About Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
The refuge was established by President Woodrow Wilson on July 1, 1920, through Executive Order 3299 as a ". . . preserve and breeding ground for native birds" upon the recommendation of Thomas and Mina Edison. Originally, the Caloosahatchee NWR consisted of several mangrove islands. However, shoreline development, dredging of the river, and construction of the I-75 bridge has changed the physical arrangement and appearance of these islands. Today, the refuge still remains approximately 40 acres of mangrove shorelines and upland island habitats. The refuge is located adjacent to the Florida Power and Light Company's Orange River Power Plant and the Orange River's outflow. The warm water outflow from the power plant is a major wintering area for the endangered West Indian manatee.
How to Get There
Access to the waters surrounding the islands that make up Caloosahatchee NWR is by boat only. The islands are not accessible to visitors. Boaters should consult navigational charts and tide schedules before attempting to visit any waters surrounding the refuge. Numerous oyster bars and shallow back bay/estuary waters are difficult to navigate and fragile seagrass beds must not be damaged. By boat, the refuge is located under the I-75 bridge as you head up the Caloosahatchee River. Boaters should note boat speed restrictions strictly enforced for the protection of the West Indian manatee. For more information, contact the J.N. "Ding" Darling NWR, 1 Wildlife Drive, Sanibel, Florida 33957 or call (239) 472-1100.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
Heading to Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge?
No central reservation system listed for Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1327) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge?
Access to the waters surrounding the islands that make up Caloosahatchee NWR is by boat only. The islands are not accessible to visitors. Boaters should consult navigational charts and tide schedules before attempting to visit any waters surrounding the refuge. Numerous oyster bars and shallow back bay/estuary waters are difficult to navigate and fragile seagrass beds must not be damaged. By boat,…
How do I contact Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge?
You can reach the park at phone: 239-472-1100 or email: dingdarling@fws.gov.
References & Official Resources
