NORTH CAPTIVA ISLAND VACATION RENTALS, FLORIDA |
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Sights and Attractions in North Captiva Island |
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| North Captiva Island offers enough sights and attractions for a soul weary of the mundane city life. You can revel in the nature parks and nature’s galore in the area, to seek some relaxation and comfort. |
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• J. N."Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge
• Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
• North Captiva Island Beach
• Chapel by the Sea
• Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Center
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| J. N."Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge |
Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, named after Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and pioneer environmentalist Jay Norwood Darling, is spread over an area of 6,300 acres of wetlands, islands, and mangrove forests. This popular destination of the nature lovers is home to 238 species of birds, more than 50 types of reptiles, and 32 different kinds of mammals. The refuge offers marvelous bird watching spots. The best time to visit is low tide when birds feed.
The highlights of the refuge include biking, walking, and canoe trails, besides a 4-mile long scenic drive with sea grape, wax and salt myrtles, red mangrove, cabbage and sabal palms, and other native plants on both sides of the path Visiting hours are 9 AM to 5 PM from November through April, and 9 AM to 4 PM May through October. Fees are $5 per car, or $1 per cyclist or pedestrian; ages 15 and younger bike and walk free. |
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| Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum |
| The shell museum is named after the two families who pioneered the interest and study of shells. The highly popular and abundantly available shells make North Captiva Island one of the world’s top shelling destinations. The museum features a comprehensive collection of a variety of shells detailing them from their geographical, historical, scientific and artistic perspectives. The museum opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM except for important holidays. The entry fees are nominal. |
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| North Captiva Island Beach |
| Explore one of the most beautiful beaches in the world walking in the sugar white sands, or simply sailing around the gulf and enjoying the sight of the dolphins playing mischievously in the crystal-clear waters. The gradual slopes make the beach naturally child-friendly. Spend a complacent day sunbathing, collecting shells, or making sand castles. The beach is perfect for sun bathing, bird watching, boating, tennis, biking and much more. |
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| Chapel by the Sea |
| Located by the seaside, this chapel was built in 1901 and serves the dual function of a church on Sundays and a school on weekdays. The cemetery close to the chapel contains the graves of the earliest settlers in the 19th century who came here to live and do the farming. The church is a popular destination for those who want to tie the knot in the romantic surroundings of North Captiva Island. The chapel also holds meditation sessions regularly from November to April. |
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| Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Center |
| This is a must visit for nature and wildlife lovers as it offers a unique insight into the island’s ecosystems. Spread over an area of 260 acres, this conservation center has four and a half miles of walking trails, an observation tower and a butterfly exhibit. There is a nature shop, a bookstore and a native plant nursery with provision for conducting estuarine research. There is a guided tour of the area for a nominal fee for adults while the children are allowed free. |
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