Ask an explorer
Many of those who usually visit Sanibel are unable to due to Hurricane Ian’s destruction of island accommodations. As a result, people want to know what is going on and have a myriad of questions about the institutions that they frequented. Tarpon Bay Explorers has received a lot of these questions about not only Tarpon Bay, but the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and the island, in general. Below are some frequently asked questions to help anyone and everyone to stay informed.
– WHAT IS THERE TO DO ON THE ISLAND?
Though it may seem like an odd question to ask a company that provides fun things to do, we get this question often. There are two huge attractions for people to come to Sanibel: the beaches and J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. We often tell people that all of Sanibel’s beaches are open, safe and beautiful as ever. The refuge has been open since April 4, which includes Wildlife Drive and the Visitor & Education Center; both are closed on Fridays. TBE has been open since Feb. 1, providing kayaking tours and rentals, paddleboard rentals, Tram Tours and our nature-themed gift shop. But, beyond these two attractions, there are other things to do as well. There are bike rentals available throughout the island, including Billy’s Bike Rentals or Finnimores. There are many restaurants open as well, ranging from casual eateries like the Great White Grille, Doc Ford’s, MudBugs, Tutti Pazzi and Sanibel Grille, to upscale dining like Bleu Rendezvous, Traders and Il Cielo. We often refer inquirers to the SanCap Chamber’s website that provides an interactive map of all businesses that are open. The interactive map is a great tool that allows visitors to narrow down open businesses and places pending on their interests and needs.
– HOW MUCH FLOODING DID TARPON BAY GET?
Tarpon Bay staff saw water lines that ranged from 5.5 feet to 6 feet underneath their nature-themed gift shop. The shop itself stands about 12.5 feet above sea level. We have drawn a chalk line on one of our cement pilings to show visitors Ian’s surge when they come and frequently ask that question. Refuge staff recently provided TBE with a sign that compares the storm surges of Ian and another strong hurricane that occurred on Oct. 15, 1873. Hurricane Ian’s highest recorded flood crested at 13.09 feet above sea level, whereas the hurricane in 1873 had a flood that crested at 14 feet above sea level.
– WHEN WILL THE ISLAND GET BACK TO NORMAL?
The honest answer is, we don’t quite know. There are many things we hear through the grapevine, but there is no way of knowing exactly. One giant piece that is missing that will help aid the speed of returning to normalcy are accommodations. The faster hotels, resorts and condos can reopen, the more normal the island will become apparent to visitors, locals and business alike. Businesses and locals are working their hardest in the recovery process which will take a bit more time even though we are 10 months post-Ian.
Tarpon Bay Explorers is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and rentals stop at 3 p.m. Reservations are recommended for Guided Kayak Tours and Tram Tours. For questions, contact 239-472-8900 or tarponbayexplorers@gmail.com or message us on social media.
Tarpon Bay Explorers is the concessionaire for the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel. For more information, visit www.tarponbayexplorers.com.