Sanibel Island residents are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places on Earth, and also in the same place as the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. The island is filled with amazing wildlife, and it is known for its gorgeous beaches, mangrove forests, and coastal wetlands. All of these unique characteristics make it home to some of the most unique animals you can find in the United States.
Dolphins and Manatees
Sanibel Island’s waters are filled with marine life, including dolphins and manatees. These sea creatures can often be spotted swimming in the shallows or the waves near the coastline. Dolphin-watching tours are a popular activity for visitors to Sanibel Island, and they give you the chance to see these intelligent marine mammals up close in their natural habitat. Similarly, manatee sightings are common in the island’s waterways.
Exotic Birds of Sanibel Island
One of the most popular attractions for birdwatchers on Sanibel Island is the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This expansive refuge provides critical habitat space for a wide variety of bird species. Among the many bird species found in the refuge are the roseate spoonbill, great blue heron, white ibis, and snowy egret. Even if you don’t visit the wildlife refuge, you can still spot some of Sanibel’s gorgeous birds throughout the island.
Shellfish and Crustaceans
Sanibel Island’s beaches are famous for their abundance of seashells, and the shores attract collectors from around the world. However, it isn’t just shells that wash up on Sanibel’s shores – the island is also home to a broad range of shellfish and crustaceans. Visitors to Sanibel can often spot horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, and sand dollars along the shoreline. In the waters surrounding the island, you have the chance to see colorful marine creatures like starfish, conchs, and sand dollars.
Gopher Tortoises
One of Sanibel Island’s most iconic reptiles is the gopher tortoise. These tortoises eat grasses and other vegetation around the island. Gopher tortoises play a crucial role in Sanibel’s ecosystem, and they are protected on the island. Gopher tortoises were named a “species of special concern” in 1979 and classified as “threatened” in 2007, which has encouraged Sanibel’s efforts to preserve this species.
Contact Kingfisher Vacation Rentals to Learn More about Sanibel Island Properties
At Kingfisher Vacation Rentals we choose vacation rentals over hotels every time! We are actively open and assisting owners every day with their recovery process. We’re also ready to bring new properties into our award-winning program. If you are interested in discussing how our unmatched marketing approach and comprehensive owner services will benefit you, call today! For more information about Sanibel and Captiva, visit our website, email us at info@gokingfisher.com, stop by our Captiva office, or give us a call today at 239-472-2100.