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*

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View fullsize This Labor Day, we’re not just celebrating our team, but also the incredible community that supports us. We’re proud to be a part of this amazing place and look forward to continuing to serve you. #LaborDay #SmallBusiness #thankyou #Commu
View fullsize While our tours operate year-round, our sunset adventures take a break during the summer months and start up again November 1st. Don't miss your chance to witness the unforgettable spectacle of a Naples sunset over the beautiful Bird Rookery Island
View fullsize Happy Wildlife Wednesday! Our Biologist guides take all the photos on your tour. And you have free access to all of them! Enjoy! #RisingTideFL #kayaking #gulfcoastlife #environmentaleducation #getthekidsoutside #marcoisland #wildlifewednesday #est
View fullsize School starts this week for Collier County students and we wish you the best year ever! These girls were making memories before school starts, learning about the sea #urchin and #HorseConch with our #Biologistguides! Both are a common discovery on o
View fullsize TONIGHT is the second FROGWATCH field night!🐸🐸 Join us and #naplesoutfitters , #naplesbotanicalgarden and #Friendsofthenaplespreserve . During this free event, learn about local frog and toad species that reside right in our very own backyards! Fo
View fullsize Laughter, wildlife, and wonder! There's nothing quite like exploring the estuary by kayak. From playful dolphins to fascinating critters, every adventure with Rising Tide Explorers is a chance to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories
View fullsize HOP ON OVER A WEEK FROM TONIGHT!🐸🐸🐸! The second FROGWATCH field night!🐸! Join us with our partners #NaplesOutfitters , #naplesbotanicalgarden and #friendsofnaplespreserve . During this free event, learn about local frog and toad species that res
View fullsize This family is beaming as they discover the wonders of the estuary together! From banded tulips to sea stars, urchins, horse conches, and more, there’s so much to explore and learn. Summertime fun at its finest! ☀️🌊 #familyfun #estuaryexplorat
View fullsize RTE Biologist Lead Guide & ACA Paddle Instructor, Evan, spent Saturday morning teaching some of our newest staff members about kayak safety. Our team is customer service oriented, highly trained, and certified in safety to provide safe, enjoyable
View fullsize Families are enjoying the estuary this summer and learning so much while they do! Get out there and explore! #RisingTideFL #naplesoutfitters #getthekidsoutside #naples #environmentaleducation #FamilyTime #LoveFL #Biologistguides #mudflats #MarcoIsl
View fullsize This family made some great memories last week kayaking and learning from our biologist guides about the critters of the Rookery Bay estuary. Have your planned your next family adventure yet? #RisingTideExplorers #naplesoutfitters #paradisecoast #n
View fullsize Check out this FROG WATCH article written about our event in last weeks in Coastal Breeze News! https://tinyurl.com/57njanyp🐸 If you missed our first field night, join us on the 2nd of 3 frog watch nights, Aug 9th. See link to free registration in
View fullsize We look forward to you meeting our biologist guides, captains, and the Rising Tide Explorers crew! Our team is customer service oriented, highly trained, and certified in safety to provide safe, enjoyable, and memorable adventures. Featured is biolo
View fullsize Hit the water your way! Rent a Hobie, paddleboard, or kayak for your next adventure: • Explore for some epic kayak fishing. • Set sail for your next island camping adventure. • Enjoy a few relaxing hours paddling around. We make it ea
 

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.