When in Sanibel Island this is a must. Each time you travel through there are different animals. You can drive or bike.

We did the drive and a short hike at Ding Darling, but I would advise everyone to make sure you see the Bailey Tract. It is part of Ding Darling, but is not in the main area. The visitor center gives easy directions. It is just a 5 minute drive away, and gives a different (and we thought better) perspective... More

This is a great place to see lots of local wildlife in their natural setting. You can ride a bike through, drive through, or take a guided trolly. Its inexpensive, not too time consuming and very fun if you are into that nature thing. Take binoculars and a camera.

This is without a doubt the best experience I have ever had visiting a wildlife refuge. The staff at the visitors center were very knowledgeable and offered great advice about where to be and when to have the best chance of getting good photos. There is a drive through and several walking/biking trails. The fees are very modest and even... More

Ding is wonderful! Make sure you stop by the visitor center, they've got some great exhibits. They have some films too, though I've never seen them. If you have bikes, it's a great place to bike through ($1/person) and if you're not as physically mobile, I recommend driving through Wild Life Drive ($5/car). There are many places to stop and... More

We came here specifically for bird-watching and we were not disappointed. Make sure to bring or borrow a pair of binoculars, otherwise you'll likely be frustrated. We observed a lot of fishermen and women, as well as some lucky kayakers. Kids seemed to be bored. This is a driving tour, and there are places to get out and briefly walk,... More

Rough. Very rough gravel road. Walk don't ride. Just OK. Did not find staff very friendly. Very peaceful. Nothing out of the ordinary to see on our visit.

If you are interested in the wildlife this is a must. Best time to visit is if it is low tide and early morning as you will see then most wildlife.

The 4 mile drive is nice, but to experience Ding Darling, rent a kayak and spend 2 hours paddling through the mangrove trails. Wow, the best kept secret of Sanibel. We went with our teenage kids who were able to paddle themselves across the bay's edge to the mangrove trails. Then, peace and stepping back in time. No more than... More