attraction is filled with things to do and see. 2. Things to do on Sanibel Island: An aviary is a free hidden treat at a campground on Sanibel Island, Florida. Certainly, the size of the island is very reasonable for going on a bike excursion. Having a sub-tropical climate, visitors and residents enjoy the outdoors and sunshine all year long. Read More. Guests enjoy shelling, beach walks, estuary & boat tours, cruises, kayaking, biking, golfing, fishing and many more natural wonders on Sanibel Island with the Island Inn Sanibel. Roseate spoonbills at JN Ding Darling National Wildlife Preserve. Looking for what to do on Sanibel Island guests say they could spend weeks exploring all Sanibel Island has to offer. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in December. Choose to be surrounded by nature and learn more about the region, visit a historic site on the island or just relax on the sandy beaches. Continue reading to find out more about the best things to do on Sanibel Island. Sanibel is known as the Shelling Capital of the World, and it’s not hard to see why. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. There are paved bike paths that cross the island and 2 well-known bike shops that will deliver bikes to your hotel, ready when you arrive. We have reviews of the best places to see in Sanibel Island… Depending on where you are, water sports ranging from wave runners to parasailing is also available. Photo: Courtesy of The Beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel. Tarpon Bay Explorers: Nature and sea life cruise, breakfast and evening nature cruises, kayak trail tours and standup paddleboard excursions. These are our top 10 things to do in Sanibel Island and Captiva Island! Hi guys! The island is not what you think of when you think of Florida. But most importantly, there are about 25 miles (40 km) of paved bike trails for you to explore. The barrier island sanctuary of Sanibel Island is packed full of things to do for virtually endless adventure. Located about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, Florida's family-friendly Sanibel Island draws vacationers looking for beautiful beaches and opportunities to explore the area's rich ecosystem. Founded by J. Bruce Neill, who has a PhD in Conservation Biology, and his wife Evelyn, the school offers excellent half-day, full-day and week-long programs that give visitors an immersive, interactive exploration of Sanibel Island’s abundant marine life. Add “watch a Sanibel Island sunset” to your list of romantic things to do on Sanibel Island for your couples’ getaway and take some Instagram-worthy pictures in the orange glow of the setting sun. Things To Do on Sanibel Island. From shelling to relaxing on the beach there are more things to do than hours in the day. (Photo: Bonnie Gross) Visit the aviary at the only campground on the island, Periwinkle Trailer Park, 1119 Periwinkle Way, 239-472-1433.The aviary is home to raucous, colorful parrots and macaws as well as visiting ducks and wading birds. Posted on January 3, 2021 January 3, 2021 Author Allison. The fun never stops on Sanibel Island. The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel. After all, Sanibel is a sub-tropical island with white sandy beaches, zephyr-like breezes, lots of sunshine and friendly people and many interesting and fun things to do. Water sports like snorkeling, kayaking, jetski, and speedboat riding are tourist-favorites. Taking a class with them was definitely one of our favorite things to do in Sanibel Island. 6 Things to Do On and Around Sanibel Island, Florida. A visit to Sanibel and Captiva Island is pure bliss! Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Sanibel Island, Florida on Tripadvisor: See 125,001 traveller reviews and photos of Sanibel Island tourist attractions. Sanibel Island is well-known as a tropical gem, located in Florida’s Gulf Coast. Things to do in Sanibel Island. There are plenty of things to do in Sanibel Island whether it’s your first trip to the area or a repeat visit. Relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches is one of the best things to do on Sanibel Island. Sanibel Island Cruise Line: Private cruises to Cayo Costa State Park. Here’s what to see and do. Shores of Sanibel Island are embezzled with shells, making shelling one of the most favorite activities. As just one of the many barrier islands within the Gulf, Sanibel is characterized by clear skies and warm balmy weather for the most part of the year. Jamie Beckman. Be sure to check out some of these fascinating attractions when in Sanibel Island, Florida. Warm Gulf waters and calm surf make most of the island's beaches great for families with small children. We have a variety of nightlife shows, community events & networking events for you to enjoy. just a few small shopping centers and locally-owned grocery stores. Keep up to date on current and new events happening in the area, and plan your Sanibel Island vacation accordingly. What you need to know is there are several ways to explore the refuge. 1. Things to do: Farmers Market. Highly rated activities for a rainy day in Sanibel Island: The top indoor things to do in Sanibel Island. See Tripadvisor's 26,501 traveler reviews and photos of Sanibel Island rainy day attractions Lie down on the pearl-white sands and listen to the soothing melody of rushing waves on the beaches of Sanibel Island. However, the island is spread out depending on where you stay. Check the Southwest Florida Farmers Market schedule, but typically Sanibel has their farmers market on Sunday and Captiva (the very end point of the island) is on Tuesdays; Sanibel Segway Tour . 1. Sanibel Island has plenty of activities and things to do for everyone in the family. The sand is fine, white and soft like baby powder. We had such a lovely family vacation on Sanibel Island, which is in southwest Florida just off the coast of Fort Myers. Here’s the BEST things to do in Sanibel Island, Florida! I never knew how much fun bird watching could be. If you want to sample a little bit of everything Sanibel offers, let us help get your plan together. It’s maybe no big surprise that biking is a popular way to get around on the island. Book your tickets online for the top things to do in Sanibel Island, Florida on Tripadvisor: See 26,499 traveler reviews and photos of Sanibel Island tourist attractions. I love its charm, the slow pace, and the fact that it’s not overdeveloped. 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