On Monday, July 2, the World War II warship U.S.S. Mohawk CGC was deployed to its final resting place 90 feet under water, roughly 28 nautical miles off of Sanibel Island on Florida’s southwest coast, creating the first Veterans Memorial Reef dedicated to all U.S. veterans using a military ship. The official name of the reef will be the U.S.S. Mohawk CGC Veterans Memorial Reef.
The official coordinates are N26 33.075’ , W82 43.481’
The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum connects people to the natural world through their love of shells and the animals that create them. Its mission is to use exceptional collections, aquariums, programs, experiences, and science to be the nation’s leading museum in the conservation, preservation, interpretation, and celebration of shells, mollusks, and their ecosystems.
Wander through the natural landscape of Florida. Envision breathtaking sunshine glowing on wet prairies, cypress grounds and the seashell-speckled sand, spilling into the warm surf. Begin your journey here, down a path through the nutrient rich mangroves. Continue on… feel the sun’s warm glow on your shoulders; breathe the earth’s rich aroma and refresh in the salted air. At the edge of our pristine white sand beaches, the sounds of gentle surf lulls you into a state of enlightened bliss.
Smugglers Cove is an 18-hole adventure style miniature golf course where you can play mini-golf amid caves, a pirate ship, baby live alligators and rushing waterfalls. You may also feed our live gators for a minimal fee.
Find it all at the Sanibel Public Library. The latest in books, movies, magazines, and music. A state-of-the-art computer lab. A warm and inviting children’s room. A customer-focused staff ready to help. Stop in. Everyone is welcome.
Sanibel Historical Museum and Village was founded in 1984 with a mission to preserve and share Sanibel history. The story of Sanibel is told from the Calusa and Spanish eras to the early pioneer families who settled on the island in the 1800s. It tells of warriors, adventures, fishermen, farmers and proprietors.
Step into a 90 minute interactive comedy adventure aboard the Pieces of Eight, a 65ft replica Spanish galleon. Ye will be sworn in as pirates, have live cannon rounds, a mutiny against the Captain, games & nautical nonsense! Don ye pirate garb and join us as we navigate the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Our interactive comedy adventure is full of swashbuckling fun with treasure chests, face painting, pirate games, dancing, cannons, limbo, and more!
A water-bound recreation destination for all ages, Salty Sam’s Marina offers everything including power boat and kayak rentals, charter boats for fishing or sightseeing, unique gifts and souvenirs, boat services and repairs, wet slips and dry storage. Waterfront dining is located on site at Parrot Key Caribbean Grill and Bootleggers Waterfront BBQ. Voted Best Marina since 2005, Salty Sam’s is truly what boating in Southwest Florida is all about.
The Randell Research Center (RRC) is a permanent facility dedicated to learning and teaching the archaeology, history, and ecology of Southwest Florida. Situated in the scenic community of Pineland on the western shore of historic Pine Island, the RRC encompasses more than 60 acres at the heart of the Pineland archaeological site, a massive shell mound site extending across more than 100 acres from the mangrove coastline.
Visitors to the RRC can tour the Calusa Heritage Trail, a 7/10 of a mile interpretive walkway that leads visitors through mounds, canals and other features of the Pineland archaeological site, including a variety of plants, birds and other wildlife.
Please check on current hours and availability before visiting.
