Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Nature, Parks, & Gardens • Fort Myers, Florida United States

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in Fort Myers, Florida, is a tranquil haven for nature enthusiasts, offering a unique blend of ecological diversity and educational opportunities. Spanning acres of pristine land, the reserve is a sanctuary for a wide array of plants and wildlife, providing a vital habitat for many species to thrive. Visitors can explore the intricate network of mangrove forests, salt marshes, and seagrass beds that make up the estuarine ecosystem, while marveling at the vibrant birdlife that calls the reserve home.

The reserve also serves as a hub for research and conservation efforts, with scientists and educators working tirelessly to protect and preserve the delicate balance of the estuarine environment. Educational programs and guided tours are available for visitors of all ages, offering a deeper understanding of the importance of these unique coastal habitats. Whether strolling along the boardwalks, kayaking through the waterways, or participating in a guided eco-tour, visitors to Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve are sure to be inspired by the beauty and diversity of this natural gem.


Tours for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Exploring the area? Book a tour to fully experience everything Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has to offer. A guided tour will provide you with fascinating insights and hidden gems that you might miss on your own.

Marco Island Mangrove Tunnel and Maze Adventure Small group size in Fort Myers, Florida $59 Tour Provided by Viator
5.0 (4)

Marco Island Mangrove Tunnel and Maze Adventure Small group size

Fort Myers, Florida United States

Our industry leading small group tours have only 8 people max verses 15 people for your safety and enjoyment. Our kayaks are very stable, have a wide opening, are very comfortable and it covers the side of guests legs which helps in the tunnels when guests run into the branches. We have the earliest start time on our morning trip, a midday and a mid afternoon. Our guides have extensive kayaking guiding experience on both flat water and whitewater which for guest safety in these tidal areas. This is our 17th year with our kayaking company in southwest Florida and when you paddle with us its like visiting with good friends during the best time of the day.

Private Island Paradise Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour in Fort Myers, Florida $500 Tour Provided by Viator
5.0 (4)

Private Island Paradise Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour

Fort Myers, Florida United States

See the mangrove estuary near Marco Island by boat! Explore the complex and diverse ecosystem full of beauty and wildlife on our ecotour. Wildlife sightings may include dolphins and many species of birds such as osprey, bald eagle, pelican, tern, gull, skimmer, plover, egret, heron, and roseate spoonbill amongst others. Seasonally wildlife sightings may include manatee, sea turtles, sharks, iguanas Fully guided by a certified Florida Master Naturalist. Tour includes a one-hour beach stop on a barrier island to swim, beach comb, or look for exotic shells.

Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR in Fort Myers, Florida $112 Tour Provided by Viator
5.0 (188)

Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR

Fort Myers, Florida United States

A small group 10,000 Islands boat tour. Join our friendly, US Coast Guard Licensed Captains as we cruise through one of the most extensive intact Mangrove Forests in the World! This boat tour focused on three core subjects; Wildlife, Conservation, and family-friendly fun! Bring your whole family and expose the younger generation to the country's most unique eco-system, the Everglades of South West Florida!

Guests can expect close-up encounters with Dolphins, Manatees, and Alligators, providing you with tons of excitement throughout this 3-hour Adventure. With each wildlife encounter or exciting topic, guests can expect an open and candid conversation with their Florida Naturalist Captain. Mangrove Ecology, Manatee protection, and fishing techniques always seem to be top subjects throughout the trip.

As a proud member of 1% for the Planet, this tour donates 1% of the total cost to the Everglades Foundation. Thank you for choosing a proper Eco-minded company!

Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats Kayak Tour - Local Biologist Guides in Fort Myers, Florida $70 Tour Provided by Viator
5.0 (699)

Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats Kayak Tour - Local Biologist Guides

Fort Myers, Florida United States

Join SWFL's only active local biologist guides for an adventure through the Rookery Bay Reserve at the start of the 10,000 islands on the #1 Kayaking Tour in the USA (USAToday)! Paddle to beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats, and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphin and manatee! FREE HD PHOTOGRAPHY of you and your family exploring this beautiful area is provided on every adventure.

Single Kayaks are provided for all paddlers. For children under 12 contact us directly. Perfect for the first-time paddler and the pro. Get out and explore the calm backwaters of Southwest Florida with Naples and Marco Island's only biologist guides! Book your tour today! PLEASE ARRIVE 30 MINUTES BEFORE LAUNCH TIME.

Additional availabilities, tandem kayaks, children's tickets (under 12), boat tours, and additional kayak tours including sunset tours are available for reservation by phone or website only. Call to reserve!

Barrier Island Shelling Tour in Fort Myers, Florida $99 Tour Provided by Viator
5.0 (18)

Barrier Island Shelling Tour

Fort Myers, Florida United States

Our three-hour Barrier island shelling tour is the perfect tour if you want to spend a little more time looking for a really special shell. Captains are always US Coast accredited master captains with decades of experience to ensure safe passage even in rough weather. Your guide is a certified Florida Master Naturalist with a wealth of knowledge to help you understand not only what you'll find but also where to look to locate the most sought-after and rare shells like the infamous Junonia. A truly memorable shelling experience as all of our tours are small groups and very intimate. Tour destinations may include Caxambas sandbars, Kice Island, Morgan Island, Cape Romano, and Second Chance Shell Bar (aka Shell Island). Shelling locations are dependent on the time of the year, weather, tide, and wind. Shelling locations are at the captain's discretion.

Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion in Fort Myers, Florida $75 Tour Provided by Viator
4.9 (480)

Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion

Fort Myers, Florida United States

Set sail on this beautifully appointed Catamaran, "Cool Beans", and start making lasting memories! Cool Beans Cruises is the perfect way to see SW Florida, By Water! Choose from a 2.5 hr. Day-Sail or a 2 hr. Champagne Sunset Cruise. With quick access to the Gulf of Mexico, you will experience true sailing with limited motoring. A stop for a swim to a secluded pristine beach for shelling can be part of the Day Sail Only(weather permitting). Keep your cameras ready to capture a photo of the local wildlife to see along the way!
Cool Beans Catamaran will accommodate up to 20 passengers. PRICE INCLUDES SODA, WATER, BEER, & WHITE WINE . A CHAMPAGNE TOAST AT SUNSET IS INCLUDED FOR THE SUNSET CRUISE.
Please note that parties of 7 or more, an 18% gratuity is added to our base price and is due and payable to the Captain.

Also available is our 25 Ft .Pontoon, Lil' Beans! Perfect for up close eco/nature /shelling and island hopping. Book a Private tour for a group for up to 6 guests

Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour in Fort Myers, Florida $99 Tour Provided by Viator
4.9 (20)

Island Paradise: Dolphin, Shelling, Birding Eco Boat Tour

Fort Myers, Florida United States

See the mangrove estuary near Marco Island by boat! Explore the complex and diverse ecosystem full of beauty and wildlife on our ecotour. Wildlife sightings may include dolphins and many species of birds such as osprey, bald eagle, pelican, tern, gull, skimmer, plover, egret, heron, and roseate spoonbill amongst others. Seasonally wildlife sightings may include manatee, sea turtles, sharks, iguanas Fully guided by a certified Florida Master Naturalist. Tour includes a one-hour beach stop on a barrier island to swim, beach comb, or look for exotic shells.

Rookery Bay Beginner Kayak Tour in Fort Myers, Florida $65 Tour Provided by Viator

Rookery Bay Beginner Kayak Tour

Fort Myers, Florida United States

This is our "get your feet wet kayak tour." Almost all other Naples and Marco Island Tour companies offer this route. The main difference will be our certified year-round Adventure Paddle Tours guides and our pledge as a 1% for the Planet Member. Adventure Paddle Tours is a true Eco-tour company, providing safe and entertaining tours while also giving back to the local wildlife refuges and conservation areas. We are not a pop-up kayak outfitter like so many other recently new outfits. If you are looking for something more unique with a higher chance to spot wildlife check out our number one selling Manatees and Mangroves tour.

Interesting Places Nearby

Planning the perfect vacation? There are a ton of great places to explore. Checkout out these exciting locations and places near Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.