Budget Travel Tips for Bird-Watchers Visiting Sanibel Island

As winter chills the United States it's time to follow the birds and seek warmth with a spring break getaway to Florida. One of Florida's top places to bird-watch during spring break is Sanibel Island. As a Florida resident (and thanks to some friends), I'm sharing my budget travel tips for a fabulous Sanibel vacation to spot the feathered friends.

Florida Spring Break Budget Travel Tip for Sanibel Island: Where to Bird-Watch
Close to 250 species of birds have been identified on Sanibel Island making it a bird-watcher's paradise. During spring break, bird-watchers can look for birds such as little blue herons, roseate spoonbills and anhingas. Yellow crowned night herons, willets and sandpipers have been spotted, too.

Bird-watching spots are plentiful on Sanibel Island with the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge being the most popular. The refuge is made up of 6,400 acres of Florida subtropical wilderness. The ideal time of day to visit is during low tide to coordinate with shorebird feeding on the exposed mud flats.

The Wildlife Drive is the refuge's primary road and three trails are accessible from it. The Wildlife Drive is open Saturdays through Thursdays, 7:30 a.m. to 30 minutes prior to sunset. The drive is closed on Fridays in order to allow the wildlife to rest and admission is $5 per car.

Tarpon Bay Explorers (telephone: 239-472-8900) specializes in guided nature tours through the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge either by tram, kayak, canoe or pontoon boat. In addition to bird-watching, Tarpon Bay Explorers participants may see alligators, manatees or dolphins.

Other popular Sanibel Island bird-watching spots include:
The Sanibel Island Lighthouse
Sanibel Gardens Preserve
The Wetlands at the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation's Nature Center and Center Tract Preserve
The Sanibel Beaches

Bowman's Beach is the most popular Sanibel Island beach and many agree it's the best beach to collect shells. In addition to birds, beachgoers can usually see the "Sanibel Stoop" in action. This is the phrase given to beachcombers doubled over while hunting for seashells. There's a minimal fee to park at Bowman Beach. Avoid the spring break rush and arrive early in the morning to find a parking spot.

Florida Spring Break Budget Travel Tip for Sanibel Island: Where the Locals Eat
Save on the travel budget by packing a picnic lunch for a day of bird-watching and enjoy dinner with the locals. Find the local Sanibel flavor and color at:

Doc Ford's Sanibel Rum Bar & Grille (975 Rabbit Road; telephone: 239-472-8311) - A favorite sports bar. Indoor and outdoor seating available and Doc Ford's serves lunch and dinner. Call ahead seating is available. Entrée prices range between $16.95 and $28.95. And who is Doc Ford? He's the fictional protagonist character in mystery writer Randy Wayne Right's novels.

Hungry Heron (2330 Palm Ridge Road; telephone: 239-395-2300) - A casual island eatery serving lunch and dinner. Sandwich prices range between $6.99 and $10.99 while entrée prices range between $11.99 and $22.95.

The Lazy Flamingo (Blind Pass, 6520-C Pine Avenue; telephone: 239-472-5353) - A nautically-themed, lively casual restaurant. Serves lunch and dinner. Entrée prices range between $8.95 and $15.95.

Florida Spring Break Budget Travel Tip for Sanibel Island: Where to Stay Without Breaking the Bank
It's common for spring break hotels to charge rates beginning in the low $200s with many in the $300 to $400 price range. There are a handful of comfortable and affordable accommodations steps away from the beach fitting the budget traveler's needs.

Driftwood Inn (711 Donax Street; telephone: 239-395-8874) - Four pet-friendly cottages are either one-bedroom/one-bath or two-bedroom/two-bath. Each is a full efficiency with living area, dining area and kitchen. Spring break rates (February 2008 - April 2008) range between $180 and $205 plus tax.

The Palm View (706 Donax Street; telephone: 239-472-1606) - This inn touts itself as "an affordable resort on Sanibel Island." Five suites and a cozy room are surrounded by a lush garden with tranquil nooks. Spring break rates (December 2007 - April 2008) range between $145 and $185 plus tax.

Sandpiper Inn (720 Donax Street; telephone: 239-472-1529) - Four comfortable suites in the heart of Old Sanibel. Porches with rocking chairs add to the tropical charm and bicycle rentals are included. Spring break rates (mid-January 2008 - mid-April 2008) range between $109 and $165 plus tax.

When renting an efficiency, stop at a grocery store before reaching Sanibel Island to pick up essentials. Buying items in Fort Myers will most likely be cheaper than on the island. Publix is the most common grocery store. Albertsons, Wal-Mart and Winn-Dixie are in the area, too.

Florida Spring Break Budget Travel Tip for Sanibel Island: Getting There
The closest airport to Sanibel Island is the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. Budget travelers can book a flight on one of the many discount carriers serving the airport. These include AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Major rental car companies service RSW. Try Alamo Rent-A-Car, Budget and Thrifty for the best car rental rates.

Sanibel Island is accessible from I-75 at exit 131. Access the island via the Sanibel Causeway which has a $6 toll.

Sanibel Island: Nuts & Bolts
Sanibel Island is located on the Southwest Coast of Florida. Anticipate spring break temperatures to range between highs of low-80s during the day and lows in the upper-50s during the evening. For a bit of shopping, walk down Periwinkle Way to find unique boutiques.

Author's note: Information was accurate at the time of publication.