The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum serves as an information and reference center for national and international scientists, shell researchers, and enthusiasts who are interested in marine and land mollusks of the Gulf of Mexico. Engaged in educational and research projects with many local and national organizations, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the Museum is an exemplary scientific and educational institution. Approximately 30 educational exhibits are currently displayed in the Great Hall of Shells. A favorite with young visitors is The Children’s Learning Lab, a play area of discovery with a live tank offering them a chance to become familiar with creatures they don’t ordinarily encounter. The Museum is open Tuesday-Sunday; 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

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Although parts of Sanibel have become developed, over half of the land area is perpetually dedicated to wildlife sanctuary, keeping the islands to a large extent unspoiled forever. The vast array of native vegetation that flourishes here is one of the characteristics that makes these islands so beautiful and unique. Sanibel and Captiva are home to a very diverse population of wildlife species. Countless birds, mammals and reptiles coexist on the island. Many species are rare, threatened or endangered, such as the American Alligator, Gopher Tortoise, Bald Eagle, Osprey, Indigo Snake, and Loggerhead Turtle. The friendly brown pelican is frequently seen on our beaches and loitering around docks and fishing piers waiting for handouts. The anhinga and cormorants are often seen perched on posts with their wings open in a spread eagle position to dry. Others that are frequently seen are egret, ibis, heron, and the spectacular roseate spoonbill.

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Nearly 300 species of birds, alligators, otters, and other wildlife can be observed in the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge which occupies over 5,000 acres on Sanibel. The Refuge is located about half way down the length of the island on Sanibel-Captiva Road


The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) is a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation of natural resources and wildlife habitat on and around these Islands. This is a favorite among those who love the natural ambiance of the islands. You will enjoy a visit to the Nature Center, Nature Shop and Bookstore, which is open Monday through Friday. You will also find a Native Plant Nursery at SCCF, which is a retail facility offering native trees, shrubs and groundcover. In addition, SCCF offers Beach Walks, Guided Nature Walks, Butterfly House Tours, and a Wildlife and Natural History Boat Cruise.

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There are currently seven buildings in The Sanibel Historical Museum & Village located next to City Hall on Dunlap Rd. This project is moving into the final stage. When completed, it will be Sanibel’s finest tribute to the past. The Village and Museum are open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm Wednesday through Saturday from October 15 to August 31. Docents greet all visitors and relate the past of this historical island.

Cabbage Key (239) 283-2278

At Channel Marker 60 on the Intracoastal Waterway, accessible only by boat, lies Cabbage Key, a tiny island built atop an ancient Calusa Indian mound. Today, the old house contains six guestrooms, a lounge, and a picturesque dining room wallpapered with thousands of autographed one-dollar bills.

Cayo Costa State Park 

(Between North Captiva and Boca Grande) 
(239) 964-0375

Accessible only by boat, Cayo Costa is one of the largest uninhabited barrier islands in Florida and contains unique vegetation that has gone unspoiled for the past 500 years. The island is ideal for camping, swimming, shelling and fishing.

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BIG ARTS (Barrier Island Group for the Arts), located between Sanibel City Hall and the Sanibel Historical Museum, was established in 1979 as a community organization to promote the arts on the Island. Today it is the island’s hub of cultural activity. There you will find classes in painting, pottery, weaving or dance, an evening with international jazz and classical performers, a National Songwriter’s Concert, or stimulating discussion with friends or an artist in residence. With over 160 art workshops and 22 concerts annually, plus award winning films, lectures, discussion groups, and language workshops, there is something for everyone. The BIG ARTS center includes a 414-seat performing arts hall with dance studio, 5 classrooms, two art galleries and a peaceful sculpture garden.



Sanibel Island’s Old Schoolhouse Theater was originally built in 1896. This charming island treasure was Sanibel’s one room schoolhouse for many years until it was transformed into a theater in 1964. For the past nine years, it has been home to a very special kind of theatrical magic. J.T. Smith, Artist-in-Residence, along with some of the country’s finest performers create the perfect balance of music, laughter, excitement and pure entertainment nightly. With 94 comfortable seats, the entire audience experiences a “front row” seat to all the action in this totally unique, intimate theater. The casual and friendly atmosphere enchants islanders and visitors alike as they enjoy a high energy, fast paced evening of extraordinary entertainment.



The Pirate Playhouse Company offers superbly entertaining plays by top-rank dramatists: A.R. Gurney and Joe Orton will delight your sense of humor, Tennessee Williams will touch you with gentle beauty like that of a Gulf Coast sunset, and Lanford Wilson and John Olive will do both. Acting talent comes from all over Florida, as well as from New York, Toronto, Los Angeles . . . in settings created by experienced directors and innovative design artists. A performance at The Pirate Playhouse is sure to enrich your evening with quality professional theatre.



The new Sanibel Library, located at 770 Dunlop Road, is considered one of the finest in the state of Florida. There is a professional library staff that is aided in their work by over 130 local volunteers who enjoy working on a part-time basis. Any property owner in Lee County may obtain a free resident library card. Visitor cards are available at a cost of $10.00.


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