Sanibel/Naples, FL area

[marianned]

We are thinking of going to the Sanibel/Naples, FL area in December and would

like some suggestions on accommodations. We're looking for something

reasonably priced, as opposed to a chic resort, as we'll be doing lots of

photographing.

 

I know about Ding Darling and the Everglades and have read that there is a

injured bird sanctuary in that area. If anyone has any photo ops suggestions

or accommodations suggestion, we would greatly appreciate any help you could

give us.

 

Thank you,

Marianne Dent

[Spearhead]

For lodging, try fodors.com.

[eric friedemann]

Marianne, you mention the Everglades. The last time I was there, the only real road access into the national park was a single two-lane road from Homestead on the Miami side of southern Florida:

 

 

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/national_parks/everglades_map.jpg

 

 

The park service used to operate a clean motel with decent food in Flamingo, deep inside the park. However, I think the last major hurricane shut the motel down:

 

 

http://www.flamingolodge.com/

[ericf1]

Marianne,

 

We stayed at the Island Inn on Sanibel (www.islandinnsanibel.com) and it was nice and reasonable. It was a short bike ride from Ding Darling and into "town" on Sanibel.

 

Most of the bird pics in my portfolio were all on the beach at the resort, there may be one from Ding Darling.

 

Regards,

 

Eric

[harry_voutsinas]

Hi Marianne

Another great place is Corkscrew Sanctuary.

It is about 15 miles east of I75, a little bit north of Naples.

It has 2.25 miles of raised boardwalk in the mangroves.Most of the birds and crocs congragate at at Lettuce Lake(or pond).

Another great place is Venice Rookery. That is about 40 miles north of Sanibel.You take I75 to Jacaranda Blvd exit. Make a left and go to Fla RT 41. Turn right and an imediate left, at the police station. Go past the station and you come to a pond which is whwere the birds nest.Go in Am to get good light.You need about 600MM to get the birds on the island. Good luck