268559
This refuge is closed to the public

Due to the sensitive nature of its habitat, Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge is closed to the public, open for wildlife.

Other Facilities in the Complex

The Matlacha Pass 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
Sunset oranges and yellows at J.N. Ding Darling NWR
Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Island Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1908 as a ". . . preserve and breeding ground for native birds." Located in a vast complex of mangrove islands and brackish waters, Island Bay Refuge consists of six undeveloped, roadless tracts of land totaling 20 acres occupying the higher...
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
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

Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
(239) 472-1100
C/O J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge1 Wildlife DriveSanibel,FL33957-3032
Hours
Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Refuge
Year-round
The refuge is closed to public access