Welcome to Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Refuge aerial view. Credit: Susan White, USFWS

The J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is located on the subtropical barrier island of Sanibel in the Gulf of Mexico. The refuge is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the United States. It is world famous for its spectacular migratory bird populations.

J. N. "Ding" Darling is one of over 550 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

There are over 20 dedicated full-time and part-time staff members who are charged with carrying out the mission of the J. N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.

Hours of Operation

Refuge lands and waters are day use only.
No overnight mooring in any refuge waters.

Wildlife Drive
CLOSED FRIDAY

Month          Opens                         Closes
January          7:00                                 5:30
February        7:00                                 5:30
March            7:00 (7:30 at DST )        6:00
April               7:00                                 7:00
May               7:00                                 7:30
June                7:00                                 8:00
July                 7:00                                 8:00
August            7:00                                 7:30
September      7:00                                 7:00
October          7:30                                 6:30
November       7:30 (7:00 end of DST ) 5:30
December       7:00                                 5:30

Education Center
May 1 - December 31
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
January 1 - April 30
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.