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Join a local biologist on a journey through the beautiful estuaries of Southwest Florida in search of unique wildlife as you explore winding mangrove tunnels, oyster reefs, mudflats, and hidden bays.

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From
$65

Heart of the Rookery Bay Kayak Tour

Paddle into the heart of the Rookery Bay Reserve to explore the remote backwaters of its mangrove lined bays with a local biologist as your guide!
From
$99

Sunset Bird Rookery Cruise

Head out of Shell Island Road and experience evening in the estuary with on of our biologist guides! Watch hundreds of birds return to rest for the night on Rookery Bay’s famous bird rookery island!
From
$109

Essence of the Estuary Eco-Cruise

This 3-hour nature cruise captained by a local biologist will allow you to immerse yourself into some of the most beautiful areas of wild Southwest Florida. Learn about the history and ecology of the Rookery Bay Reserve as you cruise among the mangrove and barrier island systems in search of local wildlife like birds, dolphin, and more!

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Explore Naples & Marco Island with Local Biologists

Rising Tide Explorers gives you the opportunity to experience some of Naples & Marco Island’s most beautiful natural areas with kayak rentals and exciting adventures led by the region’s only team of 100% active local biologist guides.  Go exploring on a family friendly guided kayak tour for a paddle into the mangrove tunnels, a relaxing guided boat eco tour to unique and restricted areas of Rookery Bay, and catch sunset at the famous bird rookery island as over 1,000 birds return to their roost for the night, all led by the local biologists who study the areas unique ecology and wildlife.

A percentage of the proceeds from our adventures and rentals goes to support the Friends of Rookery Bay.

Our guides are the real deal.  Check out their backgrounds and read about their local research projects on our About Us page!

Southwest Florida’s Only Biologist Guides

Voted #1 Kayaking Tour in the USA

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Launch Locations

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Isle of Capri Paddlecraft Park 

1295 Capri Blvd.

Naples, FL 34113

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Shell Island Road Kayak Launch

1 Shell Island Rd

Naples, FL 34113

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Rookery Bay Field Station – Shell Island Rd.

10 Shell Island Rd.

Naples, FL 34113

Get 5% off when you book online!

Enter code “EXPLORE” at checkout for 5% off online bookings. Free photography is included with every tour.

because you can't see Florida from a lounge chair...

Rated "Excellent" by over 2,500 Visitors!

  • star rating  Sun Sand and Shells  - We had a great Florida afternoon. Our knowledgeable and friendly captain made the day. The shells were amazing.

    avatar thumb Janet B
    December 1, 2024

    star rating  Fun for all generations  - I found this trip last minute while in Marco for the thanksgiving holiday. My teen daughter and 63 year old mother joined me for the excursion. While there are... read more

    avatar thumb Michelle H
    December 1, 2024

    star rating  Great Marcos Adventure  - We thoroughly enjoyed our paddling time in beautiful Rookery Bay. Evan our guide did a great job sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for a truly special ecosystem. We loved seeing... read more

    avatar thumb Michele B
    December 6, 2024
  • star rating  Biologists make great guides!  - We have been out with Rising Tide Explorers many times. We always get a different guide, who explains something new to us. And part of the fee goes back into... read more

    avatar thumb travelerfanatic
    December 9, 2024

    star rating  It is fun to kayak through the mangroves  - We love going out with Rising Tide Explorers. They have good equipment and very knowledgeable guides - they are biologists! We have been going with them for several years now... read more

    avatar thumb heikem638
    December 9, 2024

    star rating  Unique Outing - Rising Tide FL is a great company with excellent pre-tour and post-tour support - very friendly and competent tour company. The all-day outing to Keewaydin Island was unique venturing... read more

    avatar thumb jscotts855
    December 11, 2024
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