My family and I will be visiting Naples from 12/29 - 1/5 and will be taking a day trip to Sanibel. Could someone help me with the answers to these ?'s -

What area of the island should we go for conch-type shells? The Captiva end?

Can you easily see wildlife at the Ding Darling refuge from the boardwalks, or do you have to hike far into the refuge? We will have our 1 year old with us in a stroller and are trying to determine what we will actually be able to see.

Where should we have lunch? I'm looking for a casual place that is on the water and serves something other than seafood (frozen drinks and great key lime pie also a plus).

If we have time, should we drive to Captiva as well, or just spend our time on Sanibel?

Thank you!

You'll find great shells at all of the beaches. Bowman's Beach has always been a terrific shelling beach.

You can see wildlife from your car when driving through Ding Darling.

There's not a lot of waterfront dining on the island. Gramma Dots is on the East End of the island, at the Sanibel Marina would be a good choice for lunch.

We usually ride bikes through Ding Darling and have seen all kinds of wildlife including aligators. We like to eat at the Mucky Duck which is on Captiva. It is very casual and on the water.

At DArling, the people in front ofyou have spotted the wildlife. So all you have to do is drive slowly, looking for clusters of people.

Chances are they're looking at something interesting. It's an extraordinarily easy way of seeing various kinds of nature.

There's a low-tide argument; when the tide is out the water is shallower and it is easy for the big birds to catch fish, so there are more birds to see. But I've been there several times, and it is always a treat.

If junior fits into one of those backpack kid-carriers, it makes it easier to walk fifty feet off the main road, if that gives you a better view. But there's no need for long walks through the swamps.

BAK

1. Bowman's Beach is good at low tide, but the VERY BEST place, and a SURE BET for getting good shells is at Blind Pass. This is where Sanibel and Captiva meet. Park in the parking lot on the Captiva side (there are 2 parking lots, one just before a little bridge and one after--park in the one after the bridge). This is important, as there is less beach on the other side, so you won't have to walk (with your child) nearly as far. You will see a jetty of rocks. On the left side of the jetty (close to the parking lot, where the water washes up to the rocks you will find billions of lovely little bitty shells. On the right side, there are fewer shells but they are often the bigger, conch type shells. Be sure to keep a good eye on the little one. Going at low tide is a good idea. (you can call the Ding Darling park and find out low tide info.)

2. You have plenty of good answers here about Ding Darling. However, I do have to say that I have not had good luck there. Seems like every time we went all we saw were a *few* birds.

3. My best rec for lunch is the Key Lime Bistro. EXCELLENT food, especially the key lime pie. They also have a great Sunday brunch. Yummy drinks too. And a huge white egret who often hangs around to greet you. Fun, funky colors everywhere. Kid friendly. BUT...it's not on the water.
(However, you could drive on down the road to the Mucky Duck after you eat and enjoy sunset on the beach. They ususally have an outside bar.) If you must be on the water, just eat at Mucky Duck, but the atmosphere is much more fun at the Bistro and then you can go to Mucky Duck for the view and an after dinner drink.

The Mucky Duck and Key Lime Bistro are on Captiva, so you'd hit both islands this way. And yes, you should at least drive onto Captiva. Charming stretch of beach through there.

Have fun! Study up on shells before you go so you'll know what you are finding. (If you want some names of commonly seen shells there, let me know.) And if you find a Junonia shell, you can get your picture in the paper!

If you have time before your vacation, grab one of the Randy Wayne White novels that take place on Sanibel. Doc Ford is the protagonist. They are excellent for giving perspective to the island.

I'll recommend Doc Ford's for lunch Near Ding Darling preserve at Rabbit Rd. Key Lime Bistro is a favorite and the Mucky Duck continues to coast along on past glories and warm fuzzy memories. They are all open. The only one of these with a water view is Mucky Duck.

Extremely pricey real estate keeps restaurants away. The Mad Hatter has the best water view but it is dinner only which to me is a stupid waste as in season one is often eating in the dark.

Blind Pass area (which is the bridge from Sanibel to Captiva) is the best shelling place. No live shelling is ever allowed. You'll find smaller conchs. Larger do not make it in usually except in the summer.

I'd take the tour of Ding Darling. It is much more meaningful with a knowledgable guide. You'll then be on an open jitney and the stroller will not be an issue.

No one ever mentions it, but the Shell Museum on Sanibel is the best of its kind and very interesting.

LMF

Thank you all! I know that I'm going to love Sanibel. Hopefully I can convince my family to go back again while we are down there.

LMF - Did I read in a post that you went to school in Hamburg? I graduated from Hamburg High School (class of '94). Now I live in Williamsville, NY.

HHS class of ....well, we had our 40th this October. I didn't attend but have looked at all the pictures and emailed lots of old friends. Excellent time to visit Florida. Hamburg gave new meaning to "snow belt". LMF