Boat Tours
Naples & Marco Island Eco Boat Tours
Explore the protected waters of Rookery Bay Reserve on guided eco boat tours near Naples and Marco Island. Led by local biologist captains, our boat tours visit some of Southwest Florida’s most unique coastal habitats, from bird rookeries and mangrove estuaries to secluded bays, shelling beaches, and historic island landscapes.
Choose Your Boat Tour
- Boat Activities
Sunset Bird Rookery Cruise
Head out of Shell Island Road and experience evening in the estuary with one of our biologist guides! Watch hundreds of birds return to rest for the night on Rookery Bay’s famous bird rookery island!
- Boat Activities
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!
- Boat Activities
Life’s a Beach Cruise- Barrier Island Shelling
- Boat Activities
High Points Ancient Island Excursion
- Boat Activities
Sunset to Full Moon Cruise
Why Rising Tide Explorers?
Biologist Captained Eco Tours
Explore Rookery Bay with a local biologist captain who brings ecology, wildlife, and the conservation history of the reserve to life.
Rookery Bay, Naples & Marco Island
Our boat tours explore the protected estuary waters that surround Naples and Marco Island, showing you the wild side of Southwest Florida.
Shelling, Wildlife & Sunset Options
Choose from a wide range of tours. From bird rookery sunset cruises to shelling trips and eco-cruises through thick mangrove habitat, there is something for everyone.
Small-Group Coastal Adventures
Our relaxed, small-group boat tours make it easy to experience remote parts of Rookery Bay in peace. Small boats allow us to explore areas that larger boats can’t reach.
Boat Tour Details
Naples & Marco Island's Most Unique Boat Tours through Rookery Bay
Get ready for a boat tour unlike any other! Captained by real local biologists and science professionals, you’ll get the chance to explore some of the most unique areas of the Rookery Bay Reserve with the most qualified captains and educators in the region. As the exclusive ecotour partners of the Friends of Rookery Bay, we have access to areas that are off limits to the public and all other tour operators.
Get out for some shelling on a remote part of Keewaydin Island from our private dock, visit the ancient sand dune island of Sand Hill where you’ll find ancient human burial grounds and a beautiful view of the Reserve from its highest point (only accessible on a boat tour with RTE), take a cruise around the estuary with a knowledgeable biologist as your captain and learn about mangrove ecology, or cruise into the Rookery Bay to watch hundreds of birds return to roost on the famous Rookery island against the backdrop of a gorgeous SWFL sunset.
Our Coastal Treasures
Whether you’re looking to find unique shells for your collection, to see local wildlife, or to learn about this incredible natural area…a boat tour with Rising Tide Explorers is a great option for the whole family. With wheelchair accessibility and the most comfortable vessels in town, you can join us for a fun adventure while learning about what makes this place so special and unique from the people who study it. While there are many opportunities to enjoy the waters of Southwest Florida by boat, there is only one place to venture into the estuary with a real science professional while gaining access to unique and restricted areas of the Reserve that host some of the most incredible habitats, history, and views in the region. By booking with RTE you are also helping to protect and preserve the Rookery Bay Reserve! A portion of the proceeds from your boat tour ticket goes back to the Friends of Rookery Bay to support the Reserve’s research, education, stewardship, and conservation efforts.
Our Vessels
Our shallow draft boats are designed for exploring the protected waters of Rookery Bay in comfort. Cruise through quiet estuaries, shallow backwaters and serene sunset viewing spots that larger vessels cannot reach!
Velliger
Eco-Cruising, Shelling, High Points Excursion, Sunset & Full Moon Cruise
Named after the final larval stage of Bivalves (clams, scallops & Oysters), Velliger is our flagship vessel and is a stylish 24′ Carolina Skiff. As a true flatbottom hull it can squeeze into ultra shallow waters and get where others cant! Featuring 6 comfortable 360 degree captains chairs, full-length bimini top for shade, and state of the art marine equipment.
Velliger can be used for our full tour suite, from exploring ancient sand dunes to getting you to secluded shelling beaches. Enjoy the view of birds coming into roost during sunset or watch the moonrise while wading through barrier island waters. Anyway, Velliger will get you there!
- 24' Carolina Skiff
Tringa
Shelling, High Points Excursion & Full Moon Cruise
Tringa, our 24′ Carolina Skiff, is one of the most versatile and comfortable tour boats in Southwest Florida. As the original ecotour vessel of the Rookery Bay Reserve, Tringa has 6 individual captain’s chairs that swivel 360 degrees so you can get a great view no matter where you sit under the shade of a full-length Bimini Top.
This flats boat allows us to navigate shallow areas of the Reserve and access areas that larger vessels cannot go. Get out to remote parts of Keewaydin Island for the areas best shelling and beachcombing, or venture up shallow Sand Hill Creek to explore one of the most remote and unique areas of the Reserve at its highest natural point, Sand Hill.
- 24' Carolina Skiff
Dino Days
ADA Accessible Vessel for Eco-Cruising & Sunsets
Dino Days is our 26′ Bennington Pontoon generously donated to the Friends of Rookery Bay by the Donahue Family. After being diagnosed with ALS and requiring a wheelchair, Mike Donahue wouldn’t let that stop him from getting out on the water. He customized his vessel to accommodate his wheelchair and requested that the vessel be donated to help others with disabilities enjoy the water after his passing. We are ever grateful for the generosity of the Donahue family and will work to honor Mike’s legacy and passion for this amazing place by sharing it with as many as we can aboard Dino Days! It’s large, comfortable seats, full-length Bimini shade and wheelchair accessibility make this vessel the perfect way to enjoy a day in the estuary.
- 26' Bennington Pontoon
- Wheelchair Accessible
Boat Tour Departure Information
We depart from the Rookery Bay Field Station on Shell Island Road, just minutes from Marco Island and a short drive from Naples. Your confirmation email will include the exact meeting location, arrival time, and any tour-specific instructions.
- Time: Launch Times are daily at 9:00AM, 1:00PM, and Sunset
- Summer Hours are typically 9:00AM only May through October
- Group Size: Maximum 6 guests (call for larger parties)
- What to Bring: Water, Snacks, Sun Protection, Bug repellent, Binoculars
- Cancellation & Rescheduling
- You may voluntarily reschedule or cancel your tour 72 hours prior to departure at no charge. See FAQ page for more details.
- Gratuities: Gratuities for your captain are customary and always appreciated.
