Experience two of the world’s most enchanting islands, Sanibel and Captiva. We begin our journey by strolling the world-famous seashell-rich shoreline of Sanibel’s south-facing beach. See the historic Sanibel Lighthouse and follow the beach as it sharply doubles back on the bay.

Our next stop is the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. A locally treasured bird sanctuary, Ding Darling Refuge enchants as we push off onto the back bay in kayaks and search for dolphins and other sea-dwellers.

Lunchtime takes us to Captiva Island where we enjoy a well-deserved meal in the beautiful setting of one of the island’s signature restaurants. Local legend has it that Captiva is a shortened version of “Isla de las mujeres cautivas” or “Island of the captive women” because the breeze-swept island had low mosquito counts and was ideal for holding women hostages taken by area pirates until their ransoms were paid.

After lunch, we return to Ding Darling Refuge where we embark on an engaging tram ride through the refuge’s intriguing interior that takes us into the home of the island’s abundant birds and reptilian inhabitants. After lunch, we return to Ding Darling Refuge where we embark on an engaging tram ride through the refuge’s intriguing interior that takes us into the home of the island’s abundant birds and reptilian inhabitants.