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Visiting Sanibel Island, FL


When the weather up north turns cool, birds and bird watchers flock to Sanibel Island, famous for its large wildlife and bird refuge. Occupying almost a third of the island, the J.N.(Ding) Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge is home to many rare species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Anyone interested in the inner workings of our fragile ecosystems will not want to miss it. Seashell collecting is another big activity on Sanibel. Grab a bucket and scour the beach for colorful conchs and mollusks... more » When the weather up north turns cool, birds and bird watchers flock to Sanibel Island, famous for its large wildlife and bird refuge. Occupying almost a third of the island, the J.N.(Ding) Darling Natural Wildlife Refuge is home to many rare species of birds, reptiles and mammals. Anyone interested in the inner workings of our fragile ecosystems will not want to miss it. Seashell collecting is another big activity on Sanibel. Grab a bucket and scour the beach for colorful conchs and mollusks. Then head out to the Sanibel Island Lighthouse. It's not open for tours but can be viewed from an adjoining park area. The island is extremely laid-back and lounging on the beach with a juicy novel is as good a plan as any. « less
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Traveler Advice on Sanibel Island

543 Hotels & Accommodations

20 Things to Do

44 Restaurants

Before You Go

Weather

 | 
Monthly Averages
Month
High
Low
Precip
Nov
78°F 25°C
59°F 15°C
1 in 2 cm
Dec
73°F 22°C
54°F 12°C
2 in 4 cm
Jan
71°F 21°C
51°F 10°C
1 in 2 cm
Feb
74°F 23°C
54°F 12°C
1 in 2 cm
Mar
78°F 25°C
58°F 14°C
1 in 2 cm
Apr
81°F 27°C
61°F 16°C
1 in 2 cm
Extended Forecast
Saturday
Nov 21
Hi:
79°F 26°C
Lo:
72°F 22°C
Sunday
Nov 22
Hi:
79°F 26°C
Lo:
67°F 19°C
Monday
Nov 23
Hi:
77°F 25°C
Lo:
67°F 19°C

Reviews you can trust

Sanibel Thriller

5 of 5 stars
klauslaw
Nov 20, 2009

Had a great time on the thriller. Saw so many dolphins right behind and next to the ship. Got great shots and video. The ship is nice and smooth and the tour operators are very nice. Overall a great...more

Sweet Melissa's Cafe

5 of 5 stars
klauslaw
Nov 20, 2009

grilled romaine was great. A very interesting and original concept. The ceasar dressing was excellent. The shrimp and grits and the scallops were great. Service was excellent. Banana strudel desert...more

Mad Hatter Restaurant

Nov 20, 2009

From start to finish, amazing! The goat cheese pillows are heaven. The asian salad is a dream. The duck almost killed me! I lost it with the cheesecake! Wish i could dine at the Mad Hatter every...more

Sanibel Island Forum

Ask a Question or Browse the Discussions
The difference between Sanibel and Captiva November 20, 2009, 14 replies
Advice for our upcoming trip (first-timers) November 20, 2009, 4 replies
Looking for perfect spot for family reunion in Sanibel November 20, 2009, 10 replies
Different shells on different beaches, tips needed? November 20, 2009, 14 replies
Seafood restaurant recommendations November 20, 2009, 7 replies
Sanibel--How I long for you !! November 20, 2009, 9 replies
A family reunion at Sanibel November 19, 2009, 9 replies
Restaurants open on Thanksgiving... November 19, 2009, 2 replies
CROW's Giving Tree Festival highlights Luminary Weekend November 19, 2009, 1 reply
Question on the bugs.... November 18, 2009, 3 replies
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