Heart of Rookery BAy Kayak Tour

Naples - Marco Island

QUICK DETAILS

Capacity: 1 - 12 Paddlers

Duration: 2 - 2.5 Hours

Launch Times: 9:00AM & 12:30PM Daily (Launch time & Availability may vary, see calendar for details)

Launch Site: Shell Island Road Boat Launch

Tour Partner: Rising Tide Explorers

*Children under 12 will ride in a tandem kayak with an adult

*Ages 3+ only

Join a local biologist for a 2-hour tour exploring the mangroves

Depart on an adventure into some of the most quiet and tranquil parts of the Rookery Bay Reserve with one of our Biologist Guides! Here you will take a leisurely paddle through the remote mangrove bays, islands, and creeks that make the estuary one of Southwest Florida’s most valuable treasures.

Look deeper into the different components of this unique ecosystem as you learn about how its oyster reefs and mangrove islands help to shape the area’s ecology. Navigate these unique living habitats while practicing basic paddling skills as you cruise among the local wildlife. The area is commonly visited by dolphin, osprey, wading birds, bald eagle, rays, interesting invertebrates, and even Manatee! Get out on the water with Southwest Florida’s only biologist guides and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Rookery Bay Reserve!

FREE HD photography included with every tour!

    • Water

    • Sunscreen

    • Bug Spray

    • Snacks

    • Hat & Other Sun Protection

    • Water Shoes

    • Binoculars

    • Cash for Gratuity

  • Heading out into a remote part of the Rookery Bay Reserve, we will be surrounded by some of the most pristine mangrove ecosystems in the world. Soak in the silence and immerse yourself in the tranquil slow pace of the estuary as we look closer at its ecology and wildlife. Keep your eyes out for Dolphin, Mangroves, Tree Crabs, Wading Birds, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Swallowtail Kites, Manatee in the summer months, and much more!! Get ready for some exploration! Feel free to call, email, or text with any questions, changes, or special requests.

    • Please arrive 30 minutes before scheduled launch time so we can get fitted with PFDs and kayaks before we launch. Tours depart from the kayak launch AT THE END of Shell Island Road, NOT the Environmental Learning Center. Our trip will depart rain or shine as long as conditions are safe, and our biologist guides will evaluate the conditions before departure to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Looking forward to meeting you and having a great adventure!!

    • Our guides work extremely hard to give our fellow explorers the best experience possible. Not required but always appreciated, we recommend gratuity based on the quality of service you received*

View fullsize Masked Marvel in the Mangroves! This amazing encounter is a reminder of the diverse wildlife that thrives in the unique ecosystem of the mangroves. Our kayak tours offer a front-row seat to this hidden world, allowing you to witness the wonders of
View fullsize Look at the pure joy on this kayaker's face as she holds a magnificent Florida horse conch! Here's what you might not know about the Florida horse conch: These guys are real survivors – they've been around for millions of years! Their spiraled
View fullsize Our Bioloigist guides sometimes go below the kayaks for awesome creatures such as this variegated sea #urchin, otherwise known as the 'decorator urchin' which is an #echinoderm that uses shell and leaves to create camouflage! #RisingTideFL #naplesfl
View fullsize Look at these smiles! This amazing family is creating memories that will last a lifetime on a guided kayak tour with Rising Tide Explorers , led by Naples & Marco Island's only biologist guides! Exploring the hidden mangrove tunnels and teeming
View fullsize
View fullsize We never tire of seeing these amazing birds. Did you know that when baby White Ibises hatch their bills are straight? Their bills don't start to curve downward until they are 14 days old? Who is "Sebastian the Ibis?" Let us know in the comm
View fullsize What are the benefits of children being outdoors? Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenges. When children are used to playing outdoors, they
View fullsize Several hermit crab species can be found in Southwest Florida, but our favorite is the giant hermit crab. They grow to be massive, & their bodies are a red color. Hermit crabs utilize different empty shells throughout their lifetime and this on
View fullsize Lunch is served! Loads of nutrition in this Sea Squash and our guides know just where to find them! Enjoy this delicacy while exploring the beautiful backwaters of Rookery Bay! #RisingTideFL #ecotours #naplesflorida #marcoislandflorida #Biologistgu
View fullsize More news about our amazing biologist guides! Meet Celina and Susannah! Learn how they are advocating for Florida's ecosystems. Check out this blog on our website website. https://www.risingtidefl.com/blog/ #RisingTideFL #westernevergladesrestorat
View fullsize At Rising Tide Explorers, safety is our top priority. That's why we're thrilled to share that two of our amazing kayak tour guides, Derek and Christy, recently participated in a "Suddenly in Command" training class with Rookery Bay's Team O
View fullsize Watch in awe as your biologist guide teaches you about the wonders of the estuary as the birds come to life at Rookery Bay’s famous Bird Rookery Islands, home to hundreds of nesting birds. Book your Sunset Bird Rookery Boat boat or kayak tour a
View fullsize Rookery Bay NERR and Audubon Florida are offering a FREE Workshop Series for environmental-based tourism companies and their guides who would like to learn more about conserving our unique environments in SW Florida. Scan QR code to register.
View fullsize What was the coolest part of your spring break to Naples, FL this year? Easy! Holding a MASSIVE Lightening Whelk while on an educational kayak tour through the mangroves and to the mudflats with the biologist guides of Rising Tide Explorers! These
View fullsize Ever feel like you're being watched? A recent tour was full of surprises, even if our kayakers didn't realize it at the time! Two curious dolphins keeping pace just behind our unsuspecting adventurers. Dolphins are incredibly intelligent and social
 

Shell Island Road Launch

No Restroom at End of Road:

When launching from Shell Island Road, please be aware that there is currently no restroom available at the end of the road. We suggest stopping before turning on Shell Island Road, or pulling off at Brigg’s Boardwalk to use the Port-o-let before making your way to the launch point at the end of the road. 

RELATED ACTIVITIES

Sunset Bird Rookery Kayak Tour

Explore the backwaters of the Rookery Bay Reserve. Paddle into Rookery Bay itself to see hundreds of birds and enjoy the sunset before paddling back under the glow of twilight!

Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats Kayak Tour

Join a local biologist on a journey through the beautiful estuaries of Southwest Florida in search of unique wildlife as you explore winding mangrove tunnels, oyster reefs, mudflats, and hidden bays.