EXPLORING ROOKERY BAY
Information
Access to Shell Island Road is OPEN from dawn to dusk.
Report Violations
Toll Free: 888-404-FWCC (3922)
Local Calls: (239) 938-1800
Reserve Rules
- No Unleashed Pets
- No Unattended Fires
- No Hunting, Harassing, or Possessing Wildlife
- No Use of Firearms or Weapons
- Do Not Remove Natural or Cultural Resources
- No Pollution
- No Destruction of Property
Kayak Routes
Reserve Rules
- No Unleashed Pets
- No Unattended Fires
- No Hunting, Harassing, or Possessing Wildlife
- No Use of Firearms or Weapons
- Do Not Remove Natural or Cultural Resources
- No Pollution
- No Destruction of Property
Report Violations
Toll Free: 888-404-FWCC (3922)
Local Calls: (239) 938-1800
Restricted Access: March - August
Due to nesting shore birds during this time frame there is restricted access at Keewaydin Island, Morgan Beach, NEW BEACH, and Second Chance Shoal.
Second Chance is CLOSED March 1st – August 31st
Birding
Restricted Access: March - August
Due to nesting shore birds during this time frame there is restricted access at Keewaydin Island, Morgan Beach, NEW BEACH, and Second Chance Shoal.
Second Chance is CLOSED form March 1st – August 31st
Camping
No Camping: April – October
- Between April and October restricted access will apply to the following locations:
- Cape Romano Complex (Dickmans Island, Kice Island, Blind Pass, Morgan Beach, and Cape Romano)
- Gullivan Key
- Whitehorse Key
- Hog Key
- Camp Lulu
Second Chance is closed to camping year round.
- Primitive camping is allowed in “Designated Areas” marked with [tent icon] on the map above.
- Designated camping locations in the northern part of the Reserve are open year round. Designated camping locations in the southern part of the Reserve are open October – April.
- Permits or reservations not required. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Visitors found camping in locations that are not designated for this use may be asked to leave by FWC or other law enforcement entity.
- Camping rules may be different within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Please visit their website to follow their guidelines – https://www.fws.gov/refuge/ten-thousand-islands/visit-us/activities/camping
FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE VISIT
Facilities
This is a “wilderness experience!” Campers must be aware there are NO facilities available. In order to maintain a pristine environment for wildlife and other visitors, please observe the following guidelines at all times when visiting or camping in natural areas:
- Human feces are a health hazard – see Wilderness Hygiene Guidelines
- Pack out all your trash including unsanitary and unsightly toilet paper
- Do not leave camping equipment behind – take everything back with you
- Properly dispose all food items: and do not discard food or rinds on the island or in the water
Campfire Guidelines
- Fires are permitted in designated camping areas, but they must be attended at all times.
- Do not burn wood pallets. They leave behind dangerous nails.
- Do not burn trash. Broken glass bottles and cans are dangerous.
- If you dig a fire pit, fill it in when you are done.
- If you use charcoal, do not leave briquettes behind on the beach or in vegetation.
Parking
No overnight parking at Collier County boat ramps, except for at Port of the Islands Marina and the Goodland Boat Park (fee is $10 per vehicle per night).
Safety First
We strongly encourage all boaters to file a float plan with a friend or family member who will be responsible for notifying the coast guard in the event the boater does not return as scheduled.
Wilderness Hygiene
- Use facilities on board your boat, or a “portable potty”, and dispose of properly when in port.
- Urinate below the high tide line and away from other people.
- Dig a cat hole above the high tide line and at least eight inches deep for any fecal waste. Carry out waste paper in a ziplock baggie for proper disposal.
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER NATURE TRAILS
SHELL ISLAND ROAD NATURE TRAILS
Experience the flora and fauna in each community of this path. With every twist and turn you may spot some rare birds, unique plants and other animals. Make sure to check out the Observation Deck where you can overlook just a small piece of Rookery Bay’s beauty.
Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park
Collier County Parks & Recreation has entered into an agreement with the Reserve to manage the park for sustainable use. Launch fees are posted near launch site.
FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE VISIT
Safety First
We strongly encourage all kayakers to file a float plan with a friend or family member who will be responsible for notifying the coast guard in the event the boater does not return as scheduled.
Wilderness Hygiene
Urinate below the high tide line and away from other people.
Dig a cat hole above the high tide line and at least eight inches deep for any fecal waste. Carry out waste paper in a ziplock baggie for proper disposal.
Parking
No overnight parking at Collier County boat ramps, except for at Port of the Islands Marina and the Goodland Boat Park (fee is $10 per vehicle per night).
Restricted Access: March - August
Due to nesting shore birds during this time frame there is restricted access at Keewaydin Island, Morgan Beach, NEW BEACH, and Second Chance Shoal.
Second Chance is CLOSED from March 1st – August 31st.
Kayak Routes
Keewaydin
FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE VISIT
History: Since 1980, Rookery Bay Research Reserve has worked with local partners to protect wildlife and habitat on the island while providing a wilderness recreation experience for people. Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) purchased 85 percent of the 1,300-acre island at a cost of $15 million. As managers of these state-owned lands, the Reserve removed 300 acres of non-native Australian pine, Brazilian pepper and melaleuca that had displaced much of the island’s native habitats and wildlife. The island didn’t wash away as some predicted, but instead has flourished with native trees, plants and wildlife. The island has changed shape over the years as well. Click here to learn more about how we map this changing shoreline.
Ordinance: Barrier islands in the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, such as Key Island, are governed by Chapter 18-23 of the Florida Administrative Code, known as the Buffer Preserve Rule. The Buffer Preserve Rule applies to all uplands bounded by or adjacent to the waters within both the Rookery Bay and the Cape Romano/Ten Thousand Islands aquatic preserves, which cover nearly 40 percent of the Collier county coastline.
In a recent ruling by the Board of Collier Commissioners, the county beach ordinance now provides clear language that guides the activities of beach goers, and allows officers to enforce the State rule for the protection of nesting birds and other wildlife while still allowing visitors to enjoy the Island.
- Hunting, harassing, possessing or trapping wildlife.
- Use of animal trapping or concealment devices.
- Admission of unleashed domestic animals, except those assisting the handicapped.
- Transplantation or removal of any plant or animal, or parts of plants or animals (living or dead), except as provided herein.
- Removal, disturbance, pollution or destruction of property, or natural or cultural resources.
- Solicitation or distribution of commercial materials and advertising of any commercial event, other than Department materials or announcements of Department-sponsored or sanctioned events and gatherings.
- Possession of glass containers prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person while on the beach or beach access areas to possess or utilize any glass bottle or container.
- Hiking, horseback riding, and bicycle riding shall be restricted to trails or roads specifically designated for those activities.
- Camping may be conducted only in designated areas.
- Fires are allowed only in designated areas.
- Visitors shall be responsible for the proper disposal of all waste-water, refuse, and trash by placing it in designated containers, if provided, or removed to an off-site disposal facility or receptacle.
- Vehicles are allowed only in areas designated as public access roads.
- Motor vehicle or vessel operation in water bodies, wetlands, or low lying areas located inside the boundaries of the Buffer Preserves is allowed only where designated for such use with signs.
FISHING
FOLLOW THE GUIDELINES FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE VISIT
Sustainable Fishing Practices
Sport fishing is a popular pastime within the boundaries of Rookery Bay. Proper fish handling and compliance with state and federal regulations helps ensure Florida’s fisheries remain healthy and productive. Find the most up to date information on research-based catch and release practices from Florida Sea Grant to help protect and conserve our marine fisheries.
Read more about Catch and Release Fishing
Learn more about the Florida Sea Grant
Regulations
Fishing is permitted throughout the Reserve as long as all activities comply with state laws as governed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
BEFORE YOU DO ANY RECREATIONAL FISHING PLEASE READ THE LATEST REGULATIONS.
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