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J.N. (Ding) Darling National Wildlife Refuge

One Wildlife Drive, Sanibel Island, FL
239 472 1100
Website
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Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas, National Parks, State Parks
Activities: Birdwatching, Viewing wildlife, Kayaking
Description: Established in 1945, this wildlife refuge occupies one-third of Sanibel Island and is a prime spot for birdwatching.
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1,075 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
New Jersey
Top Contributor
53 reviews 53 reviews
16 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
51 helpful votes 51 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 May 2013 NEW

THE REFUGE WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL OCTOBER 2013!!!!!!!!!!! The reason for the shut down is they are paving the road. This trip we bicycled through the wildlife refuge. We didn't go up to the look out tower, but made a left turn onto the bike and foot path. It's a dirt path. We didn't see much wildlife down this path.... More

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See 9 more reviews by sarasmom for Sanibel Island
Dallas, Texas
Top Contributor
50 reviews 50 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 30 cities Reviews in 30 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 15 May 2013 NEW

Dropped by and paid our $4 to drive thru on a Saturday morning. We had a very short visit since we had to catch a charter boat from Pine Island. Really, really wish we had the opportunity to go back, but not on this trip. Beautiful place, lots of bird watchers & photographers. Even saw a gator! It's a gravel... More

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See 2 more reviews by Traveling-Texan3 for Sanibel Island
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

We biked through the refuge and the path was difficult- no smooth like the regular island bike path. Would go by car next time

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See 3 more reviews by Terri D for Sanibel Island
New Jersey
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013 NEW

Very large refuge. There are areas that you can drive or hike through or peddle your bike. (I would bike through on the hot days). Manatees can be seen from the dock area if you are lucky. They offer a tour boat ride of the area. You can also rent a kayak if you wish. A lot of native birds... More

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See 2 more reviews by bahama_mama_NJ for Sanibel Island
Rockledge, FL
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

Park personnel were very knowledgeable and helpful. There's an information video to view. Several wildlife displays and wildlife comparisons inside the air conditioned building. Restrooms available at the station and on the trail. We walked the 4 mile trail for $1, You can ride a bike (for a $1) or drive your vehicle through the park for $5. Don't go... More

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See 9 more reviews by weluvdoxies for Sanibel Island
Loveland, Colorado
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013 NEW

Well worth the money. I have taken the seven mile self guided drive but was very impressed by the guide and his incites.

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See 5 more reviews by rich c for Sanibel Island
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
7 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 May 2013 NEW

Went every day and most nights. Nice drive around where you could pullover and scope for birds, fish, gators. many people biked through. If interested I advise you buy the federal Duck stamp for 15.00 before your trip as this will allow free access, otherwise it is 5.00 every car trip

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See 9 more reviews by bruce g for Sanibel Island
Lake Placid, New York
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

We have been going to Ding Darling Wildlife refuge for about 30 years. I loved it in the beginning and it has become one of my favorite places. Knowing when to take the 7 mile drive thru the refuge is key. It would take too long to describe all the wonderful wildlife sightings we have seen from "Madame" the resident... More

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See 5 more reviews by mtviewin2011 for Sanibel Island
Willoughby, Ohio
Top Contributor
51 reviews 51 reviews
24 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
19 helpful votes 19 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013 via mobile

we have been to Ding Darling a few times. We have walked, driven and rode bikes. This time we did the kayak tour which was amazing. We love the outdoors and nature, so of course this is the perfect place for us. There is something for everyone and every skill level. While there, we observed a field trip with children... More

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See 3 more reviews by Ilovebay for Sanibel Island
Cape Coral, Florida, United States
Senior Contributor
48 reviews 48 reviews
21 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

A great way to get a glimpse of the waterbirds and other wildlife is you don't have a boat. Remember to go at low tide to see the more shore and wading birds.

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