Voluntourism on Sanibel Island
When you choose Sanibel Island for your escape, you’re choosing more than just a destination—you’re choosing an experience defined by unparalleled natural beauty. At Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, we believe that enjoying this paradise comes with the responsibility of protecting it. That’s why we are proud to partner with the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) on their powerful initiative: Voluntourism with Coastal Watch.
Last month, we shared the news that Sundial became the first hospitality location for SCCF’s Beach Bucket Station initiative, which received such a wonderful response from our guests and followers. Since then, we’ve taken on a second Coastal Watch effort and joined the ongoing mangrove restoration. Members of Sundial’s team had the opportunity to adopt young mangrove plants and nurture the seedlings until they’re big enough to be planted at one of the restoration sites.
Through SCCF’s mangrove restoration project, volunteers participate in the full lifecycle of a mangrove: collecting propagules (seeds) from August to October and planting the resulting seedlings from December to June in designated restoration areas. Guests who participate leave a lasting legacy—a newly planted mangrove that will combat climate change and support marine life for years to come. It’s an incredibly rewarding experience that allows you to quite literally help rebuild the island’s foundation.
In addition to our own participation in these programs, we want to encourage our guests and visitors to get involved, too! Voluntourism is the perfect blend of travel and environmental stewardship. It offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to actively contribute to the health and longevity of the very ecosystems you’ve come here to enjoy. It means your vacation leaves a legacy, not just footprints.
Photo provided by SCCF
Current Opportunities
SCCF has a number of different programs that offer an opportunity to participate in this restorative effort across the islands.
- Mangrove Restoration
- Oyster Restoration
- Preserve Plantings
- Beach and Preserve Clean-Ups
- Beach Bucket Stations
- Custom Voluntourism Experiences
At Sundial, we believe sustainable tourism is the way forward. By supporting these efforts, you gain a deeper, more personal connection to Sanibel and leave with a profound sense of pride in the work you’ve done. We invite you to grab a bucket, plant a mangrove, and join us in making a meaningful impact during your stay.
