Hotel Blog

Fort Myers and Sanibel: 3 Ways to Get Closer to Nature

• October 30, 2017

If you’re a nature lover, you’re in for a real treat in Fort Myers & Sanibel. The area is thriving with wildlife-watching opportunities, from spotting sea turtle tracks on the beach to spying bottlenose dolphins along the shoreline. Here are three of our favourite wildlife attractions in the region…
 

1. Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife (CROW)

Located on Sanibel Island, CROW is one of the leading wildlife rehabilitation hospitals in the United States. CROW veterinarians and staff treat more than 4,000 patients and more than 200 animal species at its facility each year. Visit the Visitor Education Center there and learn all about how injured, sick and orphaned animals are admitted, diagnosed, treated and released back to the wild.

2. The Butterfly Estates

Located in the River District of downtown Fort Myers, you get to surround yourself with thousands of butterflies at the Butterfly Estates. The 3,614-square-foot glazed glass Butterfly Conservatory includes a botanical garden and butterfly habitat with cascading waterfalls, lush tropical nectar plants and butterflies.
 

3. Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium

At Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium in Fort Myers, rustic boardwalks lead you on an educational tour of 105 acres of subtropical environment. Guided trail walks are scheduled on most Tuesday and Friday mornings and educational reptile and mammal presentations are scheduled daily. The facility is also a sanctuary for injured animals unable to be released back into the wild, including birds of prey.
 
If you’d like to visit one of the most inspiring natural habitats in the US this fall, book yourself a stay at the beachfront Best Western PLUS Beach Resort Hotel. When you’re not busy getting closer to nature, you can enjoy uninterrupted views of the Gulf of Mexico from your private balcony.