Other Facilities in the Complex

Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The majority of the lands in these refuges are nesting and roosting islands. The entire complex is approximately 8,000 acres. The Refuge Complex headquarters is located at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, FL 33957. 

Red Mangrove in the midst of blue rippling waters
Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge was established by President Woodrow Wilson on July 1, 1920 as a ". . . preserve and breeding ground for native birds." Originally, the Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge consisted of several mangrove islands. Today, shoreline development, dredging of the river, and construction of...
National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel,FL
Bright pink birds with round, spoon shaped bills wading in blue water
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel, is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for spectacular migratory bird populations and the best place to start your visit is the FREE Visitor and...
National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel,FL
Matlacha NWR sunrise bright orange across the water
Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge was established on September 26, 1908, as three small islands created a, "preserve and breeding ground for native birds." Since then, the refuge has grown to 31 islands encompassing over 500 acres. The refuge islands are surrounded by the Matlacha Pass State...
National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel,FL
Pine Island in coastal saltmarsh
Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge
Pine Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1908 to protect thousands of herons, egrets, and pelicans. The refuge is surrounded by the Pine Island Sound State Aquatic Preserve.
National Wildlife Refuge
Sanibel,FL

Locations

Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge
(239) 472-1100
C/O J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge1 Wildlife DriveSanibel,FL33957-3032
Hours
Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Year-round
The beach, marsh, and all other upland areas are closed to the public