Marco Island Boat Tours
Biologist-Captained Eco Cruises in Rookery Bay
Cruise Rookery Bay’s mangrove islands, quiet bays and Keewaydin’s shelling beaches on a small-group boat tour captained by an active local biologist. We depart from the Rookery Bay Field Station on Shell Island Road, just minutes from Marco Island.
Tours by Reservation • Small Groups • 2-3 hours • Seasonal Departure Times
Why Rising Tide Explorers?
Biologist Captains
Explore Rookery Bay with a local biologist captain who brings the ecology, wildlife and conservation history of the Reserve to life.
Just Minutes from Marco Island
Every boat tour departs from the Rookery Bay Field Station on Shell Island Road, a short drive north of Marco Island.
Small Groups of 6 or Fewer
Relaxed, small-group cruises on shallow-draft boats that reach quiet areas larger boats can’t.
Wheelchair-Accessible Pontoon
Dino Days, our 26′ Bennington pontoon, makes eco-cruises and sunset tours accessible for guests who use wheelchairs.
Boat Tours Near Marco Island, Inside Rookery Bay
Staying on Marco Island and ready to see more than the beach? Rising Tide Explorers runs small-group boat tours into the protected waters of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, just north of Marco Island. Every tour departs from the Rookery Bay Field Station on Shell Island Road, a short drive up Collier Boulevard.
Your captain is a working local biologist who can delve into the rich history and ecology of the reserve. Depending on the tour, you might watch birds return to a rookery island at sunset, step onto a remote stretch of Keewaydin Island to look for shells, or hike to the highest natural point in the Reserve. Our shallow-draft boats reach quiet bays and backwaters that larger vessels can’t, and every trip changes with the tide, weather and season.
Prefer to paddle? See our Marco Island kayak tours!
Our Vessels
Velliger
Our flagship vessel, a stylish 24′ Carolina Skiff. As a true flat-bottom hull, Velliger can squeeze into ultra-shallow waters and get where others can’t, with 6 comfortable 360-degree captain’s chairs and a full-length bimini top for shade.
Tringa
The original ecotour vessel of the Rookery Bay Reserve, Tringa is a 24′ Carolina Skiff with 6 individual captain’s chairs that swivel 360 degrees under a full-length bimini top, built to reach shallow areas larger vessels cannot.
Dino Days
Our 26′ Bennington pontoon, generously donated to the Friends of Rookery Bay by the Donahue family. Large, comfortable seats, full-length bimini shade and wheelchair accessibility make it a perfect way to enjoy the estuary.
Choose Your Marco Island Boat Adventure
Each cruise explores a different side of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Swipe or use the arrows to compare all five.
Sunset Bird Rookery Cruise
Best for: Birding, photography & sunset views
Head out from Shell Island Road for an evening in the estuary with a biologist captain. Watch hundreds of birds return to roost on Rookery Bay’s famous bird rookery island as the sun sets.
From: $99
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: Evening; departure times follow sunset
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Tour Details
Head out from Shell Island Road for an evening in the estuary with a biologist captain. Watch hundreds of birds return to roost on Rookery Bay’s famous bird rookery island as the sun sets.
From: $99
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: Evening; departure times follow sunset
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Life’s a Beach: Keewaydin Island Shelling
Best for: Shelling, beachcombing & barrier-island wildlife
Explore a remote part of Keewaydin Island, a natural, living barrier island with an incredible diversity of life and some of the best shelling near Naples and Marco Island.
From: $109
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: 9am and 1pm
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Tour Details
Explore a remote part of Keewaydin Island, a natural, living barrier island with an incredible diversity of life and some of the best shelling near Naples and Marco Island.
From: $109
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: 9am and 1pm
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Essence of the Estuary Eco-Cruise
Best for: Dolphins, birds & mangrove ecology
This 3-hour nature cruise, captained by a local biologist, explores the mangrove and barrier-island systems of Rookery Bay in search of birds, dolphins and other wildlife while you learn the history and ecology of the Reserve.
From: $109
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: 9am and 1pm
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Tour Details
This 3-hour nature cruise, captained by a local biologist, explores the mangrove and barrier-island systems of Rookery Bay in search of birds, dolphins and other wildlife while you learn the history and ecology of the Reserve.
From: $109
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: 9am and 1pm
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
High Points Ancient Island Excursion
Best for: History, a short hike & the best views in the Reserve
Cruise winding mangrove creeks to Sand Hill, one of the most remote and unusual places in the Rookery Bay Reserve. A short hike to the region’s highest natural point reveals unique plant communities and sweeping views.
From: $109
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: 9am and 1pm; Tidally dependent
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Tour Details
Cruise winding mangrove creeks to Sand Hill, one of the most remote and unusual places in the Rookery Bay Reserve. A short hike to the region’s highest natural point reveals unique plant communities and sweeping views.
From: $109
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: 9am and 1pm; Tidally dependent
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Sunset to Full Moon Cruise
Best for: Sunset beachcombing & moonlit cruising
Head to Keewaydin Island for sunset beachcombing into the twilight hours, then cruise back under the light of the full moon. This tour runs only a few nights each month, so it books up fast.
From: $125
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: Full-moon evenings only
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Tour Details
Head to Keewaydin Island for sunset beachcombing into the twilight hours, then cruise back under the light of the full moon. This tour runs only a few nights each month, so it books up fast.
From: $125
Departs: Rookery Bay Field Station, 10 Shell Island Rd
Time: Full-moon evenings only; Seasonal
Group size: Up to 6 guests per vessel
Not sure which tour fits your group? Give us a call and we can help find the best on-the-water experience. If you have a large group, check out our information on Group and Private Tours.
See a Rising Tide Boat Tour
Boat Tour Departure Information
All of our boat tours depart from the Rookery Bay Field Station on Shell Island Road, just minutes north of Marco Island. We don’t offer pickups from Marco Island. 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: 9:00AM only, May through October.
- Group Size: Maximum 6 guests per vessel (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 full details.
- Gratuities: Gratuities for your captain are customary and always appreciated.
Your Adventure Helps Support Rookery Bay
Rising Tide Explorers works with the Friends of Rookery Bay to connect visitors with one of Southwest Florida’s most valuable protected estuaries. 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.
When you explore with Rising Tide, you are helping support the people and programs working to understand and protect it.
Marco Island Boat Tour FAQs
Our boat tours depart from the Rookery Bay Field Station at 10 Shell Island Road, just north of Marco Island off Collier Boulevard. Drive time depends on where you’re staying and seasonal traffic, so allow extra time to park and check in.
Yes. Our Life’s a Beach cruise visits a remote part of Keewaydin Island, a natural barrier island with some of the best shelling in the Naples and Marco Island area. The Sunset to Full Moon Cruise also includes sunset beachcombing on Keewaydin during a spectacular sunset.
Yes. Dino Days, our 26′ Bennington pontoon, is wheelchair accessible and is used for eco-cruises and sunset tours. Give us a call before booking so we can confirm the accessible boat for your date.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, sun protection, bug repellent and binoculars if you have them. Gratuities for your captain are customary and always appreciated.
Ready to Explore Rookery Bay by Boat?
Choose the cruise that fits your group, reserve your preferred date and meet your biologist captain at the Rookery Bay Field Station. Bring water, sun protection and your curiosity.
Questions before booking? Our team can help match your group with the best available tour and conditions.
