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
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Options
Single Kayak - 1 Adult
Reviews
829 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great time kayaking.
K5879AZkevinm,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great time. The guides were very knowledgeable and spent a lot of time explaining about everything that we experienced, from the oysters, birds and of course all the types of mangroves. The dolphin sightings were the icing on the cake.
Great tour and knowledgeable friendly guide
MrsCLC2011,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great morning out with Ryan exploring Rookery Bay. Meet up was straightforward and Ryan was very welcoming and friendly as well as knowlegable about the area. We had a great time and would certainly recommend!
Wonderful family nature tour
Sunnythais,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour with Matt and Rene and booking was extremely easy! We’ve done this tour before but this was our first time bringing our two kids, 6 and 4 years old, and the grandparents and it was a wonderful time for all. Matt and Rene were extremely knowledgeable about the area and wildlife. Highly recommend this tour and we will definitely be back!
Absolutely stunning.
kobrien007,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing tour. Our guide Sarah did an excellent job showing us the estuary and all of the wildlife we could see. Keewaydin Island was an exceptional experience, Pictures do not do it justice. Tons of shells and peaceful water. A must do.
Fun time at the Mangroves with Cierra and Ryan
I2826CQariela,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such a great time with Cierra and Ryan! It was our first time kayaking and they provided us with a lot of tips and support. Very kind and helpful guides. I appreciated all the facts Ryan and Cierra had about the area. Great value for what it costs and a portion goes back to protecting the area. We will definitely go again!!
Trainee? No Way!
marcoV5025EK,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Oysters, birds, manatees, oh my! Great experience for sure. Sierra and “trainee” Ryan were very enthusiastic and educational. 5 Stars!
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!
From US$69.99
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