Are you looking for the best places to take beautiful pictures of sunsets, wildlife and tropical plants on Sanibel Island? There are so many amazing places with wonderful views that make you reach for that camera to capture your Sanibel Island memories. If you’re looking for the best views to take pictures during National Photograph Month, we’ve got you covered with the top 6 Sanibel Island spots to take pictures.
J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge
The J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge is a big draw for photographers seeking pictures of wildlife, several species of birds and nature shots. Many people take shots from their cars when they drive the nature trail.
Early morning pictures work best here. Photography tip: Try to coordinate your visits with a low tide, when you’re likely to get shots with more birds. Use a tide schedule to plan your visit accordingly. Also make sure you download the refuge’s new app to learn about everything they have to offer.
The Bailey Tract
The Bailey Tract is the place to go for bird watching on Sanibel Island and wonderful pictures of other wildlife. You’ll spot alligators lounging in the sun on the banks. Snakes, lizards and frogs can also be spotted here if you have a keen eye. Once in a blue moon, you’ll also spot river otters, bobcats and marsh rabbits here too, so get that shutter speed adjusted properly to catch wildlife here.
Blind Pass Beach
Blind Pass, also known as Turner Beach, sits between Sanibel Island and Captiva Island. It’s a great spot for picture taking on the beach. Loads of shells pile up on the beach here too so make sure to do some shelling and get some great pictures of a part of the Sanibel Island coastline that also includes a long line of rocks that make for a great back drop. Remember to get some sunset photos too. Beach parking tip: There is limited parking at Blind Pass so get there early to secure a spot.
Head to the Sanibel Lighthouse for fantastic shots of Sanibel Island with a historic lighthouse as your backdrop.
Sanibel Fishing Pier and Sanibel Lighthouse
You can’t make a trip to Sanibel Island without visiting the Sanibel Fishing Pier and the Sanibel Lighthouse. At the fishing pier, you’ll get great shots of local fishermen reeling in their catches. While you’re there do some local fishing yourself and get tips from the locals. After you get your pier shots, head to the Sanibel Lighthouse for fantastic shots of Sanibel Island with a historic lighthouse as your backdrop. There are also great shelling opportunities on the beach near the lighthouse. If you go early for sunrise shots, head to the Lighthouse Café after your photo shoot for what the café calls “the world’s best breakfast.”
Chapel By the Sea
A picturesque setting on nearby Captiva Island is a visit to the quaint Captiva Chapel By the Sea. Rent a kayak or a canoe and head to Captiva Island to tour the grounds of the church and the nearby Captiva Cemetery. Both spots make for great pictures and give you a feel for what life was like back on the island years ago.
The chapel, built in 1903 as a county school house, was added to the national Register of Historic Places in 2013. It’s a popular place for visitors and locals who attend local non-denomination church services there. The church is also available for weddings and baptisms.
At the Sanibel Island Fishing Pier, you’ll get great shots of local fishermen reeling in their catches.
Sanibel Moorings
Whether you’re a guest or not, head over to the Sanibel Moorings Resort to check out their open-to-the-public six-acres of tropical botanical gardens, which are located near the Sanibel Lighthouse. The gardens include a hibiscus collection and a butterfly garden.
Rent a Boat on Sanibel Island
All that’s left to do after you charge your camera batteries is book all your water sport activities, rent a boat and schedule a boat cruise or tour at Port Sanibel Marina. You can also book a fully furnished condo at Royal Shell Vacation Rentals. Give us a call at 239-437-1660 to plan your trip today!
