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
823 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Fun in the Sun...at Rookery Bay
GoPlaces30019690859,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience! Great guides and sights!!! A little fun in the sun that provided excersice and opportunities to relax.
Paradise explored
Jet63148153680,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved our guides Selena and Ryan as we peacefully glided into the pristine areas of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Both guides were extremely knowledgeable and focused on everyone having the best experience possible. I loved that the trip accommodated all kayaking skill levels and allowed the opportunity to actually get out of your kayak and explore the sandbar/mudflat. Well done! Had the sweetest dolphin greeting!!
Unique and beautiful excursion
X536IFglenns,Apr 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beautiful and unique experience. Guides were very knowledgeable.
Wonderful time beautiful views!
kiaras969,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had a great time the tunnels were beautiful Celina and Ryan were very informative! I learned a lot from them!
Kayaking in mangrove tunnels
F8329ZOmelissam,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Selina and Ryan were so awesome!! They were very educational and kind, it made the experience really memorable.
Great family fun, with a little education
crystalc858,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fun time with 18-21 year old kids. It was a great mix of kayaking and exploring the estuary. Looking forward to doing this again.
Amazing experience. Learned a lot! ❤️
JessicaLauren08,Apr 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Awesome experience!!! Would recommend to anyone. Kyle was very helpful and patient with me 😊 Gerald was great too! Loved this tour! ❤️
Kayaking the Mangroves
Dale B,Apr 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great experience kayaking through the mangroves. Liked that it was a small group (12). Lead by two guides with degrees in related fields, very knowledgable. Stay close to the lead guide as it can sometimes be difficult to hear since her back is towards the group. Though we would stop to gather several times for information. Wind was against us returning and one guide towed a young girl who was struggling slightly, very helpful! Saw some birds, large horse conch, too early for manatees, no dolphins. Suggestions: bring a towel and change of clothes if you’re headed somewhere else after the tour. Public restroom available at the car park. It’s probably a good idea to have experience kayaking as you need to navigates some “close” tunnels.
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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.
From US$69.99
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