Be sure to go at a time when the visitors center is open. The exhibits there are very interesting. The drive through the refuge is best done as early in the morning as possible, but also at low tide. If you have a date that encompasses both your chances of seeing a large variety of birds is more likely. When... More

This is a great place to come with your family. Many different elements here from a drive-thru wildlife road with gators and lots of birds to the visitor center with hands-on educational fun. Lots of free things going on here all summer. At the entrance where Tarpon Bay Explorers is, you can rent kayaks and take a pontoon boat tour.... More

make sure you visit near low tide when the shore birds collect on the sandbanks (including roseate spoonbills), avoid Fridays because it is shut to give the birds a day off, and take binoculars, cameras and bug spray.

My Wife and I, unfortunately, arrived on a Friday. Their tours are closed on Fridays (for the sake of the wildlife, which I appreciate). However, we could tell that this is a first rate opperation. We can't wait to go back and try the tours and see all of the wildlife!

Excellent tour guide. Wouldn't go at 2:30 because most of the wildlife is staying out of the heat. Driving by yourself even with the QR reader stations you miss so much without the guide.

We arrived late in the day, and were given a map and charged $5.00. The woman at the gate advised that alligators would probably not be very visible as it was a hot day. Stops had smartphone "bar" codes, and were of no use to us as we did not have a smartphone. Few signs of any informative nature along... More

This attraction is worth returning to several times during your stay on Sanibel Island. The Visitors Center is full of lots of interesting and helpful information. The staff and volunteers are very knowledgeable. The tram trip is a great way to take in J.N. (Ding) Darling for the first time. Be sure to return when the tides are low for... More

On a sun burn recovery day, my husband and I decided to go to the Wildlife Refuge. I was hoping to see some cool animals and spend some time enjoying nature. To our dismay, the only thing that we saw was jumping fish (which was pretty cool) as well as a of couple birds. At the end of the refuge,... More

We drove thru the refuge on an overcast day. We were told since it was overcast our chances of seeing alot of wildlife was great. We saw alligators, manatees, several species of birds. It was well worth the time and money!