Yours to Explore, Discover, and Enjoy

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches across 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters, encompassing 40% of Collier County coastline. The Reserve is committed to preservation through research, education, and land protection.

Plan Your Visit

The Reserve's Impact Since 2000

32782

COLLIER COUNTY STUDENTS TAUGHT ON FIELD TRIPS

1841

SHARKS TAGGED FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY

1519

SEA TURTLE NESTS PROTECTED

5901

PROFESSIONALS RECEIVED SCIENCE-BASED TRAINING

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

One of 29 Protected Reserves in the United States

Managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and Florida International University, the Reserve stretches from Gordon Pass in Naples to the western Everglades and is supported by the non-profit Friends of Rookery Bay.

Explore

Where Education Meets Recreation

The Rookery Bay Environmental Education Center offers a variety of hands-on experiences for all ages, including aquariums, interactive exhibits, an art gallery, nature trails, picnic areas, lectures and classes, exhibitions and receptions and much more.

NEW Virtual Activities

Discover Your Rookery Bay

Rookery Bay Research Reserve is yours to explore and enjoy. Recreational opportunities abound for kayakers & boaters, campers, anglers & shellers, beachgoers, nature photographers, birdwatchers and more!

Explore the Reserve

Visit the Environmental Learning Center

Adventure

Guided Nature Tours

Explore the unique ecosystem of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve via boat and daily kayak tours that offer an up-close and personal experience in nature.

Book Your Tour Now

When you choose to spend the day at Rookery Bay, know that you are exploring one of the last and largest remaining undisturbed mangrove habitats in North America.

Boat Tours

Kayak Tours

Eco-tours in Naples | Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Annual Events

2ND ANNUAL CLASSIC CAR SHOW

Join us in the most stylish way possible! The event showcases pre-1930s Antiques, ‘40s, ‘50s Classics, and ‘60s and ‘70s Muscle Cars.

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Bash for the Bay

Celebrate OUR coastal treasure over cocktails, dinner, live music, dancing and other delights.

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National Estuaries Day

Join us for our annual free celebration of estuaries. Enjoy boat tours, kayaking and SUP demos, food and more!

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Festival of Birds

This annual event invites you to explore the local environment through dozens of guided field trips to wildlife hot spots around southwest Florida and lectures at our Environmental Learning Center.

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Friends of Rookery Bay

A Public-Private Partnership

Friends of Rookery Bay help Reserve staff address many challenges in managing our coastal lands and waters. We connect people to Southwest Florida’s coastal environment in support of Rookery Bay Research Reserve through an active volunteer recruitment program, outreach efforts, advocacy, and fundraising activities.

Our members, volunteers and donors enable us to be a reliable partner to the Reserve and an advocate for preservation and coastal protection. Join us!

About Friends of Rookery Bay