Mangrove Tunnels Kayak Tour: Biologist-Led Adventure
5.0
694 Ratings
Naples
Join SWFL's only active local biologist guides for an adventure through the Rookery Bay Reserve on the #1 Kayaking Tour in the USA. Explore mangrove tunnels, mudflats, and oyster reefs while spotting wildlife. Book your tour today!
Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rising Tide Explorers - Enjoy the Rookery Bay Reserve by kayak with hourly rentals or on a guided kayak tour with the only biologist guides in Naples & Marco Island and the exclusive ecotour partners of the Friends of Rookery Bay in support of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve!
  • Marco Island - We will be paddling into the Mangrove Tunnels of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve just North of Marco Island launching from the Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park. The regions only biologist guides will help you find unique wildlife while teaching you about the ecology and history of this amazing place! Get on the water with the guides who have spent their lives studying this area and explore with a real local biologist!
  • Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - After exploring the mangrove tunnels with the only biologist guides in Naples & Marco, visit our partners at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center and enjoy FREE ADMISSION with the purchase of your tour ticket to explore their exhibits, aquariums, art gallery, theater, and hiking trails!

Be sure to ask about becoming a member of the Friends of Rookery Bay to further support the Reserve, gain access to special programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and discounts on tours, rentals, and at the nature store!

What's Included
  • Guided by REAL Local Biologists with Master’s Degrees
  • Single-Seater Kayak with high back seats and storage space (ages 12+)
  • Complimentary Admission to Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
  • FREE High-Quality Adventure Photography Download
  • Equipped with Low Profile Paddling Life Vests & Dry Bags
  • Exciting adventure with the most awesome science nerds
What's Not Included
  • Water is not included. Please bring plenty of water to drink
  • Sunscreen
  • Proper Clothing & Footwear - Flip flops are okay, but not ideal
  • For children under 12 or tandem kayak requests, please contact us directly
  • Cash for Gratuity - Gratuity is customary and much appreciated by our hard working biologist guides
  • Parking fees
Additional Information

Join the exclusive local biologist guides from SWFL for a thrilling journey through the Rookery Bay Reserve at the onset of the 10,000 islands, on the Kayaking Tour ranked #1 in the USA by USAToday! Navigate beautiful mangrove tunnels, bustling mudflats, and complex oyster reefs, all the while spotting magnificent wildlife such as sea stars, big snails, birds, dolphins and manatees! Every adventure comes with FREE HD PHOTOGRAPHY of you and your loved ones exploring this magnificent region.

We provide Single Kayaks for all participants. Children under 12 should contact us directly. This tour is perfect for both, the novice paddler as well as the seasoned kayaker. Come and traverse the tranquil backwaters of Southwest Florida with the only biologist guides from Naples and Marco Island! Secure your tour today! PLEASE BE PRESENT 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO LAUNCH TIME.

Additional slots, tandem kayaks, tickets for children (under 12), boat trips, and more kayak tours incorporating sunset tours can solely be booked through phone or our website. Reach out to us to schedule your reservation!

  • Tandem kayaks & Children’s tickets (under 12) are available for reservation by phone only. Call to reserve!
  • The Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park requires a $10 Parking Pass per vehicle if you do not have a Collier County Beach Parking Sticker
  • Must be able to paddle a kayak for 2 - 3 hours
  • Weight in excess of 250lbs must call for special accommodations
  • Children under 3 are not permitted
  • Children under 12 must ride in a tandem kayak with an adult
  • If cancelled due to weather or dangerous conditions, you will be offered to reschedule or be provided with a full refund
  • Maximum group size of 12 paddlers
Location
1295 Capri Blvd
Capri Boulevard
The Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park is located at the corner of Collier Blvd (951) and Capri Blvd.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(694 Ratings)
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Bluejeanian
May 12, 2024
Glad we did this tour - The guides, Evan and Victoria, were well-informed, easy to understand, clearly enjoy this coastal biology. The kayaking was easy, calm, really pretty in the morning. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
B6501smgracec
May 10, 2024
Mangrove kayak tours - Evan and Victoria were incredibly kind and knowledgeable of the mangrove ecosystem. They are very passionate about their job and make sure you have a great time, see and touch lots of wildlife, and respect the fact that we are not simply observers of nature but a moving part that can affect the delicate balance of life. I have a much deeper appreciation for estuaries and all they do to help keep me alive even hundreds of miles away. I would recommend this trip to anyone. Including inexperienced kayak riders!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarahbo4895kz
May 10, 2024
Mangrove Kayak Tour Journey with Passionate Guide - I had an absolutely amazing time on the Mangrove tour, and I owe it all to Julie and Madison, our fantastic guides! Their knowledge and passion for preserving these vital ecosystems truly made the journey unforgettable. Throughout the tour, Julie and Madison emphasized sustainability and conservation, which I found incredibly inspiring. Their insights into the importance of mangroves in maintaining coastal ecosystems and protecting against erosion and storm damage were eye-opening. It was clear that they were dedicated to preserving these invaluable natural resources for future generations. The tour itself was a perfect blend of adventure and education. Navigating through the mangroves by kayak was fun. Thanks again to Julie and Madison for an incredible experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mills4js
May 9, 2024
Quality Family Adventure - We took this adventure a couple of years ago and it was requested by my children to go again. It's a great educational and a relaxing quality time with family. I highly recommend this adventure!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bruna
May 8, 2024
A great experience, definitely recommend it. - It was a great kayaking experience and got to see some sea creatures , osprey nest with a mama and a chick , that was pretty nice, the guide was pretty instructive and was very knowledgeable.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tylers_parents
Apr 22, 2024
It was lots of fun in addition to educational - Rory and Ray were fantastic guides. They showed us lots of fascinating creatures along the way as we leisurely paddled through the area. We were lucky enough to get out at the mudflats and stand in the water watching the eclipse! They took pictures of the paddlers and the things they found for us and distributed them to us free.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
F226wutomw
Apr 21, 2024
Close and personal with the mangroves - - Very enjoyable paddling - estuarian environment - excellent guides/naturalists described and showed us creatures that inhabit the brackish mudflats. A learning experience with the guides detailing features of this unique ecosystem.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Erinn833
Apr 20, 2024
Great Experience! - Renee and Derik did such a great job. They were informative, patient, and exuded positive energy! The mangroves were gorgeous and we found lots of fun living creatures in the mud. Highly recommend if you want to get outside and learn about the estuaries of Florida!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
U6493ilcatherined
Apr 19, 2024
Great informative and fun adventure - Rory was engaging , informative and entertaining! I especially liked how he actually brought everything to life that he discussed, from the oysters to the trees. He made me really realize and appreciate how adaptable and resilient all these species are and that they are all living things. Very worthwhile adventure. I would recommend to anyone interested in kayaking and/or nature.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Karenrf7785pc
Apr 19, 2024
Nature filled tour - This was a birthday gift for my husband, and we were so pleased with the tour . Our guide Winston was helpful and knowledgeable. Would recommend this three hour tour to our friends . Not for little ones. It’s a long time for them, but will bring the grandchildren to the shelling tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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