Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats Kayak Tour - Local Biologist Guides
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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!
What‘s Included
REAL Local Biologist Guides with Master's Degrees
FREE Admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center
FREE PHOTOGRAPHY - Available for free download after your adventure
Single-Seater Kayak with high back seats, cup holder, and room for storage (ages 12+)
Low Profile Paddling Life Vests, & Dry Bags
A real adventure with the most awesome science nerds in the land!
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
Options
Single Kayak - 1 Adult
Reviews
815 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
SIGN UP for this Tour!
H468CBbarbaras,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible experience on an educational kayak tour at Rookery Bay Estuary with Rising Tide! Our guides - both biologists (both named Ryan) - shared fascinating insights about the estuary, the important conservation work being done, and the diverse wildlife. We were lucky to see a spiney sea star, lighting whelk snail, and especially excited to see a manatee! We kayaked through beautiful mangrove tunnels and had so much fun! I highly recommend this tour to learn more about Florida’s beautiful ecosystems while learning from passionate experts!
Highly recommended
Mark N,Mar 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful experience, beautiful surroundings, excellent Guide, very reasonably priced. They even include photos taken on the tour.
Great day on the water
Wander65328769537,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a great time kayaking and seeing and learning about the mangroves and the wildlife. A wonderful day on the water.
Great Kayak adventure!
O2814ZGlaurac,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour had lots of information given by a friendly guide. The kayaks were easy to maneuver throughout the tour. I loved getting to see different Florida birds and learning about the mangroves.
The 3 hour tour
Citytraveler14,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible 3‑hour boat tour through Rookery Bay! Captain Winston was fantastic, knowledgeable, friendly, and clearly passionate about the area. He shared so many interesting facts about the wildlife and ecosystem, and he made the whole experience memorable. The scenery was stunning, the pace was perfect, and we walked away feeling like we learned so much. Highly recommend this tour and Captain Winston for anyone visiting the area!
Informative and pleasurable
J9933AZpennyc,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide had excellent knowledge of the environment and was very interesting . I learned a lot The pace was good. I live in UK and that was a great experience
In Defense and Appreciation of Mangroves
Discover778928,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Gerald, our guy, was simply superb. I learned so much while enjoying the special coves and tunnels of mangroves. Also learned so much about the environment, wildlife and the need for preservation and continued funding. I will carry the message forward about how important mangroves are to Florida’s protection and the dominoe effect of what each of us must do to keep our environment safe for generations to come. Thanks.
Makes learning fun! The guides were great! Gerald's knowledge made the trip so much more interesting than renting a kayak and
DebraSue2022,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guides were great! Gerald's knowledge made the trip so much more interesting than renting a kayak and going alone. Beautiful and well run trip. Highly recommend.
Peaceful
davidhX5872UU,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, wonderful experience
Mangrove tour 3/6
jackbL2488EC,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. The tour guides were friendly and eager to share their knowledge of the mangroves! What a great afternoon
From US$69.99
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