Critters of the SW Florida Mangrove Tunnels and Mudflats

Estuaries are where rivers and water from land meet the sea, and these vibrant places are packed full of life- in fact, 80% of seafood begins its life in these shallow protected waters.  In Rookery Bay, and Southwest Florida in general, estuaries are a maze of mangrove trees whose roots hang in the water to provide shelter for small fish, oyster beds creating habitat and clean water, and mudflats where snails and sea stars roam in search of their next meal.

You are sure to see tons of critters when you join a biologist led kayak tour with Rising Tide Explorers – including everyone’s favorite- dolphins.  But do you know about these other critters you are almost sure to see while paddling?  Check out the Mangrove Tunnels and Mudflats tour for your best chance to see these fun friendly critters!

We can organize our favorite critters into three categories- Snails, Crabs, and Jellies, Shrimp, & Stars