Feb 2 - Feb 7, 2025
Starting at
1,999
Florida
Beautiful Sanibel Island and the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast
Program No. 2089960MEADV-1116-60
Discover the rich cultural and ecological heritage of Sanibel Island as you explore its museums, photograph its diverse wildlife and beachcomb for shells with an expert conchologist.
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
2,199Feb 17 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
2,099Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Starting at
2,099DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Feb 2 - Feb 7, 2025
Starting at
2,549Feb 9 - Feb 14, 2025
Starting at
2,919Feb 17 - Feb 22, 2025
Starting at
2,869Mar 2 - Mar 7, 2025
Starting at
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6 days
5 nights
12 meals
5B 3L 4D
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Sanibel Island, Florida
2
Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates
Sanibel Island, Florida
3
Sanibel Historic Museum, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Sanibel Island, Florida
4
Beachcombing, Free Time
Sanibel Island, Florida
5
Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Sanibel Island, Florida
6
Sanibel History, Program Concludes
Sanibel Island, Florida
At a Glance
Pure white sand beaches strewn with 400 species of shells; wetlands and mangrove swamps; and wildlife like manatees, dolphins, tortoises, alligators and nearly 250 species of birds make Sanibel Island a tropical Eden tucked along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Get to know this fascinating island like a local. Learn why the “Sanibel Stoop” is the preferred posture on the local beaches, encounter marine life inhabiting island waters and discover the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking on mostly flat terrain with some rocky, sandy surfaces 1-1.5 miles per day. Standing at cultural sites and stair climbing
Best of all, you’ll…
- Join volunteer docents inside Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, a tribute to the island’s early pioneers where each building has been restored to its original state.
- Meet a special kind of marine expert on a beachcombing field trip with a conchologist, who will help identify the many species of shells washed up onshore.
- Spend a day at the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, examining the lives of these two remarkable men.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Charles Sobczak
Charles Sobczak is an award-winning author who lives and writes on Sanibel Island. His first novel, “Six Mornings on Sanibel,” was originally published in 1999 and is currently in its seventh printing. He has written several other novels, a fictional memoir and a collection of selected writings titled Rhythm of the Tides. In 2010, he published a regional nature guide, “Living Sanibel - A Nature Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands,” which quickly became the best-selling book on Sanibel Island.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Charles Sobczak
View biography
Charles Sobczak is an award-winning author who lives and writes on Sanibel Island. His first novel, “Six Mornings on Sanibel,” was originally published in 1999 and is currently in its seventh printing. He has written several other novels, a fictional memoir and a collection of selected writings titled Rhythm of the Tides. In 2010, he published a regional nature guide, “Living Sanibel - A Nature Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands,” which quickly became the best-selling book on Sanibel Island.
Suggested Reading List
(4 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Beautiful Sanibel Island and the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast
Program Number: 20899
Historic Sanibel and Captiva Islands: Tales of Paradise
The story of Sanibel and Captiva Islands stretches back over three hundred years, to a time when natives roamed the islands and Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon first met and tried to subdue the Calusa Indians in San Carlos Bay in 1513. The next few centuries were flooded with pioneers, fishermen and clergymen in their quest to tame the wilderness in search of a better life. Discover how anthropologist Frank Cushing visited pioneer Sam Ellis in 1895 after the farmer discovered bones on his homestead and how President Theodore Roosevelt's men saved a little girl from drowning when he lived on a houseboat in Captiva to study local marine life. Join local history columnist Jeri Magg as she recounts the storied history of these little slices of paradise.
Florida's Seashells- A Beachcombers Guide
A guide to Florida seashells, including species common to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. 252 species of seashells, with a color photo of each, as beachcombers are most likely to find them.
The Living Gulf Coast: A Nature Guide to Southwest Florida
The Living Gulf Coast is the first comprehensive nature guide to Florida's Southwest region. The book covers six counties: Sarasota, Charlotte, Lee, Collier, Glades and Hendry. There are more than 160 parks, preserves and eco-destinations covered in this work, with sixty-one of them described in great detail. Not only does the book describe these outstanding destinations, it also covers all the major birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians found throughout the region.
Images of America Sanibel Island
In collaboration with the Lee County Black History Society. The pioneers were a contrasting group of individuals, comprised of diverse ethnic origins and cultures, yet all seemed to share a common goal of using hard work, resourcefulness, and determination to make the island their home. Their efforts and sacrifices greatly contributed to the growth and rich history of Sanibel as we know it today.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Sanibel Island, Florida
Program Concludes
Sanibel Island, Florida
Meals
12
| 5B |
3L |
4D |
Activity Level
Pure white sand beaches strewn with 400 species of shells; wetlands and mangrove swamps; and wildlife like manatees, dolphins, tortoises, alligators and nearly 250 species of birds make Sanibel Island a tropical Eden tucked along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Get to know this fascinating island like a local. Learn why the “Sanibel Stoop” is the preferred posture on the local beaches, encounter marine life inhabiting island waters and discover the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Join volunteer docents inside Sanibel Historical Museum and Village, a tribute to the island’s early pioneers where each building has been restored to its original state.
- Meet a special kind of marine expert on a beachcombing field trip with a conchologist, who will help identify the many species of shells washed up onshore.
- Spend a day at the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, examining the lives of these two remarkable men.
Featured Expert
Charles Sobczak
Charles Sobczak is an award-winning author who lives and writes on Sanibel Island. His first novel, “Six Mornings on Sanibel,” was originally published in 1999 and is currently in its seventh printing. He has written several other novels, a fictional memoir and a collection of selected writings titled Rhythm of the Tides. In 2010, he published a regional nature guide, “Living Sanibel - A Nature Guide to Sanibel & Captiva Islands,” which quickly became the best-selling book on Sanibel Island.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Walking on mostly flat terrain with some rocky, sandy surfaces 1-1.5 miles per day. Standing at cultural sites and stair climbing
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(4 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
Year
- 2025
Date
- Feb 02 - Feb 07
- Feb 09 - Feb 14
- Feb 17 - Feb 22
- Mar 02 - Mar 07
- Nov 30 - Dec 05
- Dec 07 - Dec 12
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
- 2025
- Feb 02 - Feb 07
- Feb 09 - Feb 14
- Feb 17 - Feb 22
- Mar 02 - Mar 07
- Nov 30 - Dec 05
- Dec 07 - Dec 12
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
12 meals | 5B | 3L | 4D |
3 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Sanibel Island, Florida
Meals:
D
Stay:
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 4:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Program Registration: 4:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Edison & Henry Ford Winter Estates
Location:
Sanibel Island, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile; standing at museum.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
With our Group Leader, we’ll board a motorcoach and set out on a full-day field trip to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and Gardens, a National Historic Landmark that comprises 20 acres of historical buildings and gardens. Renowned inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford became lifelong friends after meeting in 1896. They maintained an active correspondence, vacationed together, and eventually had winter homes near one another in Fort Myers. During a self-directed exploration, we’ll be able to see the museum, Edison's lab, and hear tales of these two famously complex men as we see how their indelible legacies changed American industry as well as Fort Myers itself.
Lunch:
At Edison and Ford Estates.
Afternoon:
As we continue our Edison and Ford Estates field trip, we’ll have time to explore independently before returning to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, we’ll be joined by local Sanibel author Charles Sobczak for a presentation on the in-depth history of the hurricanes that have impacted Southwest Florida.
Day
3
Sanibel Historic Museum, Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum
Location:
Sanibel Island, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 12 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile; standing up to 3 hours during field trips.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
For our next field trip, we will board a motorcoach and ride to the Sanibel Historical Village and Museum. Founded in 1982, it traces local history from the days of the Calusa who arrived here roughly 500 BCE through Spanish explorers and early 19th century pioneers. Each building moved here — dating from 1896-1926 — has been restored. Docents will lead our exploration. We’ll then return to the hotel.
Lunch:
At the hotel.
Afternoon:
Back aboard the motorcoach, we will ride to the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. This is the only museum in the U.S. solely dedicated to shells, the animals that make them, and their importance to the environment. It features more than 30 exhibits of mollusks from around the world. A museum educator will lead the exploration as we see exhibits devoted to shells in art and history, shell habitat, rare specimens, fossil shells, common Southwest Florida shells, and more.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Beachcombing, Free Time
Location:
Sanibel Island, Florida
Meals:
B
Stay:
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Activity Note
Walking for approximately 2 hours; sand. Field trip is weather dependent. Extent of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will hear from an expert conchologist on the art of shelling and what we can expect to find on the beach. We’ll then walk out to the beach with the conchologist to do some beachcombing on our own. We’ll look for shells, sea glass, sea beans (also known as drift seeds), and other gifts from the sea amid the surf and sun – as the weather allows.
Lunch:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Afternoon:
Free time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Complimentary beach chairs, bikes, kayaks, and more are available at the resort.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise
Location:
Sanibel Island, Florida
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Sundial Beach Resort & Spa
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach. Getting on/off a pontoon boat. 1.5 hour cruise. Walking about 2 miles; boardwalks, uneven terrain.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will set out via motorcoach on a field trip to the J. N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystem in the U.S. and world renowned for its migratory bird populations. President Harry Truman issued an executive order establishing the refuge in 1945. Many years later, it was named for Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling, an ardent conservationist who helped create the National Wildlife Federation and loved to go birdwatching here.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch we'll board the motorcoach and ride over to Sanibel Marina for a dolphin and wildlife cruise. We will cruise out into one of the world's largest dolphin populated waters. A friendly and knowledgeable Naturalist will talk about the area's natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure after our closing session in the morning.
Day
6
Sanibel History, Program Concludes
Location:
Sanibel Island, Florida
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We’ll be joined by a local expert for a final session on Sanibel's fascinating history. This concludes our program. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
12 Meals
5 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
4 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
- Feb 02, 2025 - Feb 07, 2025
- Feb 09, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
- Feb 17, 2025 - Feb 22, 2025
- Mar 02, 2025 - Mar 07, 2025
- Nov 30, 2025 - Dec 05, 2025
- Dec 07, 2025 - Dec 12, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 18 Reviews
Sort By:
Great trip....beautiful!....check out my short - 6 minute - "movie" of some of the trip highlight!....just click on this link: https://youtu.be/pkT5YfXiIe8
— Review left April 6, 2022
WHAT A GREAT PROGRAM! FULL OF INFORMATION AND INTERESTING PLACES. TO TOP IT OFF WE HAD AN AMAZING GROUP LEADER AND AN OPEN AND FRIENDLY TEAM OF TRAVELERS. WE LAUGHED, SANG AND HAD A SPECIAL EXPERIENCE. IT EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!
— Review left April 4, 2022
Another outstanding trip organized by Road Scholar.
— Review left April 4, 2022
Sanibel Island is an amazing place. If you just want a great vacation spot, go by yourself. If you want to learn about the eco system and the history of Sanibel schedule a trip with Road Scholar. You will be glad you did. Charlie Anderson
— Review left March 29, 2022
Beautiful Area
— Review left March 29, 2022
This program offered a mix of education: museum and national wildlife refuge tours, excellent meals at local restaurants, and unlimited shelling on beautiful white sand beaches. For anyone wanting to experience life on Sanibel Island, this is the trip for you.
— Review left March 13, 2022
The program was wonderful (especially our Group Leader, Mike Fowler). However, I was extremely disappointed that none of the program materials mentioned that the vaccination status of participants would not be verified because of Florida law.
— Review left February 12, 2022
The Sanibel Island trip was our 3rd Road Scholar program starting in 2008 and was outstanding, everything we expected and more
— Review left March 22, 2020
Shells are beautiful and fun to find on the beach but learning about the animal that lives in and creates the shell made them even more so. It was also wonderful to visit the remodeled shell museum and see shells from all around the world. Sanibel Island is a unique place because of the shells and also because of the land set aside to preserve native plants and life. Add Edison's life and research to the location and you have a wealth of learning opportunities. Much enjoyed!
— Review left March 15, 2020
This is my 2nd trip with Road Scholar and like the first trip i too with them, this was a wonderful and educational experience enhanced by the accompaniment of a very nice diverse group of other Road Scholar travelers!
— Review left March 6, 2020
Loved this trip. Well done, very informative, fun. Laurieanne (Our tour guide) was the greatest! She went out of her way everyday to ensure we all had a great time with no bumps. I don't know how she did it. I came home sad that I had to leave, and facing below zero weather at home just put the icing on the cake. Thank you for the great memories. It is so comforting to take a trip like this and not worry about anything.
— Review left February 21, 2020
Road Scholars program will positively influence your life. I was blessed to have met such wonderful people who were experiencing life like me. You will learn how to go out of your comfort zone and participate with others our age.
— Review left January 19, 2020
I now see why Sanibel is such a gem. I'm very environmentally conscious, and Sanibel is for nature-lovers. This trip was enhanced by trips to the beach for 'shelling' and the Ding Darling wildlife preserve. Excellent all around.
— Review left January 17, 2020
I did write a review but have thought of additions
The hotel was quite unsatisfactory for us.
We arrived late on Sunday after a long day of airports and travel and were ready to relax by watching Victoria and the Oscars. In our room neither the television or internet worked. We called the desk and at about 10p.m. an engineer came and said he could not fix the router but it would be fixed the next day. It was not and they told me they have service on Mondays and Wednesdays and Monday was booked and we had to wait until Wednesday. It did not really matter as we had to change rooms
Also our room was lacking a hair dryer and any amenities such as soap, shampoo, etc which we had to call for.
The second day they changed our room because of a leak.(See other review I wrote) This room also did not have tv or internet but they fixed it immediately. They did mention that we would have to change rooms again because the owners were using that condo on Thursday p.m However, they never told us when we were moving and when we returned from a full day at The Ding Darling Conservatory the key to our room did not work.We went to the desk and they said our room had been changed and they had gone in and moved all our belongings.
However, we did have to return to get our belongings out of the safe.
We mentioned to Michael that we deserved some compensation since we had been so inconvenienced and he said that in our THIRD room we would be ocean front. As we had a full day of activity on Thursday and were leaving early on Friday that was quite useless!
I've been on many Elder Hostels and in some the facilities were relatively primitive. We never minded as we knew what to expect and it was all part of the fun. However this was a luxury resort and we did not expect or appreciate such shabby treatment.
— Review left March 18, 2019
Sanibel. Slow, warm, relaxed pace. Interesting history and flora and fauna. Great weather....warm!
— Review left March 11, 2019
A good overview of the most important things to see or do in the Sanibel Island area
— Review left March 3, 2019
A wonderful program with historic places and nature venues. The Sundial Resort food was lacking but our meals out in Sanibel were great!
The program itself was flawless. Great schedule and wonderful choices of things to see and enjoyable lectures.
— Review left February 18, 2019
Shelling on Sanibel Island is an excellent program. When reviewing the itinerary there is much more time for shelling than indicated on the program. Early morning walks, rest-time walks, and free time walks provide many opportunities to use the shelling knowledge received during the program. Excellent residence facilities also provide access to shelling locations.
— Review left February 10, 2019
