Sanibel is a packed with fun things to do for the vacationer in one of David’s rental units. The lush white sand beaches are loaded with seashells. The surrounding waters are invitingly warm for swimming, exploring or fishing. The arts community has offerings that cover a wide range of interests with a number of galleries, theatres, and museums. And the island’s culture of conservation is open to exploration in many of the islands conservation organizations. The 5 things that we list below are those that all the travel experts agree are really widely enjoyed.
BAILEY-MATTHEWS NATIONAL SHELL MUSEUM
The Museum is located at 3075 Sanibel-Captiva Road is open from 10 AM to 5 PM. There is an entrance fee of $13 for adults and $9 for children over 12. This is the only museum in the country devoted to shells and it has more shells than the Smithsonian Institute. There are many exhibits and knowledgeable volunteers who can answer your questions. Telephone 239-395-2233
DING DARLING NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The Refuge is located at 1 Wildlife Drive off the Sanibel-Captiva Road. The refuge is accessed by a four-mile road that you can walk, bike or go by car through the refuge. There is also a tram that takes groups. You will see lots of wildlife in their natural setting – shorebirds, alligators, rabbits, raccoons, otters and others. There is an entrance fee of $5 per car or $1 per person for walkers or bikers. There is a visitor center that is excellent and parking is free. Telephone 239-472-1100
HISTORICAL VILLAGE AND MUSEUM
The Museum is located on Dunlop Road by the BigArts facility. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM through 4 PM. It consists of a number of original buildings that are furnished and costumed with period accuracy. Volunteers explain the history of each building. There is a private home, a schoolhouse, a post office, a tea room, and the original Baileys Store. Entrance fee is $10 for adults. Children are free. Telephone 239 -472-4648
BOWMANS BEACH
The beach is located at the foot of Bowmans Beach Road, off the Sanibel-Captiva Road. It is the largest and most popular beach on Sanibel – great shelling and plenty of room. It’s open 7 AM through 7 PM and is isolated and away from developments. There are picnic tables, a grill area, a fishing pier, canoe/kayak launch area, and bathrooms. The parking area is large and has a $5 per hour parking fee. Telephone is 239-472-6397
CROW
The Clinic and Rehabilitation of Wildlife is located at 3883 Sanibel-Captiva Road. The Visitor and Education Center is open from 10 AM through 4 PM. They have been engaged in wildlife rescue activities since 1984 and are one of the first in the nation. It is a volunteer organization with volunteers working under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian. They have daily presentations at 11 AM and 2 PM. There is a $7 entrance fee for children 4 to 12 and $12 for those 13 and older. They can be reached at 239-472-3644.
These are the activities that vacationers have particularly enjoyed and reported to travel experts. They report having enjoyed their experience and discovered new things about the island, its histo, y and its pleasures. David Schuldenfrei is the expert to help find you the rental unit from which you can experience that special Sanibel experience. Discover what a difference a Dave makes.