Let Curiosity Lead the Way

Become Nature Navigators this summer in the Fort Myers area, where sandy beaches, shady trails, wildlife surprises, and hands-on activities turn a family getaway into stories kids want to tell again and again.

Child looking through binoculars while exploring outdoors.

Two people walking along a paved path surrounded by palms and lush vegetation.

Summer Nature Navigators Free Digital Pass

Choose Your Nature Adventure with the Summer Nature Navigators Pass

From educational beach walks to wildlife cruises, this free digital pass is filled with exciting eco-adventures your whole family can enjoy. Check in at each location to earn points and redeem for great prizes, including a grand prize of day passes to Pink Shell Beach Resort and more!

Get Your Pass

Wildlife Experiences on Land

Follow winding trails and learn about the ancient world of the Calusa people, join an educational beach walk to explore what's washed ashore, feed Sulcata Tortoises and Rainbow Lorikeets and more!

Calusa Heritage Trail

Wander across an ancient archaeological site on Pine Island.

Explore the Trail

Two sisters participate in the Sanibel Beach Walks

Sanibel Sea School

Join a real marine scientist on a beachcombing adventure.

Play and Learn

The Wonder Gardens

Meet and greet rescued wildlife and explore the gardens.

Plan Your Visit

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Visit the gardens and learn about wonderful pollinators.

Explore the Estates

Wildlife Experiences on the Water

Paddle, cruise and ride through coastal waterways where dolphins, birds, mangroves and island views make every outing feel like a new discovery.

Captain Brian is your perfect guide for shell-collecting.

Captain Brian On The Water

Island-hop by boat to spot dolphins, birds and shell-lined shores.

Book a Boat Tour

Cruise passengers see dolphins in the water

Adventures in Paradise

Cruise for dolphins, sea life and shelling around Sanibel waters.

Take a Cruise

The Great Calusa Blueway

Go kayaking through a 190-mile trail of coastal and inland waterways.

Paddle the Blueway

A father and daughter enjoys a paddle at Bunche Beach Preserve

Mangrove Tunnels

Explore winding mangrove tunnels, shallow estuaries and wildlife-rich backwaters.

Visit the Tunnels

Call of the Wild

Summertime is a great time to see the area’s native birds. Take a look – and a listen – to some of the species you may discover. Thanks to the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville for sharing these bird calls.

Barred Owl

Limpkin

Mangrove Cuckoo

Wood Stork

Tricolored Heron

American Oystercatcher

Little Blue Heron

Prairie Warbler

Osprey

The Best Summer Birding Spots

J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge is one of the top birding locations in Southwest Florida, with more than 245 bird species recorded. Early morning or near low tide is best in summer.
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is excellent for shaded boardwalk birding in summer mornings, especially herons, egrets, limpkins and songbirds.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation offers quiet trails and wetland habitats with lots of year-round activity.
Lakes Regional Park is surprisingly good for casual birding and photography.
Bunche Beach Preserve is excellent for shorebirds and sunset birding.

Which Family Are You?

Do you live for the beach or nonstop adventure? Crave learning something new or dinner with a view? Take a short quiz for a list of activities perfect for your family.

Get Your Can't-Miss Family Fun List

A family walks along the boardwalk outside their resort

Find Your Perfect Place to Stay

From accommodations with children's programs to full-service beach resorts, vacation home rentals and much more, we have ideal places to stay for every preference and budget.

Explore Your Options

Know Before You Go

Make the most of every wildlife stop by keeping these simple tips in mind before you head out. Click on each question to learn more.

How close should we get to wildlife?

Close enough to wonder, far enough to stay safe. Always give animals plenty of space.

Best time to explore?

Mornings and cooler hours are great for wildlife spotting and keeping little explorers happy.

What should we bring?

Water, sunscreen, bug spray, comfy shoes, and plenty of curiosity.

How do we spot more wildlife?

Slow down, stay quiet and look closely. Nature loves a patient explorer.

Can I collect seashells on Fort Myers area beaches?

Yes, collecting empty seashells is allowed and shelling is one of the Fort Myers area’s favorite beach traditions. However, Florida law protects live shells and marine life. If a shell still has a living creature inside, it must be returned to the water. Live sand dollars, sea stars and sea urchins are also protected, and shelling is prohibited in the waters of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. When in doubt, leave it where you found it and admire it in its natural habitat.