J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

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Due to the impact of Hurricane Ian, Key West Express travel is temporarily suspended. All of us at Key West Express are thankful beyond measure for your care and concern during this catastrophic event and heartened to receive such an outpouring of prayers, well wishes and support. We count our blessings that everyone in our Key West Express family and our vessels remained out of harms way. We have limited, inconsistent access to phone and digital communication while we are working effortlessly to welcome you back aboard. We appreciate you and look forward to reconnecting and resuming travel.

J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge

The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, located on Sanibel Island, is named after Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling. The 5,200 acre refuge was originally established in 1976 to protect one of the largest mangrove ecosystems in the country. The refuge is most famous for its migratory bird population.

The refuge is home to many different species throughout the year, with the first few months of the year, being the best time to see the birds.

Visitors may enjoy guided, as well as, self-guided tours by land or water. It has become one of the most popular destinations for kayakers to navigate and explore the intricate mangrove water trails.

Check out their website!