The Latest Updates

COVID-19

 
OPEN
 
"Ding" Darling Visitor & Education Center open daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Front Desk only; exhibits closed)
The Center will close on Sundays until further notice.
 
The Nature Store flagship open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.
 
The Nature Store2 at 2250 Periwinkle Way open Tuesday-Saturday 1- a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
Wildlife Drive (7:00-5:30 Saturday through Thursday - closed Friday); new entrance fees in effect.
 
"America's Best Restrooms" and the water bottle fill station daily 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
Trails at Bailey Tract open daily sunrise to sunset
 
Tarpon Bay Explorers, the Refuge's recreation concession: rentals, tram tours (at 50% capacity), paddling tours, limited boat tours (at 50% capacity), fishing charters, boat ramp, and gift shop are open. Call 239-472-8900 for the latest information and reservations. 
 
MASK GUIDELINES
 
Reminder: All staff, volunteers, and Tarpon Bay Explorers employees are required to wear facemasks anytime they are outside of their offices, in all indoor and outdoor public places. The Refuge requests that all visitors follow the same guidelines, wearing masks and keeping 6-feet distance on all Refuge lands and buildings including the Visitor & Education Center, restrooms, Tarpon Bay Explorers facilities, and outdoors wherever people are gathered, including the parking lot, trails, tours, and Wildlife Drive.
 
CLOSINGS (until further notice)
 
DDWS Office is closed (staff is accessible by phone - 239-472-1100 ext. 232 - or email).
 
EVENT UPDATES
 
Artist-in Residence Programs with Rachel Pierce begin January 2021.
2021 Virtual Film Series - A limited schedule of four films with discussions that follow through April 12, 2021.
2021 Lecture Series - A limited schedule of five lectures will be held at the Sanibel House through March 19, 2021. 
 
FREE SEASONAL TOURS ARE BACK!
 
The Refuge has received the greenlight for offering socially distanced tours  of 10 people or less. There’s no set schedule so monitor the Eventbrite page to see what staff and volunteers are currently offering and to sign up for tours such as Birding the Refuge car caravan tour, Bailey Tract Tour, Bike Tour, and Beach Walk. Please bring your own binoculars and scopes. 

 

 
 
Stay tuned to this site for more news of cancellations, closings, and reopenings.