The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island is one of the most visited refuges in the U.S. and there is no better way to soak in the diverse landscape of animals and floral than by boat. Tarpon Bay Explorers is located directly in the park and lets travelers explore it up close with a variety of boat rentals. Accommodating up to 8 people, their 20 foot pontoon rentals are pefect for family trips, and they come furnished with a bimini top, cooler with ice and plenty of storage for fishing gear and valuables. The cost is $180 for half a day and $260 for the full day. Boating experience is not required.

In addition, Tarpon Bay Explorers also offers boat rentals for smaller parties to wade around the waters of the refuge and Tarpon Bay to catch site of manatees, dolphins and exotic birds. Kayaks and canoes are available for a 2 hour minimum rental. Singles cost $20, while doubles are $30 with each additional hour $10 and $15 respectively. They are outfitted with safety vests at no additional charge. And for the fishermen, two-person motorized canoes can be rented featuring an electric trolling motor. They start at $70 for a half day and $90 for the full day. Fishing gear is $10 for a half day trip and $9 for the full day, plus fishing licenses and live bait are available.

If nature isn’t your thing and you are interested in visiting other parts of the island and partake in the world-class shelling, then the boat rentals at Sanibel Marina are the ideal option. Located on the east side of the island the marina offers a fleet of center consoles and cruisers to navigate the island and enjoy its many activities. Each boat can be rented at three rate intervals. The 20 foot deck boats start a $150 for a half day, $200 for six hours and the all day rate is $225. These cruisers are fit for bigger parties and relishing the open water. Meanwhile, the 21 foot center consoles let riders hop off to sight see and spend time shelling. They run $125 for a half day, $160 for six hours and $200 for a full day. Fuel, oil and tax are not included.

For the less adventurous, numerous places provide charters, but the boat rentals on Sanibel Island let you be your own captain.

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Enjoy a hot cup of coffee while sitting on the terrace overlooking a coastline with hues of purples, yellows and oranges quietly melting into the ocean’s tranquil waters. Sound like a bit of paradise? It’s Sanibel Island, a once in a lifetime vacationer’s paradise located off the coast of Florida. Visiting Sanibel Island is the perfect destination for a family vacation, wedding, holiday or spur of the moment getaway. This island retreat lies in a subtropical climate with warm sunshine year round.

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If you are going to be spending some time on Sanibel or Captiva, then one special treat you should not miss is the Sanibel Sea School. They have a program to suit almost anyone’s desires. They have morning, afternoon and all day sessions. You can even sign up your child or yourself for the whole week! Classroom space is limited to 25 to 30 students at a time, and classes range in price from $55.00 for one class to $90.00 for all day. If you are lucky enough to catch a space, you will walk away with a new view of island living.

The Sanibel Sea School, better known as Sx3 was founded by Bruce and Evelyn Neill. Mr. Neill is a marine biologist and together they wanted to educate kids and adults with fun, hands-on experiences, concerning the importance of our ecosystem.

The classes teach the students about many diverse subjects. There is a class on all types of island birds and takes them out in the field to observe. What a thrill it is to be as close as four or five feet from any of the exquisite species! There are also classes to teach students about the animals that live on the islands, the wondrous world of the shells and their inhabitants, and about the lunar pull that causes our tides to ebb and flow. Students go on a field trip to the Center for Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW) to learn why rehabilitation is to important. Students are taught about the mangrove islands, and how they in turn, supply food to the never ending food chain needed for all to survive. Did you know that the mangrove tree roots poke out of the water to allow it to breathe? Sx3 teaches about the Calusa Indians that were the first inhabitants of the island, and about the pirates that favored the waters around Sanibel and Captiva many years ago. Students also share a hands-on experience learning about the sea turtles and the manatees. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are so fortunate to have the beautiful bay area to the east of them. San Carlos Bay offers the young at sea, a safe harbor where they can grow.

Sx3 has another program they take part in to teach recycling. The program is called “Take Five”, and is set up so that each day the students are to collect all of the litter they can in five minutes. The litter is then collected, weighed, and then stored. At the end of the week it is on display, making an impressive display of the positive effect recycling has on our environment.

Sanibel Sea School is the perfect place to reawaken our minds and our senses. They teach that at any age we need to learn how to play outside and how to look closely at what we normally do not see. Listening and an occasional taste are necessary also. So, please, take time to stop in and look around. Talk to someone, sign up for a class or two, but beware, Sx3 could become an addiction!!

For more information, visit Sanibel Sea School.

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