Since 1967, the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation has been preserving 1,300 acres for island wildlife and its resources on Sanibel and Captiva islands. In addition, the largest wildlife refuge on Sanibel Island is the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, which spans over 5,200 acres.
Well-known for their abundance of seashells, the beaches on Sanibel are pristine, with white, fine-grain sand. The east-west orientation of the geography allows for so many shells to wash ashore.
There are numerous fishing charter boats for offshore species such as grouper, barracuda, sharks and more. Anglers can also saltwater fly-fish inshore for snook and tarpon.
