ECO-TOURS AT ROOKERY BAY
Join us for your next Rookery Bay Adventure
Afternoon and evening tours are not offered during summer time.
Friends of Rookery Bay Members receive a 10% discount on all eco-tours.
Hourly kayak rentals available!
With the most comfortable equipment in Southwest Florida, speedy delivery and top-notch customer service
Explore our beautiful waterways without the heavy lifting!
INFORMATION AND POLICIES
About Our Boat Tours
- Duration: 2 – 3 hours
- Registration is required.
- The minimum age is 6 years old.
- Meet at the launch site 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.
Tours are led by our exclusive eco-tour partner Rising Tide Explorers
About Our Kayak Tours
- Duration: 2-3 hours (hours vary depending on tour)
- Registration required
- Meet at launch site 30 minutes prior to scheduled start time
- All participants must sign and hand in a waiver at the time of or before registration
- Trip includes use of a kayak, all equipment, paddling instruction and admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
- Weight limit: 250 pounds
- Participants ages 16-17 are not required to have a parent or guardian present on the actual tour
- Tours offer single or tandem kayaks and accommodate children ages 3 and up
Cancellations & Weather Info
- Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation.
- In the event of severely inclement weather, your trip leader will contact you on the morning of the trip at the phone number you provide when registering, and you will receive a full refund
What to Bring
- Wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that you do not mind getting wet
- Bring a hat, sunglasses, sun block, bug spray and a water bottle
- Leave all electronic equipment locked in your car, as you may get wet
- $10 parking fee per vehicle if you do not have a beach sticker at Isles of Capri Paddlecraft Park location
FRIENDS OF ROOKERY BAY ECO-TOUR OPERATOR RFP
The following request for business plans is intended to select one or more individuals or businesses to operate the Ecotour Program at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR). The current ecotour program is managed by the Friends of Rookery Bay (FORB). The existing ecotour program offers visitors an opportunity to participate in guided kayak tours or guided boat tours. The ecotour program is an extremely important program to the Reserve providing funds that support research, coastal stewardship, and environmental education outreach. Through the ecotour program, visitors have an opportunity to explore the diverse habitats in the Reserve, including the estuary, mangrove forests, beach environment, and upland habitats in the Reserve.
