J.N. Ding Darling NWR 

Location and Hours of Operation

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Hours of Operation

Education Center

January 1 – April 30

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

May 1 – December 31

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM


Wildlife Drive

Closed Fridays

Saturday – Thursday

7:30 AM – Sunset


Phone: (239) 472-1100

The Ding Darling NWR is located at 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel 33957. The education center is located just off the Sanibel-Captiva Road, with visible signage to the parking area. The Bailey Tract is located on Tarpon Bay Road, between Periwinkle Way and West Gulf Drive. 

If you find yourself visiting on a Friday (when the wildlife drive is closed), you will still be able to enjoy a number of hiking and biking trails as well as the Bailey Tract, which remains open on Fridays.