By Regina Sass
Sanibel Island is off the Gulf Coast of Florida in the Fort Myers area. It is a barrier island and has a distinctive geography that makes for things to do that you will not find elsewhere. Exploring Sanibel Island will give you a good perspective on the natural resources of the island and how the history of the island is related to the rest of the country.
Sanibel Thriller
Sanibel Thriller will take you on a cruise through the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound. Other destinations include Boca Grande, Cayo Costa State Park, and Naples where you can hunt for shells, shop and have lunch.
Sanibel Thriller
634 N. Yachtsman Drive
Sanibel Island, Florida
(239) 472-2328
"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society
The "Ding" Darling Wildlife Society has an abundance of birds in residence between December and March. There is always something going on at the visitor center with interactive exhibits related to ecosystems and hands-on activities for children. Wildlife Drive is the access road and three hiking trails lead off of it. You can also go fishing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and bicycling.
"Ding" Darling Wildlife Society
One Wildlife Drive
Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
(239) 472-1100
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
The Sanibel Historical Museum and Village has eight buildings that have been restored to the way they were back in the early part of the 20th century. The Rutland House Old Schoolhouse, Burnap Cottage, Old Bailey Store, Old Post Office, Morning Glories, The Packing House and Miss Charlotta's Tearoom. They are open for visitors Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from November 7 through April 30, and Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May 1 through August 11.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village
950 Dunlop Road
Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
(239) 472-4648
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum is the only one of its kind in the country. Exhibits include "Gifts from the Seas of Sanibel & Captiva," "Sanibel and Captiva Habitats" and "Florida Fossil Shells," among others. Anyone who has ever picked up a shell at the beach should enjoy this museum.
Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
(239) 395-2233
Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
The Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation is 1,300 acres dedicated to the preservation of both the natural resources and wildlife of the island. Its research includes work on sea grasses, mangroves, harmful algal blooms, fish populations and shellfish restoration. There are 4 miles of hiking trails, exhibits, a touch tank, butterfly house and a native plant nursery.
Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation
3333 Sanibel-Captiva Road
Sanibel Island, Florida 33957
(239) 472-2329
About the Author:
Regina Sass is based in the Adirondack Region of New York State. She has been a writer for 10 years writing for publications in the real estate and retail industries. Online experience includes writing,advertising and editing for an educational web site. Sass is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
