Title: J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel | Expedia.co.uk

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# J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

![J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge showing a bridge as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6123903/1af50fa6-38dc-4276-a6dd-5b04d07f72ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge showing a bridge as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6123903/1af50fa6-38dc-4276-a6dd-5b04d07f72ce.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge featuring zoo animals and dangerous animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6123903/1b98105e-149b-415d-8707-72b116f1e866.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge showing bird life](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6123903/0c06977d-db37-4945-be36-617497b6d11d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge which includes a lake or waterhole as well as a small group of people](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6123903/0c78b102-970e-42cd-b5fa-ef24bbb97082.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Activities

[Sanibel travel guide](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel.dx9791)

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#### See almost anything that flies, swims or crawls in Florida in this protected area. Become acquainted with wildlife while learning about varied species.

A visit to J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island offers a convenient opportunity to see many creatures in their natural habitat. Observe various species that are protected in the refuge with minimal interference from humans. The area has one of the nation’s largest mangrove stands, which is ideal for wildlife viewing.

The refuge’s 6,400 acres (2,600 hectares) are in a major migratory bird corridor linking the continent from north to south. The area is an important nesting and feeding ground for over 245 bird species, such as spoonbills, egrets, herons and mangrove cuckoos.

Bring your binoculars and telephoto lens to spot the wildlife that often travels through. In addition to the mangrove trees, the refuge’s marshes, heavily vegetated underwater beds and hardwood hammocks all tend to attract fish, alligators and manatees.

Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling was a conservationist and a political cartoonist who signed his art as “Ding.” He became concerned with the rate of development on Sanibel Island and got the attention of U.S. President Harry S. Truman. In 1945, the Sanibel National Wildlife Refuge was created. It received its current name in 1967 to honor the conservationist.

Start your exploration at the Visitor and Education Center, which has free admission and children’s hands-on displays providing an overall description of the refuge’s features and on-going projects.

The 4-mile (6-kilometer) Wildlife Drive and other trails take you through locations where you’re almost certain to spot water birds, alligators and perhaps even a bobcat. Choose to go alone or take a guided tour on land or on water. Note that certain places are designated for only non-motorized boating.

Bring a hat, drinking water container and good walking shoes. Restrooms and water bottle filling stations are located at regular intervals. The center is closed for most holidays, but Wildlife Drive is open year-round, except Fridays.

Drive to J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island from Cape Coral in about 40 minutes. Dogs on leash are permitted.

## Plan a trip to see J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2670000/2665100/2665085/fc463bf9_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Matanzas Inn Bayside Resort and Marina

£934

per person

30 Apr - 7 May

found 1 day ago

Return flight included

London (LON) to Fort Myers (RSW)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)

Very clean room with great view of estuary. Friendly staff. The only downside was that we were charged a $25 per day resort fee we were not expecting

Reviewed on 7 Feb 2026

![The Perry Hotel Naples](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/103000000/102390000/102386400/102386398/0ad2742c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Perry Hotel Naples

£1,327

per person

25 Apr - 2 May

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

Manchester (MAN) to Fort Myers (RSW)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (477 reviews)

The hotel was amazing and super clean.

Reviewed on 8 Feb 2026

![Resort Harbour Properties](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5430000/5427100/5427071/a9952fd7_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### Resort Harbour Properties

Punta Rassa

£1,325

per person

25 Apr - 2 May

found 1 day ago

Return direct flight included

Manchester (MAN) to Fort Myers (RSW)

9.6/10 Exceptional! (361 reviews)

The room was perfect for just my husband and myself, but with my elderly mother in a wheelchair, the bed was too high, toilet was too low and wobbled. She slept on the couch, and it was so low we had to both help her off of it. The view we had the condo was awesome except for someone in a wheelchair😔

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2026

### Popular places to visit

![It’s not everyday you see dolphins inside Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge! These two made their way through a culvert. It reportedly has been at least 15 years since any were spotted this close to the road.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/9791/7b756e94-d6f4-4afc-91f2-72603b2b245c.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sanibel Bayous

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Sanibel Bayous during your travels in Sanibel. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel-Bayous-Fort-Myers.d553248635976194214.Attraction)

![Seashells on Sanibel Island, Florida](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/553248635976194887/1681d0fb-bad0-43e3-9dad-05ad6264d3a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sanibel Island Southern Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Sanibel Island Southern Beach during your trip to Sanibel? 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel-Island-Southern-Beach-Fort-Myers.d553248635976194887.Attraction)

![Bowman\'s Beach which includes general coastal views and a sandy beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6296151/4495298b-a31a-40fc-a275-ded1cba6e62a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Bowman's Beach

Relax and revel in a visit to one of the area’s most beautiful beaches, great for swimming, fishing and finding special seashells.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Bowmans-Beach-Sanibel.d6296151.Attraction)

![Fort Myers featuring a house](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6296084/23eab012-1f55-4d52-8f9c-07eeb7f56326.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Sanibel Historical Museum and Village

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Sanibel Historical Museum and Village during your trip to Sanibel. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel-Historical-Museum-And-Village-Sanibel.d6296084.Attraction)

![Periwinkle Way featuring a garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6298863/ce898fdd-7ebf-4f44-9e80-60e95ba58831.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Periwinkle Way

The island’s spine is also its commercial hub. Drive or bike the road’s length to find attractions and discover many stores and restaurants.

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Periwinkle-Way-Sanibel.d6298863.Attraction)

![Milky Way at twilight. 
#beachtips](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/86452/42fb09b2-a250-48b0-bd31-d42dd64bde08.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

#### Turner Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Turner Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Captiva. Discover the beautiful sunsets in this relaxing area. 

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Turner-Beach-Captiva.d6182811.Attraction)

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## Top Hotel Deals

## Check availability on hotels close to J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

[Tonight

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6123903&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)[10 Feb - 11 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6123903&startDate=2026-02-10&endDate=2026-02-11)

[Tomorrow night

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[This weekend

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[Next weekend

](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6123903&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)[20 Feb - 22 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true&regionId=6123903&startDate=20%2F02%2F2026&endDate=22%2F02%2F2026)

![West End Paradise Unit Seahorse 3 - two bedroom suite w/water views](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60610000/60606100/60606067/e0fe110a_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

West End Paradise Unit Seahorse 3 - two bedroom suite w/water views

 Sanibel FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel-Hotels-West-End-Paradise-Unit-2-Seahorse-3-Two-Bedroom-Suite-Wwater-Views.h60606067.Hotel-Information)

![Gorgeous  Coastal Cottage "Ibis" Minutes to the beach and free bikes! JULY SAVINGS](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/28000000/27340000/27332100/27332078/1d8cb664_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

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Gorgeous Coastal Cottage "Ibis" Minutes to the beach and free bikes! JULY SAVINGS

 Sanibel FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel-Hotels-Gorgeous-Coastal-Cottage-Ibis-Minutes-To-The-Beach-And-Free-Bikes-JULY-SAVINGS.h27332078.Hotel-Information)

![West End Paradise Unit Coral 4 - One bedroom efficiency suite](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/61000000/60610000/60606600/60606555/7162448b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

West End Paradise Unit Coral 4 - One bedroom efficiency suite

 Sanibel FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel-Hotels-West-End-Paradise-Unit-4E-One-Bedroom-Efficiency-Suite.h60606555.Hotel-Information)

![Sanibel Island Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/18000000/17300000/17298900/17298818/w2247h1500x326y0-2ea06bb5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Sanibel Island Beach Resort

1231 Middle Gulf Dr Sanibel FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Fort-Myers-Hotels-Sanibel-Island-Beach-Resort.h17298818.Hotel-Information)

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### 

Island Inn

3111 W Gulf Dr Sanibel FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Fort-Myers-Hotels-Island-Inn.h1509747.Hotel-Information)

![Shalimar Beach Resort](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/118000000/117460000/117456000/117455909/55a3c30c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Shalimar Beach Resort

2823 W Gulf Dr Sanibel FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel-Hotels-Shalimar-Beach-Resort.h117455909.Hotel-Information)

![REOPENED! Tropical Garden Condo Just Steps to Sanibel Beach](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/74000000/73240000/73235800/73235739/7da7dc36_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

REOPENED! Tropical Garden Condo Just Steps to Sanibel Beach

 Sanibel FL

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![Breakers West B5 Beach side condo with pool](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/64000000/63360000/63359900/63359826/04a4ad02_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150)

### 

Breakers West B5 Beach side condo with pool

 Sanibel FL

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### 

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa

1451 Middle Gulf Drive Sanibel FL

[](https://expedia.co.uk/Sanibel-Hotels-Sundial-Beach-Resort-Spa.h1939.Hotel-Information)

[See all 11,634 properties in J. N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package&regionId=6123903)

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.