Is it even possible to get to the Everglades as a day trip from Captiva/Sanibel? I am having trouble figuring out distance/traffic/time.

Google directions from Sanibel to Miami but change the cross-state route to Route 41. The Everglades are right along 41. Would be a long day but manageable.

Depends on where you mean in the Everglades, and what you want to do there. The west end of the National Park and Everglades City would probably be about a two hour drive each way. Add up to another half hour getting all the way down Captiva and Sanibel and off the island if in the height of season.

Not part of the Everglades, but off Immokalee Road in North Naples is part of the Big Cypress Swamp called Corkscrew Sanctuary -- a wonderful place with a long boardwalk. It is run by the Audubon Society.

The Conservancy in Naples is another nice choice if you don't want to go all the way to the Everglades.

http://www.conservancy.org/Page.aspx?pid=626

They have a very nice about 45 minute electric boat ride through the mangroves.

Thanks for those tips. My husband is a birder and the suggestions in the posts sound great. Now to pick a place to stay!