Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Reviews

A bit out of town we found in a local tour magazine. The research reserve provides a fascinating look at estuarine research in Florida and how it is being preserved and supported. Estuarine areas provide necessary filtering of water and habitat for many animals, birds, fish. Museum has a great exhibit, and the second floor has a learning center which includes local history of the area from the late nineteenth century narrated from journals and history of the families who first lived there. Hope to visit again with grandchildren in tow. Boat tours of river avaiable but not in summer months (mosquitoes, bugs, heat etc.)

Popped in for a quick visit with friends on the way to Marco Island. The entrance fee is modest at Dlrs5.00 for adults and discounted pricing for children, so a reasonable cost for families. The facility provides some great information about the plant life, birds and local marine life in south west Florida, including a short film and a number of small water tanks exhibiting some local fish and other marine life.
Unfortunately the heat and the mosquitoes prevented us from taking the walk along the trails within the reserve, however we still enjoyed our visit and even managed to get a glimpse of a small family of manatees from the bridge. Recommended if you want to learn a little bit more about the region's various natural environment while visiting this part of Southwest Florida.

We were pleasantly supprised with our tour through the reserve both inside and out. Interesting exhibits and a nice educational walk outside.

My wife and I were invited to attend a gallery opening held at the Rookery Bay Educational Center. We found the people to be very professional, very welcoming and politley engaging. The photography exhibit presented very talented artists' works. The hors d'oeuvres were not just food, but a well laid out informational and active environmental center. We were impressed by the well run affair, and for the pleasant public event.

The lectures during science notes were very instructive and interesting. The reception before were a pleasure. We have become members and will be active members. It is a lot of fun.

Lots of fun to be had at this educational facility, where kids and adults can roam the displays, view a film, walk over the bridge onto trails or spend the day on a canoe trip. They explain the value and importance of the everglades area, and display lots of animals, birds, reptiles, fish and other critters that live there. There is lots of work being done here for the enviornment. Friendly staff and inexpensive fee to get in!

The photography class at Rookery Bay was excellent. Sonny Saunders made the class so informative and provided hands on practical needs for successful camera use. I recommend it to anyone who is looking to understand their camera and have success with pictures. Definitely worth time and money. The facility was exceptional as well.

We enjoyed the tour and history. Took the long walk around (2.5 miles) did not see any bald eagles on our walk but enjoyed the walk none the less. Very beautiful location, educational.

This is s fun learning experience for young and on on the Henderson River. Lots to see and learn. The boys were interested and the exhibits (especially the boat in the lobby) kept them occupied for a couple of hours, Most people miss the gem. I went back alone to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. I learned more from the volunteer Guide,"Elsa", in 45 minutes that I could have learned in a week at a college.

The staff so helpful and knowledgeable. Docent great too
Loved the local art exhibit. Well maintained trails. We even saw a manatee.

Great moring spent at rookery bay education centre, we had a splendid walk on the nature trail, we saw a garter snake, gecko's and squirrels, sometimes you can see deer & raccoons, then relaxed & Sat by the butterfly garden, looking in to the river from the bridge we saw a couple of manatees, you could on some days also see sharks and dolphins, there were plenty of fish jumping. Inside the centre you can look around the marine life touch tanks, aquariums, use microscope to get a closer look at insects, there is a cinema where you can see marine films, and an interactive education room for children. A fantastic place very woth while visit for local history too.

Inside the center was ok. There were informative areas that explained some of the objectives and history. The trails portion was horrid. The mosquitos were so prolific they could have carried you off. We all coated ourselves with some serious tropical strength repellent and had to re-apply throughout the walk. We survived the walk and returned to the center and encountered a resident expert on Manatees and learned a little more about them.

I've got an 8 year old daughter and a 6 year old boy. Our annual migration to visit the grandparents in Naples has brought us to the zoo, the botanical gardens, children's museum and various other kid friendly attractions.

This was our first visit to the Rookery. We all found it to be a fun and educational experience. The kids loved the touch tank and learned a great deal from the person working there ... it was a little too buggy outside (visited in February) so we took an abbreviated hike.

The main building has some interesting tanks with some very cool specimens. We will be sure to visit again next year. We spent ~ 90 minutes there. Good times.

We had a great walking tour there today with Art, the naturalist. He was very informative about the plants that can be seen along the trail. His talk made the $5.00 admission fee worth it and then some. If you get the chance, make sure you take a guided tour while you’re there.

We all found the touch tank very cool. The volunteers were very informative and patient. Answering every and all questions. It was raining pretty hard so we didn't venture out to the bridge walk but we were told by friends that is also a great attraction.

I went to a lunch and learn, the talk was about sea turtles, both the food and the lecture were SUPERB!!! Well worth the money!

i love the nature , the beauty and most of all the way everyone who works there is passionate about what they do.
Michael is the most passionate and loving men I have ever known in my life , he showed me the importance of sustainable life ,

My brother and I reserved spots for guided tours. We were not disappointed. The kayaks and all other equipment were in great shape. The owners are very professional. One is a marine biologist who gave us a good overview of the waters and surrounding vegetation.

A very cool hidden gem between Naples and Marco Island (off Collier Blvd). Very educational, the staff know their stuff, and it’s a great way to see local wildlife! Touch tanks for little ones (with live conchs, etc.) and a neat observation bridge in the back to see bull shark, manatees and fish.

Even though the mosquitoes were savage, I went on the trails and toured the visitor center. Michael introduced me to the facility and the grounds before I started, he was very informative. Great exhibits. After I finished at the center, I headed down Collier to Shell Island for a bit more of a hike.
This is a geocache friendly facility. Have fun!
I would have rated this excellent, but again, it was the bugs.

We were disappointed in the lack of birds and mammals seen but realize that we visited midday. But the docents were OUTSTANDING. The visitor center was staffed with knowledgeable, helpful docents that gave concise descriptions of the various exhibits and answered all questions. I especially appreciated the superb taxidermy work making the mammals very lifelike.

Toured the Rookery Bay and we were not disappointed! Our guide was knowledgeable regarding the ecosystem and all species present!!! Enjoyed the presentation immensely!!!

Wonderful lunch n learn about sea turtles. We took our time and visited The Rookery exhibits. Would like to go back and take the boat tour.

The Rookery has something for the whole family. During season, there are lots of programs and events for children that are fun, but also very educational. For adults, there are art exhibits and interesting things to learn about the unique ecosystem in Southwest Florida. Don't miss out on this!

We spent almost an hour here. They have a two story building to explore exhibits and also watch a couple short films. We walked outside on the overlooked but didn’t explore more due to mosquitos.

not too large exhibition and learning center for all ages. Focuses on the Rookery Bay area (downstairs) and other environmental issues (upstairs). Usually there are twice a day activities in which you can participate. The touch tank was an absolute favorite of our 6, 5 and 2 yr old. Lovely volunteers who are very knowledgable and willing to share information. Short boardwalk from which you get an idea of the surroundings. From the bridge we saw a manatee up close!

A must see and do for everyone but especially for families with children!

This was a beautifully presented art exhibit showcasing local artists. It was a pleasure interacting with the artists and getting to know them one on one throughout the evening. The facility was open to wander through all evening, which added a relaxed feel to the atmosphere. Three 60 Market sponsored the beverages, which were exceptional for this event. Thank you! The presentation of awards was exciting for both the exhibitors and audience. Outside of this special event, the estuary is breathtaking and full of surprises. All staff are engaging and helpful. was a lovely event and the Rookery BayReserve should be a stop on everyone’s travels to Naples.

Is an interesting place for families, not so much for adventurous. Has a nice little theatre, some indoor pools with local fish, a small museum, mother who could walk the platform and trail walk sat through a discussion presentation she enjoyed with a small group. It was perfect for the day with older parents they had a nice time. Watched some birds along estuary/river. A few days later drove to area where kayak tours are launch from and walked around trails there, not much to see, can get buggy.

While we have not yet had the opportunity to visit the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, we have taken one of its naturalist-guided boat trips to the barrier islands outside. Simple wonderful! You are transported to another Florida; only the traffic on the Intercoastal reminds you of the urban environment just miles away. Dolphins, osperys galore and one photogenic pair of nesting bald eagles. The boats on these tours (different destinations and learning each day) are small--six passengers. Our guide, Randy, was highly knowledgeable and friendly; a sense of community was established immediately in our group. We visited a hardwood hammock (forest) on one of the islands, with an amazing array of plants, insects and evidence of larger creatures like wild pigs. You don't have to be a biologist to enjoy this. Rookery Bay also offers kayak tours of more narrow waterways. We'll be back.

Stopped in after taking a kayak tour with Rising Tide. We were amazed by all of the great work done by this organization! The visitors center is beautiful and has lots of great exhibits. We didn't have kids with us, but will be bringing grandchildren here in the future. Nice little trail outside the center along with a few others nearby.

We enjoyed all the hands on exhibits inside. We did not watch the film, but saw the art exhibit, which was excellent. The trails are all well maintained, and easy to walk. There could be more signage outside. It is a great place for all ages.

A leisurely paddle up and down the Turner River in Big Cypress National Reserve. Part of the Festival of Birds organized by Friends of Rookery Bay.

My husband and I travelled to Naples to go to the Rookery Bay Museum and Reserve on a day where it rained the bulk of the day. The Rookery has an exhibit and art gallery where you can easily fill about 90 minutes of your time. They have several aquariums; some where you can touch the sea animals such as starfish and hermit crabs. There is a boardwalk to walk around and get guided tours. It was unfortunate of the rain that day as no one took a tour due to conditions.

The ladies that worked there were very friendly and knowledgeable. They fed the fish every day and let the children watch. They have a small gift shop, too.

A great place to try and wish that we could have toured around had the weather been better. A great place for families and people of all ages.

The Learning Center has marine life (scientific) exhibits, a film on the estuarine environment (narrated by Guy Harvey), historical and cultural exhibits, art exhibit, walking trails, touch tank and so much more. It is a wonderful family experience that delights and educates. The staff are so pleasant and knowledgeable. A unique experience that should not be missed.

My 12 year old and his friend had a great time seeing the exhibits, presentations and hands on activities

First visit. So enjoyable. Kids really enjoyed the aquarium. Crawl under it and enjoy the inside view of the fish and sea life. Many activities for everyone. Even if the weather is not the best, this place has plenty to do. Wish we could have spent more time outdoors, but we visited on a cool rainy day. We plan to return. Our young ones really enjoyed this place. Very friendly staff. PS. our old ones enjoyed the day also.

My son had a medical emergency, so we could not attend. While in ER I received an irate call from the Rookery that we were late. When I explained the situation, the person from the Rookery said I had held everyone up. Again, I explained I was in ER and was very preoccupied. I received a lecture from the Rookery person. They were not kind. We I asked for a refund or voucher, I was denied. So much for kind understand. Getting lectured in ER was most inappropriate. Beware.

This is an educational facility for young children with hands on displays. A fee to get in to see displays and use the grounds. This is not what we were looking for. I understand they do a lot of kayak guided tours. We were looking for birding and hiking trails. They don't exist here. We moved on.

On Wednesday the 23 my group of 4 took the Explore the Rookery Reserve tour. Randy met us and gave a preliminary report on the history of the Reserve, took us out on the boat to the island. Very interesting and his knowledge was priceless. We thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hour visit and learned a lot..Highly recommend this.

This was a fun trip to see animals and some sea life. This would be a fun place for my nieces and family.

The science night concerning mangrove restoration was very educatinal and insightful on the extent of a serious and unfolding problem facing Collier County at this time.

This Eagle Lakes park is wonderful! We were there to go birding with our guide Meghan from Rookery Bay. She was terrific and we saw so so many birds and even as snake and a large turtle. It was a delightful walk around the main lake but there are many other areas to explore. I would very much recommend any program that is hosted by the Rookery Bay Reserve

Where to start? Two friends and I signed up for the Sunset to Starlight cruise, the night before a full moon. There are only six seats on the boat for guests, plus the guide. The whole point of this cruise is to only go out ON or close TO, a full moon. If you don't make reservations in advance, you will regret missing something really special.

When we first met our guide, Randy, he took us to a building on the property to use the restrooms and then he used a large map to explain the area and the trip. This is a working, scientific estuary, and it was fascinating. We were led outside and down a path behind the building to the boat dock. Randy makes sure that everyone gets onto the boat safely and explains everything fully.

Even though this tour starts around 5 pm, when the sun is still up, you are out there until almost 8 pm, so bring a light jacket/sweatshirt and wear sneakers, NOT flip-flops or sandals. You should also bring bug spray. You are allowed to bring non alcoholic drinks and snacks if you like, but we didn't even have a moment to eat and we didn't care! Having water is a good idea, though. Alcohol is not allowed. Also, bring a Ziplock bag for the shells that you will be collecting. You'll need it.

While we were going through the rookery to our destination, Randy explained about the different birds, ecosystem, and sea creatures that exist there. He also told us really interesting information about the mangroves, most of which I was unaware. It was a beautiful evening being out on the water. The entire area and the small "islands" were especially stunning at that time of day.

When we arrived at the next dock, about 20 minutes from the start, we tied up and walked through a jungle-like path to a beautiful beach that is so big you cannot see the end. There are so many shells that you can't help but step on them. I felt rather guilty crunching on them, but it is impossible to avoid doing so. We were encouraged to take as many shells as we wanted and we could ask Randy as many questions as we liked...he is like the Google of shell info! No joke! He knew the name of every shell I presented to him. I learned so much. He was patient and lovely, his passion for his work clearly evident. His knowledge was impressive. We stayed until the sun set in front of us (beautiful!), and were on the beach until dark with the full moon rising up to light the way back. It was awesome.

When we headed through the path to the boat, Randy asked us to stay quiet and walk slowly, really listening to the wildlife surrounding us. Since you are taken out so far away from the mainland, there are no external lights, human sounds, cars, nothing but the birds, frogs, etc. It was so cool to be out in the moonlight like that, with the stars easily seen, and truly being immersed in nature.

As we boated back, it was like being in another world. Randy expertly knows his way around the area and we always felt safe. He killed the engine at one point near a mangrove, and we just sat in the moonlight and listened to the different birds settling down for the night. It was incredible. I could've stayed out there all night.

I would highly recommend this adventure. I don't think it would be good for children under twelve or anyone with mobility issues. You must be able to get in and out of the boat, walk on a beach and a few paths which are not always completely flat and be outside for at least four hours. Just my opinion.

Randy is a real boon for this program. He was just great. He had all of us really thinking about mindfulness and staying in the moment. It was a wonderful place to be.
I would do it again in a heartbeat.

All the monies go to the estuary. It is an environmental jewel that deserves to be supported. Worth every penny!! Don't hesitate..take this sunset cruise!

Really fantastic Centre. Loads of information, very well presented with great information given by Mike and Marilyn. Saw a manatee in the water from the bridge. Really recommend a visit here.

we went to the rookery based on a recommendation from collier-Seminole state park rangers. We were participating in the Python challenge 2016 and the state parks trail were under water. We called first to find out the status of the rookery trails which were supposed to be ok. After checking in we started on the trail. At least 50 percent of the trail was underwater. We ended up on a swamp walk! Never saw any pythons and this area was a former dump site so trash was visible. Not the same tour as at the preserve.

The center is great, especially for kids. Would have been perfect had the butterflies been in their garden, and the mosquitos had not been on the hiking trails!

My friends & I spent a lovely morning in the Rookery Bay Estuary Preserve on a guided kayaking your. The guides were very instructive about the habitat, the effects of Hurricane Irma, & the flora/fauna of the area. They gave good instructions, also, on how to kayak, if one were a newbie!

Well cared for and beautiful facility. Knowledgeable volunteers are there with information on the displays. We learned about ma tees and many toner sea creatures. The inside exhibits are well thought out and informative. Via a bridge over one estuary we had a walking four a d learned about the flora a d fauna. We also saw raccoons and a large alligator. Will be an a null visit.

Nice film & displays. Doable nature bridge & trails (.5 miles each). If you're with children, Friday is your best bet. If you want to avoid bugs on the trail, bring insect repellent or come during the winter months!

My adult son and I went to Rookery Bay Research Reserve earlier this week, not knowing what to expect. We were thoroughly impressed with the whole experience. We were greeted by Michael, who was very welcoming and informative. The film was excellent, the exhibits were exceptional, especially the ones with the live sea creatures. It was all explained in an interesting way. We took a short guided walking tour of the reserve with a volunteer named Karl. He explained the five habitats and how they were similar and different. He explained the plants, trees, and other wildlife. He was friendly, well informed, and his interest in the plants, animals, etc was contagious. I am normally not a "back to nature" type person, but it was so interesting to me because it was all done so well. We will definitely go back!

This was an amazing experience - I had no idea what I was in for. The boat ride was very nice. Once the birds started to land I was in awe! So many birds, so many types of birds, so much squawking - awesome. Combine that with a wonderful Florida sunset and you have magic!

We were greeted at the door and they explained the different directions we could go and there was to see. Can't beat the price of $5 to get in! The short video is a must to really understand the reserve. A nice walking path(s). You can go 1/2 mile or more ,your choice. No paved paths so we're good shoes. Bug spray was provided if you need it. The picture is of a palm tree and its burnt bark. There was a controlled burn 5 yrs earlier. Pretty neat to see how all has survived and rebuilt its self.

Went here on a cool and cloudy January day in Marco. We didn't realized they closed at 4pm, so wished we had more time here. But we spent about 30 minutes at the touch tank listening and watching Alison (certified interpreter) tell us about the animals/marine life they had in the tank. She was very descriptive and we learned a lot from her today, thank you Alison! We weren't able to walk all the way on the trail due to all the rain we have had here lately, but the nature preserve we did see was pretty. And we walked over the bridge too, but no manatees to be seen. This a great place for children and nature lovers of all ages.

The 2 hour kayak trip was a perfect way to spend a morning on the water in beautiful surroundings. Don and John were our leaders and were very helpful and knowledgeable. The pace was perfect for all levels. We stopped and rested several times so beginners would have no problems. Saw some beautiful birds and had fun paddling about. Highly recommend this.

What an amazing experience! Sunset at Kewayden Island and Moon rise over the estuary...not to mention approaching roosting birds on "their" island in Rookery Bay...listening to the the sounds as they settle in for the night. I would encourage all nature lovers to experience this special trip.

I was looking for a way to see some of the natural surroundings and learn about what lives in the Everglades. The indoor displays and volunteers provided this traveler with some much needed information! The variety of shell fish in the touch-pool was surprising. The half-mile walk with Karl, experiences docent, was the best education without feeling like an education! Glad to see that the preserve is working to keep the public educated and the environment healthy.

Great place for anyone ages 4-104!

There was no wildlife and the the trail was very dry and there was no information provided as to what was there. The initial building where they took your money was pretty informative though.

I always enjoy visiting here to learn about the estuary. It's a beautiful place to visit. Learn about the local habitat, go for a nature stroll, and do some wild life watching. All while enjoying the gorgeous south west Florida landscape.

It was probably not the most perfect day to go out on a boat, but our group was dressed for the occasion and we were ready to take the tour! Our tour guide was very informative and had examples of eggs and bones from birds that we were observing. We were able to see eagles nesting and many birds coming to roost in the Rookery. In spite of the cooler weather, it was a wonderful trip and everyone enjoyed themselves. We all said that we would come back again!

Wonderful reserve committed to preserving our natural habitats. Great exploration tank for children, nature walks and special programs throughout the year.

Yesterday's Lunch & Learn re. the Burmese Python's presence in the Everglades was wonderful! Such an important, emerging, and engaging subject; so expertly delivered! We hope you will offer it again next year! Thank You.

We took the Essence of an Estuary Tour with Randy and it was perfect. We cannot wait to do another tour. Very professional and informative.

Lots of dedicated volunteers who can tell you about marine life, history of the Rookery Bay Estuarine research area, and the abundant native plant life in the local area. So informative and such important conservation research.

Took the boat tour with Randy titled "The Essence of an Estuary," and it was phenomenal. Randy is extremely knowledgeable, and clearly loves his job. There were only 6 of us on the boat (only holds 7). The ride, the views, the history and geography were all great. Later visited the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center (free admission with paid boat tour) which was well done, and had nice trails out back. We highly recommend a visit to this place if you're anywhere near Naples.

The centre is excellent, with many high quality visual and interactive displays. Also connected to a good boardwalk that went over the water then through the bush, with a good observation platform halfway. We had hoped to go on a guided tour, but were told we were out of season and all such had stopped. Agreed demand would have fallen but there is still enough for a reduced timetable, other operators do such.

Rookery bay is a place to take your younger kids and get some valuable knowledge about Florida! We took a walk in the woods, saw different kind of trees, fish, dolphin. The big fish in the center of the display room is sooo cool! Also check out the movies they playing, very informative!

This is a small but very informative facility where you can learn about the local marine life. I recommend going on a day when the touch pool is open. Look at the website for the events calendar. Jeanie toom about an hour to show us all the crabs and snails and let us touch them. She was wonderful. There are great walking trails from easy to more primitive behind the learning centre. Bring your camera and bug spray! There are many activities for smaller children too.

The building has a museum, excellent for children and adults, an outdoor path to view Florida plants and trees, a canoe/kayak launch, and many educational opportunities such as classes and lectures

This was my very best experience during a great stay in the Florida Everglades region. This beautiful teaching facility is manned by an army of the most knowledgeable volunteers I have ever encountered. Each volunteer was able to impart their information in an entertaining and arresting way. Every one was a star! Be sure you allow plenty of time to hike the beautiful trails around the facility.

Great place for all ages, we took a free guided walk and learned a lot about FL ecosystem - about animals, plants, and even fires.

The learning center is modern and nicely air conditioned. You can't beat the admission price at $5. We did the half mile nature mostly pines but we did not see any wildlife. There are boats and kayak tours but we did not take it.

We did just the basic museum and walking trail. The docents in the museum were very knowledgeable and accessible. You can pay more and go kayaking, etc., with a guide. The museum and easy trails would be great for a family.

Environmental learning center with hands-on exhibit, intro film, self-guided or guided nature walks, kayak and boat tours. Very modest admission fee. Available for group tours and events.

WEnt with Rising Tide, the onlh authorize group to lead tours. And, the only group with all biologists to lead those tours. Best to go at low tide,

Exceeded expectations. Nice ice breaker activity and buffet. Superior presentation by Doctoral candidate.

Had a beautiful time on the Rookery Bay 2-hour guided kayak tour through the mangroves in the estuary. The guides (2 guides for a group of 10) were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Water was as calm as a sheet of glass. Every participant has his/her own 1-person kayak. Extremely pleasurable tour. Definitely plan to do this again. I'd recommend some bug spray.

A special place that truly wants to recover The Everglades to a time before the land grab of developers.The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center serves as a gateway into the acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected lands and waters. We also enjoyed hike on the walking trails.

We got a membership to the conservatory and this came with reciprocal membership. It’s not a huge place but they do some great outreach work. Summertime offers crafts and lessons for kids on fridays which my children love. I do wish they’d allow more touching in the touch tank, it’s hard to not touch the creatures when they are right there at their level. Other than that there’s not too much to do for young kids who cannot read yet. We do appreciate the help they provide with sea turtles etc.

There are several videos, a touch tank, and paths to wander. But who is kidding who? I think that there is a purpose in information, but really despite all the talk about conserving Florida's big cats and the manatees and every other vanishing species in its once pristine ecosystem, the number of building starts far and away establishes what is really important in Florida. Efforts now to increase public awareness is too little too late. But, if you are really naiive and want to feel good about positive effects that have come of a few folk's efforts to save the state visit Rookery Bay to watch the videos and look at the displays. Then drive out of the parking lot and get back on the 8 lane highway edged on both sides with a non ending sprawl of shopping plazas and condos and get real.

Went on a Monday...dead which was good, but no one helped us with the touch tank to actually touch items and told us we couldn't just touch on our own. Not enough staff to handle less than 10 people in the entire building. Barbara...volunteer was great. The younger paid staff just ignored us.

We got to Rookery Bay late and wished we had more time to spend in the exhibits before it closed. What we did see was informative and educational. We definitely have to come back to spend the day going through the second floor exhibits.

There is a main building to check in with exhibits. Staff are very helpful and well informed. I would highly recommend taking a guided walk as there is so much to know about this research estuary. The trail is about a mile and not that difficult to walk.

Disappointed in the non-working inter-active displays. Several of the live exhibits were empty. Films were interesting. Almost no interaction from staff on duty. Granted it was before "high season", but not really an excuse for poor displays and maintenance.

We came in on a rainy Tuesday and had most of the center to ourselves. They have many informative exhibits about the local wildlife and ecosystem. There are great interactive and hands on activities for kids. Our kiddos loved the boat... They have a play area set up to look like a research vessel complete with buckets of critters and life vests for the kids to wear. Their naturalist Janine gave a wonderful demonstration with the animals in the touch tank. She was extremely patient and kind with our 2 and 5 year old. The gentleman at the front desk (I feel so bad I didn't get his name!) was just delightful and made us feel so welcome. I only wish the weather had been better so that we could spend more time outdoors on the trails and grounds. Definitely bring bug spray because the mosquitoes are fierce!

This is a wonderful place to bring children since they have a lot of programs and interesting displays. You don't have to spend a lot of time here but it is well worth the time.

A great way to spend a few hours. You can also go on a kayak paddle and enjoy the scenery. Nice for children.

We have done several of these over the years and it is always different and fun. Randy was incredibly knowledgeable and a terrific guide. He even gave us some new pointers that made our paddling easier and more effective.

Be sure to start with the short introductory video. Enjoy the exhibits then walk a couple of the outdoor trails. Check the times that a naturalist will be on the trails. We got to talk with one of them during our walk and learned a lot about the area.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida-Rookery Bay Sunset Cruise aboard the pontoon boat, Good Fortune, casts off at dusk for a great birding cruise on Rookery Bay. You and 15-30 other passengers see a beautiful sunset but along the way there are nesting Bald Eagle and Osprey, terns, gulls, shorebirds and waders. The unbelievable influx at dusk of hundreds of Fish Crows, Brown Pelicans, Egrets, Double-crested Cormorants, herons, ibis and other wading birds coming in to roost on a few mangrove islands was just awesome. This is a very popular outing, a bargain at $40 but make a reservation. We weren't disappointed.

If you have any interest in the environment and marine life of Southwest Florida. This is the place to touch, smell, watch, and experience all those things. Their new beautiful touch tank is a sight to behold. Learn about anything that has to do with the ecosystem. There is so much to see along the nature walk.

First time I've been here. My Daughter and her boyfriend are in town so we all went. Inside museum was a wonderful experience. Great place to bring young children. Very educational. Nice walking trails. A definite place to stop at while in SWF Naples area

This is a great way to spend an hour or two while in Naples. We walked the main trail and saw a manatee, which was the highlight of our visit. Very nice volunteer staff and a small gift shop here, too. Kids will enjoy it.

The nature walk was lovely - we saw lots of nature and interesting bugs. There was a snake who we could touch - it was a cornsnake that was about 5 feet long. The staff were very friendly and helpful. The aquarium also had lots of really interesting fish and sea creatures. Would highly recommend visiting.

Closed on Monday - so we really have no idea but this site says open on Monday and it was not. Just trying to help others. We could not find any trails that were not closed off. We drove around looking for other ways to just walk and didn’t see any

The volunteer docents are exceptional! Ours has a phd in botany. We learned a lot and he was great with people of all ages. Wish we could have done the kayak tour as it sounds excellent. Mosquitoes cut our walk short

The rookery was a great place to visit.

We found the staff friendly and knowledgable. The exhibits were informative and well done and gave us a good idea of various parts of the eco system of South Florida.

While there were some activities particularly geared to children we did not find that the overall feel was only for children. The movie was particularly enjoyable as was the walk along the maintained trail.

We really would have liked to go for the kayaking, however, we were in off season.

It was well worth the visit and the entry fee was not only reasonable but going to a good cause.

This 110,000 acre estuary reserve is very important to support the ecosystem. The visit starts near Marco Island off of Collier Blvd. the visitors center is quite interesting. Start your visit with an excellent and informative 10 minute film about the reserve in their comfortable theater. The staff are knowledgable and helpful. The exhibits are educational. Go to the second floor and exit to the boardwalk that crosses Henderson creek. The mangroves are beautiful with occasional birds to see. Couldn't find any manatees though. The snail trail walk was interesting but lacked information. There are a variety of tours available later in the day (expensive) that provide insights into the beautiful reserve. The $5 entrance fee is quite reasonable.

Don't let the $109 per person cost deter you from taking this tour. It's a remarkable education with views & information available in a setting rarely available. We'll be back for another tour on our next visit. Don't miss out on a wonderful opportunity.

I have been here several times, and it's never busy! I feel like I have the place to myself when I visit. I have also participated in their educational program as I am a local teacher, and their staff is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. My favorite part of Rookery Bay is the trail after the bridge over Henderson Creek. All kinds of wildlife can be seen here and it's much larger than it appears from the outside. If you really want to know all about our local ecosystem in a quiet and serene setting, this is THE place to go.

We saw 39 different types of birds!!! It was great! Tour guides were very informative! I would definitely highly recommend

Randy was a great guide and gave good kayaking tutorial. Tour included free admission to education center which had a wonderful walk bridge and well-maintained trails.

I went because i have driven past it for years while staying at Marco Island. I went at 10:30 it was very hot walking the nature path. Not much to see except undisturbed trees. I was surprised at how many ever green trees there were. The out cove to the river was cooler to sit and watch fish. But i actually saw more at the house we rent. The movie was informative and inside displays were nicely done with narrative movies. Worth the $5 but go when its cooler out and take the longer walk path.
I bought 12 cards which were all of local animals and fish. $.50 each a steal.
I am thankful they are keeping the estuary there and helping the area.

Very nice facility. Driver over from Ft. Lauderdale. Great place for older kids. Wouldn't recommend for kids under 5. Nice trails. Go early as it gets warm on the trails. Been other places, would recommend getting a tour as a self guided type one is not available. Very friendly staff. Nice rooms for informational sessions. We were able to take in a little bit of one on sea turtles.

A group of 6 went yesterday and it's temporarily closed! Check before you go! Maybe give them a call before you go?

The five year old enjoyed the aquarium at her height and the touch tank; think it's wise to plan for kayaking or other walking on the grounds (it was too hot for much of a walk when we visited). She also loved the books and chalkboard upstairs.

Went to] gather a new place to hike and explore. We ended up with a lot of wonder full information about the nature of the area. Learned wonderful information about local turtles
.a great place to visit

We planned our trip to Rookery Bay with the touch tank in mind. Its only on certain days. Glad we did! The lady who led the touch tank was so great! I wish I would have got her name! She took well over an hr talking to the kids, explaining to them every creature in the tank, letting them hold them. She was so patient with every kid! Well after all the other kids left my 4 kids stayed and she really got into detail explaining anything they wanted to know. She helped my youngest catch the shrimps over and over! Such a great afternoon!

For 3 solid days, my Wife and I have been sitting in bird classes, lectures, getting field experience in identifying and studying birds, and exploring the Rookery Estuary by boat. The Rookery Bay Reserve does a wonderful job in planning, offering and executing these events. Their speakers and guides are real experts! Their staff and volunteers are so enthusiastic! One of the best weekends we've ever had in the Naples area!

Visited the reserve. Toured the education center and the historical section. walked the
trails. Then we went on an eco-boat tour.

Friendly staff and wonderful insightful program. The appetizers were delicious . The question solving was fun and helpful to learn about dolphins.

Enjoyed getting out on the water and seeing lots of Naples Bay. White sand beaches and Heron in abundance.

What a great place !!! We took our four year old grandson to say we were all enthralled is an understatement. The exhibits were brilliant especially the touch tanks !!! The walkway was something else. The staff so polite, patient and friendly, we learnt so much. My grandson really enjoyed his time.

We have visited the Reserve for their first annual classic and antique cars show yesterday, Nov 16, 2019. Tickets were only $10/each, volunteers were amazing, bus shuttles were fast and comfortable with guidance during a short ride from Walmart parking lot nearby to the show and back. Music, food trucks, and of course, the cars! After that we decided to stop by the Reserve Center and look at their exhibitions, displays, walk along a trail. We were so pleased to see their activities list for an every day of a month, for adults and kids, for families and couples. All volunteers were knowledgeable, passionate, helpful and happy to work there. Admission is only $5/adult with many offered discounts and free options. We did have a great time and planning to be back on a sunny day to walk all the way deeply into reserve — I am still hoping to catch a wild orchid!

Loved learning about the wilderness and Florida's ecosystem. Great natural beauty. My love and I also took Rising Tide Explorers kayak tour of the estuary.

We spent a cooler windy hour at the center. When we first walked in, the greeter gave us a detailed overview and directed us to the theater for a movie about the conservation efforts- we came in halfway and watched the remainder of it and it set the tone. The display area is very small but the docent at the tank spent about 15 minutes with us telling us about and letting us touch 8 or 10 different specimens— so interesting! After we looked around the interactive area, we took a walk across the river and a short 1/2 mile trail. If the weather had been bette, we would have walked more.

Interesting place to visit. The docents really made it special. Go in realizing it’s small and that you have to take the time to interact with the volunteers to really make it worth your time. Fair price for the size of the attraction.

Just returned from taking our first class at Rookery Bay - "Birding Basics". It was an excellent class and the instructor was outstanding!. The classroom portion (2 hours) began with a discussion of tools and resources - how to select and use binoculars and guides. We were also shown photos of local birds and learned how to look for specific characteristics and behaviors to assist with identification. At the end of the classroom presentation, we met at a local park for a 1.5 hour "hands on" birding experience where we utilized the tools and tips we had learned to identify the birds we encountered. Excellent experience and I look forward to trying other classes offered by the Rookery.

We had a great visit at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center! A volunteer spent about an hour with us, walking the path and teaching us all about the local plants and trees. Inside, we learned about sharks and more. This place is perfect for adults and kids!

From our 8 yearold grandchild to the teenagers we all had a fun learning experience There are options on what you want to do and how much time you want to spend. We choose to spend our time in the learning center. Lots of hands on plus a cerifird interpreter to answer questions

The Main Center is fabulous. Great displays of natural wildlife and an aquarium where you can play with the nauticals. Would be great for kids to visit. And the volunteer staff is really knowledgeable and most enthusiastic. The three trails were a nice walk, but the disappointment was that there wasn't any wildlife or birds out there.

Allison is a great guide. If you are into ecology and the local flora and fauna this a very interesting place to visit.

Robyn, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and professional. We highly recommend doing Forest Bathing. Very calming.

This is mostly a aquatic lab and hands on visitor center that seems to be set up for tours and young adult learning experiences. There is also an area established for art exhibits.

This is an absolutely beautiful facility. The people working were very friendly. They were informative without being pushy. We skipped the trail after a warning about mosquitos, but we did venture outside and across the bridge. Inside, there is a movie on constant replay about the facility, a touch tank and aquariumes, and many interesting displays. Don't forget to check out the artwork!

We attended a Breakfast with the Birds on May 23. It was fascinating. Highly recommend. There will be 3 more this summer.

The rookery is really geared for children older then 5, project room was fun, little tank, went with hopes that it was a great aquarium but was disappointed. Many things for kids to do but once done, nothing else really. Inexpensive to attend, but very small and not much to see. Educational for the older children.

I took my four year old and one year old, and we loved it! Educational, clean, can’t beat the price, friendly staff and beautiful trails! We’ll be back!

This tour was fascinating and instructive. The knowledge passed on from the guide was very impressive. Small groups make this tour desirable and relaxing as well.

small admission fee, staff and guides to help and explain exhibits, nature trails, bridge over a river,( we watched a manatee from the bridge) Nice place to have a picnic. Theater showing nature film .

My wife and I really enjoyed the exhibits and trails. Mike was very helpful answering all of our questions about wildlife in the area.

This is the second or third event we’ve attended through Rookery Bay and once again, it was wonderful. Adam had a great presentation and easily explained what he and others in his field do on a regular basis. We will definitely be back for other programs!

great spot for nature lovers. experience the natural ecosystems of SW Florida. You can get on the water here. check there website out

A great Naples experience for my grandkids. They love the touch tanks and the personal hands on experience!

I have lived in Naples for 30 years and finally made a visit. The staff are very friendly and know there stuff. Learned so many things that are in my backyard. I’m definitely coming back when the weather is cooler to take advantage of the outdoor activities. My grandkids had a great time and we all enjoyed the hands aquarium.

Our mistake. We pulled up and waited out the rain storm. When we went in we 15 minutes till closing. The gentlemen at the front said we couldn't come in. Told us to come another day. Unfortunately we live 1,500 miles away and this will be our last opportunity to visit. I asked if we could just run through quickly, he doesn't know the way my friend and I travel. We would not have needed very long. (We like to see as much as possible when we are vacationing.) He once again said no and then said this is not an attraction it is a working laboratory with a lots of "geeks" working here. After asking one more time he said make a donation and you can watch the 10 minute video and look at the ground floor, which was very small. We paid watched the video and looked around. Finished in 15 minutes. If you are looking for an "attraction" keep driving. For a lab it was pretty cool. Would of loved a little southern hospitality.

We visited the main visitor center on a Saturday morning. At 11 a.m. we took a short guided tour that was very informative, especially concerning botany. Later, we drove to Shell Island Road to the Briggs boardwalk ( about a 2 mile drive). This is an area where one can see the vulnerable Florida Scrub Jay. Unfortunately it was raining and we did not to see the Jay. Highly recommend the boardwalk if you are a birder. I will return in fair weather.

We visited the Research Reserve today and although we were only there for the last hour of the day, we were not disappointed! The staff whom we met were so dedicated, and grateful that guests not only enjoyed their visit, but felt their passion for this beautiful nature preserve. The snail trail walk was very do-able in a compressed time frame and had informative postings along the way. The "boardwalk" on Henderson Creek was a pleasant stop to watch the tidal waters flow upstream. When we returned to the visitor center we were impressed by all the learning stations set up for young and old students alike! And the photography in the 10 minute movie (in a very comfortable setting) was outstanding! Great venue - as a former teacher I was very impressed!

We had a lot of fun in this little museum. Lots of interesting facts and displays. One warning, If you do any of the walking paths, you really need long pants, closed shoes and bug spray. The ants are crazy!

The Rookery is a research and educational center right off of US 41 on the way to Marco Island. With an information center, videos and those who will answer your questions, walking paths through a serene area, and even activities directed toward children, it is a place to go. Also, it helps in supporting the research and promotion of saving and maintaining our beautiful surroundings.

The Rookery has so much to offer. Today I attended a lunch and learn, It was outstanding. The subject was on sea turtles. The have a different topic each month.
So many other opportunities. A must visit.

The lunch was good and the lecturers were informative. I didn't know that pythons took over gopher tortise burrows. Yikes!!

This is a very nice center with displays about estuaries, as well as both models of flora and fauna and live viewing in various tanks, including a touch tank with starfish, crabs and other estuarian life. Also a nice photographic art exhibit was going on while I was there. You can exit the spacious building on the second floor, follow a bridge across Henderson Creek and follow a short hiking trail through the various habitats. There are longer, rougher trails beyond the well marked and maintained main trail, but I was unable to hike them due to excess water flooding them. For anyone who loves nature. Fun.

A wonderful and informative morning spent on the water with our guide Randy.
We highly recommend it !

Our family of 4 loves Rookery Bay! Very educated nature-loving employees who help children learn about the ecosystem of South Florida! They helped us identify a snake we saw earlier in the week! We saw baby bull sharks in the river! There is a great trail to walk and many displays to see. Check their website for special events! Very fun place for families.

We walked the outside which was on a pebble/gravel area after crossing over the wood bridge, over river. The walk on gravel is not accommodating to wheelchair nor mobility devices as areas are uneven, have brush etc. the path is clearly marked so staying on course was okay. Having visited in the afternoon, we saw little to nothing (but I enjoyed the leisurely stroll. )
Outside walk Would have been boring for kids and my adult friend actually disliked it. However, inside the learning center are hands on exhibits, viewing areas, small gift shop. perhaps an hour visit, minimal entrance fee noted.

This was a small research center that we arrived at about an hour before closing. There was not much to do at that time of day. It had just rained so the trails were flooded but we could go on the bridge to see if we could see any manatee, sharks, or dolphins. Best for smaller children. May have been better if we went earlier in the day.

This educational center is good for all ages from toddlers to grandparents. Admission is reasonable. On the building's two levels, you will see various displays. From the second floor you can exit and embark on any of three possible trails to see potential wildlife in their own environment. Well worth the time.

My family enjoyed the learning center. The best part was having Linda talk us through the touch tank. Her passion was evident, and she did a great job of answering questions and including everyone in our family, young and old. The front desk person also provided helpful information about the center (mosquitoes on the trails!) that allowed us to wisely plan our time in their facility.

Look for admission coupons on their website & in tourist magazines! Also, Fridays in the summer (Mid June - Early August), kids can enter for free!

I spend a week here on business and was very impressed. The educational center would be wonderful for a school field trip. The staff that work in the center and work for the Estuary do amazing things. The staff, although small, manage to so so much. The staff manage the land through prescribed fire, maintain a very important water shed, work with local residents, save wildlife and teach children. There are thousands of acres to enjoy including wet lands, inlets and forests. Thousands of plants and animals are found here including dozens of endangered species.

One interesting thing to do is to go Python hunting. Pythons are an invasive species that people have released into the Reserve and as a result, are killing native species. You can hunt a python, turn it in to the center and they will either tag for future research or destroy it and return the skin to you. Rumor has it that there are even local activist groups that will pay you for your snake. Hunting and fishing are permitted at specific times and in certain areas.

There is much to see at the Reserve. I would recommend visiting here if you are in the area.

The staff here are very well informed. If you have questions about the animals, environment etc. you will get your answers here. There are displays, maps and video. However, if you are hoping to see a lot of wildlife as you walk the trails don't count on it. I did enjoy walking the trails but did not see any wildlife except a few birds. But you have to expect when areas are kept natural wildlife will not come running up to you which is probably for the better, lol !!

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve its quite unique, lots of fish, lots of birds. The trees are a rookery for the birds and nursery for the fish.

The website states their hours, and we even called and no message indicated otherwise....but when we arrived there, there was a sign in front of the parking lot indicating that it was closed for the day due to a special event. Why not at least put it on voicemail!!?!?!?!?!? Traveling via car to get to Naples and this was to be our first stop...truly disrupted the entire day!

The staff and naturalists here could not have been any more helpful. Our 4 yr olds loved being able to touch the items in the tanks and the naturalists were very knowledgeable and happy to explain things.

It is small inside so we’d done everything in two hours. We would have done more outside but it was beyond boiling and I attract mosquitoes so the swamp board walk was definitely out! Loved the gift shop too oddly - small but some very unique and inexpensive pieces.

Love this place. My grandkids love all the fish and especially when it’s feeding times. Very educational and interest8ng. The outdoor walkway is safe and numerous birds can b3 seen. Bring bug spray.

The staff was very nice and we watched her feed some of the water live in the aquarium. It is not a big place so don't expect to spend an afternoon or day there. The location is also used for research so it is all a very good cause a good to support.

I stopped to see what they offered, took a walk on the nature trail and then ended up staying for a nature talk about snakes. I didn't really think I'd find a talk about snakes that interesting and I assumed their presenter was some retired volunteer who would give a general talk about Florida's snakes. Wrong! This guy was a snake expert with years of experience and his talk was fabulous! I learned a lot and came away with new appreciation for snakes. Otherwise, their exhibits seem geared mostly toward school aged children, but gave lots of info. The art exhibit was nice -- not sure if it was a special event or permanent gallery. The nature trail was, for me who grew up in Florida, nothing special since it seemed like my back yard! One suggestion is to have more markers along the trail telling about native species of plants, animals, birds, etc. I would also like to take a guided kayak or canoe tour when they offer them. Worth visiting, but plan in advance to see if there's a guided kayak or canoe tour.

Enjoyed learning and seeing what an estuary is. The volunteers are passionate and are kind and patient. The touch tank volunteer was exceptional! Great for all ages but extremely economical for a family !

it was very good would do it again in a heart beat my husband and I love it everyone should do this even more than once

We got there a little later in the day and were told there was only 15 minutes until closing. He explained to us they were a research facility and not an attraction so they close early. He did suggest we could drop a couple of dollars in the box and he would run the video for us and allow us to stay on the lower level. What we saw was well done and informative. It was worth the stop.

Interesting nature event. There are inside and outside exhibits. Also walking trails. Great experience for families with children. Educational exhibits and speaker series. They also have annual memberships which allows you to visit anytime and attend the speaker sessions free. Great for family fun and education.

The Virtual Binocular Tour was perfect for us. The first half took place online, where we learned about the birds, their habits, habitats and how to recognize them. The second part was in the field, where we actually went out to look for and identified the birds with the specialists. It was a great experience, something I would do again!

This guided kayak tour is educational and fun while also offering a great day on the water. Randy is an awesome guide and shares insight into the mysteries beneath the mangroves. It's worth doing if you have the time.

Visited rookery bay with a group of friends and thoroughly enjoyed my time there..wonderful and informative.Lots to do for children and adults. Thanks Mike and Marilyn..look forward to a return visit..

Excellent place to visit while in Naples, Marco Island. Very informative, friendly staff. Diverse activities for all age groups.

We took our four friends visiting from Pennsylvania on a sunset cruise with Captain Morgan! Morgann works at the Rookery Bay research reserve and was an excellent skipper for our “three hour tour!“ We got to “bird island“ just before sunset to watch dozens and then hundreds of birds of various species flying to spend the night. Among the highlights was identifying and photographing a Roseate Spoonbill! Moments later we saw a Magnificent Frigatebird soaring toward the island, circling a few times but taking off because there was “no room at the inn!“ highly recommend sunset cruise to Bird Island in the beautiful Rookery Bay!

It's worth watching the 10" video to learn about the place. You can also rent a canoe or kayak to go on the river. It's next to the 10 Thousand Islands area. There's some easy walkways but we didn't see much at the time we were there in terms of wildlife. There are some interesting exhibits in the main building.

We visited here and loved it. Entry was $5 a person and worth the fee (which also helps support the park).there is a hands-on learning center with exhibits as well. There is a 10 minute video about the Estuary. We asked lots of questions and were happily surprised with all the time, info, and stories two different volunteers gave us. We hiked on the bridge and a decently short trail. The primitive trail was closed for maintenance. We were glad we went.

Just returned from Rookery Bay which my 6 year old grandson thoroughly enjoyed, especially the hands on with various sea creatures. The Canadian lady (can’t remember her name unfortunately) had great patience and spent a lot of time explaining the type and functions of the creatures in the tanks.
We arrived with only an hour to spare so couldn’t make use of the nature trails available. Well worth a visit if kids are interested in wildlife.

This was not my first visit to Rookery Bay. A wonderful place, very concerned about the environment, with nice activities for kids.

The guided kayak tour around the bay was amazing. The guides Randy and John were excellent and extremely knowledgeable about the ecosystem and all the birds and plants. Highly recommended.

Rookery Bay has a diverse ecosystem. The visitors center does an excellent job at detailing the many different animals, and has several varieties of fish in aquariums. It is really worth a visit, even if you are just passing through!

This was an awesome place to visit. Plenty of history and nice walking trails. If you havent been, check it out!

We visited as part of a vacation package we purchased at a work auction last year, and was it worth it! The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and downright fantastic. We learned all about the flora and fauna or Southwest Florida from the experts who work on their protection. If you want to learn about the area and the awesome organisms that call it go home make sure you visit the Reserve for one of their many educational programs! We look forward to our next visit!

Wooded area paths to follow. Inside fish to view in different habitats. Nice gift shop. Bug spray is provided. We did not receive any bites while we visited. Children's area. We preferred other places to visit, but the protection work being done here is very important and well worth learning about. Lots of shade available!

Grandchildren love the exhibits here (ages 5-10) and enjoy the nature walk and gift shop. Especially the glass bottom boat with all sorts of gear!

What a beautiful education center. We joined as annual members and got information o. Volunteering. We will definitely be back.

The Estuary Experience ( Touch Tanks) us so much fun! Bring the kids and the seniors! The RB docents will rock their world.

There are numerous educational exhibits in the information center, with docents explaining many items and live aquatic species. Outside there are several walking trails.

What an important part of our community. Rookery Bay is a great place to take the kids for the day and to also enjoy special art exhibits and lectures. They are doing great work for our eco system and Florida's natural habitats. Great people!

A very nice educational center with enthusiastic volunteers. The short introductory movie gives a concise over-view of the goals and mission of the center. There were several small aquariums and two touch pools which housed fascinating local aquatic life. The Snail Trail is a circular, easy, well groomed trail that has an overlook platform on the Henderson Creek/River. There are longer trails, but we did not take those, so I can't comment. They offer guided boat and kayak tours, but I believe those had to be arranged ahead of time. I would definitely visit again and pre-arrange a kayak tour.

We visited late, so will have to return to appreciate everything available.
Entrance is only 5$, and it is important to take the 5-10 minute movie in the theater to appreciate all that is going on.
The entrance hall has a good display of animals, and birds to be found, and some interactive exhibits.
We had a picnic outside before going over the bridge to start the short walk along the trail.
There are longer trails that we will follow next visit.
This is a great experience, and the staff are friendly and very helpful.
Can't wait to return.

We caught the touch tank keeper, which made for an nice interactive experience. Walked on the trails. Not being from Florida, it's interesting to see a different forest than what I'm used to back home. Also caught the turtle presentation, that was pleasant. Good to see people looking out for this important land.

Great family atmosphere for adults and young children. Terrific bridge to trails that meander throughout the property.

Take the kids and enjoy the afternoon learning and touching some of Naples local sea creatures.

Also....fantastic elevator decor on the second floor.

This was my first visit to Rookery Bay. Attended the classic car show which was a fund raiser for the bay and located at the entrance to the area. It was well attended, very organized, and a fun afternoon. I hope the event will return next year and will certainly return to explore the beautiful estuary driven by a knowledgable staff and large friendly group of volunteers.

Lovely short day trip with my 10 & 12 year olds. Cheap entrance. Cheaper if you print out the $1 off coupon. Kids free if kids below 12 come on Friday. Friday’s have special events specific to an animal species. Birds are scheduled this week. Beautiful, clean and informative. Hit the bridge first and try to get sight of the manatees. We didn’t take the nature walk due to coming mid day and it was too hot. We then went to the second floor exhibit areas. Interactive and informative. I found myself sitting on the “porch” for awhile listening to some of the history of Marco Island. As the kids played with the interactive educational centers, I sat on one of the rocking chairs looking out onto the manatee waters. We all headed downstairs to the marine life area and touch tanks. The gentlemen that aided us at the touch tank was so informative and gentle with the sea life. The slomotion video of the barnacle amazes me. At the end, we enjoyed a short video of the area in the theater. Gotta end it with the gift shop of course.

If you've wanted to try identifying birds but didn't know where to start . . . now you do - this course is the place. You start with a classroom introduction to binoculars and bird identification Field Guides, followed by various techniques to "see" birds, not just look at them. The last half of the class is outside working with your class to practice seeing birds, identifying some characteristics and then trying to identify the bird using the Field Guides. The class gives you a way and the confidence to get out there on your own.

We arrived early and learned a lot during our visit. The walk on the paths allowed us to put what we learned to use. Several school groups in attendance. Nice to see the place used to educate our children.

This annual event was one of the best we've experienced within our great state of Florida. It was so organizined...with a bus delivery to the estauaries for the boat ride (so much information about our wildlife!), displays of every type (native fish tanks, microscopic lab studies to view, gallery of painting exhibits, vendor displays of all kinds, high school science study group that answered all types of questions regarding how they get to experience the estuaries). I could go on and on. It's a annual event worthy of your time. We found out abouit on WEDU/PBS and had to plan a trip.

Interesting. Informative. Beautiful. Nature abounds. The guides are knowledgable and friendly. A MUST see if you love nature and are visiting Naples/Marco!

Beautiful building, helpful volunteers in a natural setting. The touch tanks and aquarium are interesting for young and old. The grounds and surround mangroves are worth walking around in. This was an unplanned detour and a surprisingly nice way to spend a couple of hours

We visited the National Estuarine Reserve on a cool day in March. There is a short and very nice trail outside the education center. It has some nice lookouts and it is an easy walk. We checked out the movie which runs on a loop and explains how the Reserve came to be and the essential work its scientists, staff and volunteers do. There are some exhibits and a small aquarium which are interesting but can be quickly viewed. The gift shop has some nice items and all proceeds from the shop and the admission go towards the advancement of the Reserve's mission. Although we enjoyed the visit, I feel there could be more done with exhibits since the trail itself is so short. We may take one of the Boat Tours which go into the Reserve and see first hand what good work this organization is doing.

My wife and I took the 1/2 mile easy walk in nature to see the mangroves. We saw jellyfish, mullet fish, and many birds. It was only $5 and it goes towards a good cause to preserve natural wetlands.

Exciting evening, very informative lecture. The touch tank was so incredible seeing all the different animals.

We loved taking our grandchildren and family to Rookery Bay. The staff immediately greeted us and were friendly upon our arrival with very knowledge facts about the region and research center. Great walking trails and exhibits. Consider a visit and donation.

We enjoyed this kid-friendly (age 10+) destination close to Marco Island. Allow, at most, 2 1/2 hours for viewing the learning center's exhibits and taking the "Snail Trail", a 1/2 mile walk through the nearby "woods". Bring a picnic as there is a nice area with tables just outside the learning center.

A very cool place, Rookery Bay Reserve has tons of activities. We walked out onto the sky bridge to see the area and talked to a very knowledgeable volunteer who told us about the three kinds of mangrove trees–red, black, and white. From there we walked out onto the half-mile trail for a closer view of the area. The exhibits in the main building are very good, and we especially liked the short film showing us a lot of the wildlife in the estuary.

It’s the best Bird Festival I’ve been too. More than worth it! With entry fee it included two meals with drinks, guided nature walk, 4 speakers.
My favourite was the one on Flamingos.

We were led through various parts of the estuary on a 2 hour trip by two knowledgeable naturalists. They shared many interesting facts about the ecology of the bay. It was a fun and interactive experience as we paddled through both open water areas and mangrove tunnels. We are experienced kayakers but they provided lots of safety and paddling tips so even a beginner would enjoy it.

We enjoyed the Environmental Learning Center at Rookery Bay. We were warmly greeted as soon as we walked in the door & the layout of the building was explained to us. The admission was $5, and worth the price. There's a quick 10min looping video in the auditorium which makes for a good starting point. Lots of information in the displays on 2 floors, including a small touch tank. There are a few walking paths, each 1/2mile, though for us it was too hot to enjoy. A guide was available for the walking tours.

We've lived in FL for many years, so much of what we saw there we had seen at other places. However, we still found it enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting or new to the area.

Great visit to this education center. Lots to do and learn: movie about birds, presentation by naturalist, crafts, coloring, things to read, touch, explore, listen to, watch and learn about. Morgan was so informative about the creatures in the touch tank. Great place to visit!

We have been coming to Marco island for ten years. Today was overcast so we decided to go to rookery bay. We had a great time. What a learning experience. Many exhibits teaching you about the area. They also have a touch tank and we met Sue. She was super knowledgeable on all things in the tank. She took time explaining everything and answered all our questions. We spent two hours touring the whole facility. A must do if you are in the area.

The education center has activities fro all ages of visitors. Little ones love watching the fish and climbing in the boat. Older ones can see what is currently under the viewing scopes. Be sure to take the walk across the bridge and into the mangroves.

We were amazed by the dedication of the voluteers. They were very informational. They answered all of our questions and made learning fun and enjoyable. They passed on a lot of information and were a great team.

We went to Rookery Bay Reserve on 2/17/16. The staff are very knowledgable and helpfu. There are several programs for visitors including lectures, nature walks hands on activities as well as three nature trails on land as well as boat tours. We spent a half day there and want to go back for more. The $5 entrance fee for adults makes this one of the best bargains in Naples.

The visitor center is small but displays a lot in information. There is very large fish tank for young ones to look into. The walking trail is covered with gravel and is easy for families. We took the kayak outing. It departs from another site than the visitor center. Randy, staff guide and biologist, is very knowledgeable about the estuarine, the 10000 Island area, water and land wildlife. Before setting out, Randy provided clear instructions on how to paddle a kayak - very useful! On the water, he stopped us here and there to provide relevant and easy to understand infomation. Physical exercise and learning all in one!

A great way to spend an afternoon inside and out using the wooden walkways to see the Manatees in Rookery Bay. They have presentations occasionally on different aspects on the Florida Everglades, or how the waves in the gulf are measured. It's an interesting place to visit.

We have lived in Naples for 25+ years and had never been to this park. We went during free summer Friday's and my 6 year old son had a great time. He loved the touch tank. It is not huge so don't plan to spend the entire afternoon. 2 hrs should be more than enough.

I have visited the Center and done the adjacent walk but today we took the Estuary Tour with Captain Randy (see photo). Randy is interesting, knowledgeable and a wonderful speaker. And he is obviously a dedicated environmentalist.

I took my 14-year old granddaughter and we both agreed that, while Randy was great, the 3-hour tour ran about one hour too long. We were fortunate to see dolphins, egrets, eagles, oyster beds and many different types of birds (photos). We learned how the area evolved and where human and environmental history intersected.

Important tip: this tour begins at the end of Shell Island Road, NOT the main Rookery Bay Center.

Great place to learn about the ecosystem in the area. You will be pleasantly surprised at how informative and educational it is. Walking trail and helpful staff and volunteers everywhere

We went to the Rookery Bay Estuarine Center for a couple of hours to learn more about some of the former occupants of the shells that we were collecting at the beach. They have excellent programs for elementary school children that are interactive and teach basic lessons about all the animals in the Rookery. They have a short nature trail also. The history of the area is also covered. I suggest the Rookery Bay Kayak tour as a better introduction to the area for adults. Good stop though and very helpful staff.

We enjoyed the touch tank. Consult the website before going because the touch tank is only two days a week and it is very interesting and wonderful for kids of all ages. It is a small place but beautiful. We were not lucky enough to see Manitees swimming around, but you may be. There are nice trails to walk down. Make sure to see the touch tank because without that you do not know what you are looking at unless you are schooled in this area.

This was a most amazing two days that I spent with fellow teachers learning about our local estuary. They tailor their programs to whether or not you are an educator, a decision maker or general public people who are just interested in learning more about the nature around us. I highly recommend this to absolutely everyone who visits Naples, Marco Island or any portion of south Florida.

We were looking for something to do and this caught our attention. The fees are so reasonable. The visitor’s center is so well done! We walked the trail over the river and although we didn’t see much for wildlife, it was interesting to see the evidence of the controlled burns that have been done. The staff is absolutely wonderful and happy to share information with you. This would be an awesome outing for families.

This was our second time here and this time the touch take exhibit was not open. There was nothing in the tanks and they had them covered. So we really missed that experience as that was the highlight on our previous visit.
Jeanne Jones at the front door this day did a wonderful explanation of everything for us here and she even interacted with us when we were trying to determine some of the animals in the fish tank. Appreciate your help Jeanne. We paid $5 per person admission and then went into the theatre to watch some history of the center and area on film. Then we visited the aquariums and exhibits on both floors of this center. Then we walked across the bridge, hoping to see some manatees, but no luck. We then went on the nature trail walk and wished we had brought bug spray. The only animal we saw was a raccoon. On the bridge we had the pleasure of meeting Ilse Docent, who was a vibrant volunteer and shared with us some of her massive knowledge base of things we were seeing and things around the area. She is full of information and you can tell just how excited she is to share her wisdom. Thank you Ilse.
We spent about 3 hours here, despite there not being a whole lot to look at.

I went to see nature but was suffered to learn about conservation. My children only wanted to see alligators and other Florida wild life. Too uppity and not enough to see for price.

I am an avid kayaker and spend a lot of time paddling in the Reserve. I find visiting the center and speaking with the volunteers educational and very informative

Easy in and out visit for my children. No pressure to buy or pay for things. Learned about Manatees and efforts to keep them safe.

We got there later in the afternoon and missed any tours that were offered. The trails were Ok but nothing special. The indoor is an interesting place for families to teach their children handling microscopes and the research that is done there. A ten minute video explains what Rookery is doing to protect fish and wildlife at this tip of the everglades.

What an amazing way to start the day with the kayaking tour at Rookery Bay, Randy and Walt our tour guides were very knowledgeable, informative and fun to spend 2 hours kayaking thru the Rookery Bay Reserve. Definitely go experience this, they offer tours Monday thru Friday, from 9:30 - 11:30, the season will close May 1st and reopen in the fall. The tour is limited to 10 kayaks, make your reservation on line, they will send a confirmation email of where to meet, what to wear and bring along for a really wonderful experience. You will leave with more knowledge than you could imagine and then head down the way to the learning center and find out more information.

Very kid ( ages 4,6) friendly with see thru fish tanks where you can go “underwater” , all sorts of fish, crabs, lobsters, etc.
Full size manatee and shark.
Lots of birds.
Short, easy 1/2 mile trail through the swamp.

The center is a beautiful building with touch tanks and gallery.. the upstairs is fun for kids and great rocking chairs to enjoy the view. Walking the trails was great for nature photography! I had most of the trail to myself. Enjoyed the 2 hours I spent here

An enjoyable few hours spend with family and friends checking out this beautiful facility & learning about the local habitats and wildlife. Great in door and outdoor displays.

Spent several hours at the Reserve. Watched the video and a local art show did have photographs exhibiting at the Reserve. Walked around some and then did a walking guided tour with Don the Docent. He was very good at his job. Very knowledgeable and engaged the children so that they also learned about the environs. Learned a lot myself and he had some very interesting tidbits. He was able to answer all of our questions.
Should go see and support.

My first time experience was an enjoyable lunch presentation about drone mapping of the 110,000 acre estuary and the geographical changes of southwest Florida since 1940. The minimal fee included entry to the educational learning center (touch tanks great for children 3+), butterfly garden (blue italia native to SWFL only - pic attanched), and snail walk. The speaker and volunteers were informative and passionate about their mission in caring for this protected area. There are kayak and eco tours which allow you to immerse yourselves in nature even more.

Admission is only $5. My wife and I learned quite a bit about sea urchins, sea cucumbers, star fish and other small sea creatures. A very knowledgeable gentlemen spent quite a bit of time with us. Worth a visit, would be especially for children since you can hold a live starfish and touch the sea urchin.

We took the eco cruise with Winston, a very knowledgeable biologist, and saw osprey and bald eagles nesting, many other water fowl and Mom and dolphin calves rolling and playing. We learned a great deal about the estuary and all the sights while having a great time on the boat ride. Since it was Sunday, we returned another day to see the information center and take a guided tour on a half-mile walk with Paul, a very knowledgeable volunteer. Inside the information center, there was another very knowledgeable volunteer, talking about various local shell fish, letting the children touch them. The entire experience was great and all ages will find something of interest.

Took the beachwalk tour. Very relaxing and informative. Got to spend time enough on the beach collecting shells The boat trip to and from the beach was very informative and got to see the inner waterways, birds, some animals and a dolphin playing with his food, tossing a fish about and into the air. Going back for the boat tour on Wed.
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Spent a wonderful morning here learning all about the local wildlife. Great place to bring kids because they have many "touch" exhibits displayed at their level. Learned SO much. Would have spent the afternoon, too, but the bugs were pretty active on the walking paths! They warn you that in the summer it gets this way. Will come back to in the winter to spend the day!

Beautifully put together educational center and very knowledgeable & friendly volunteers. Great a/c & a couple of short film presentations. The nature walk can be a bit buggy and not a lot to see except mangroves & fire burn managed trees. On a good day you might see a manatee or even an alligator. Pick up the excellent Snail Trail booklet. Picnic area with orchids and a butterfly garden.

Were camping nearby. Rode bikes to Rookery Bay. Had a great experience! From Michael at the front desk being so welcoming and informative to the enthusiastic knowledgeable volunteer naturalist - the time spent here was refreshing and a great change from the tourist traps. Well worth a visit.

This is all about the wildlife found in this area of SouthWest Florida. It includes the various birds and fish that call this habitat home. It's worth the admission price.

This Lunch 'n Learn was a very informative program on Burmese pythons. Excellent presentation by knowledgeable personnel and a delicious lunch accompanied it. The fee also includes admission to the Learning Center for the remainder of the day. Great exhibits, a touch tank and outdoor trails to explore. Gift shop, ongoing photography exhibit. A great place to visit for young and old alike.

been going to naples for over 10 years and always wondered about rookery bay...glad we made the stop this time. very informative and great volunteers as well. we caught some weather...very hot and then poured so we did not venture out as much as we had hoped but nonetheless had a great time. always saw the sign as we drove towards marco island and now we know what we were missing...some great displays inside and the outside has some good walking trails...kayaking was not an option when we were there but that seemed like it would be fun as well. again a very well run informative place for adults and kids.

My kids are 8 and 10 and really enjoyed their visit. The staff is excellent, and it's very educational but also presented in a fun way. The kids loved the aquariums, the exhibits, and the nature walk. It was well worth the very modest entrance fee. Parking is free, too. Bring bug spray or long sleeves/pants for the nature walk, though! Lots of mosquitoes out there. Highly recommend this experience for any nature lover, and it's fantastic for kids.

This business is located between East Naples and Marco Island on tower road. The Building host many events for young and old.
Renknown Teacher's conduct classes. The exibits are amasing and it brings nature right to you. Tours and events that allow you to interact with nature.

Visited with a 4 year old and 7 year old (boys).
The 7 year old was interested in most everything...but the 4 year old was intrigued with the "boat"...(the plastic marine life, the authentic "boat sounds" ). It was a wonderful experience. Difficult to spend more than a couple of hours, but the exhibits are well done..

We took a tour with a small number of others. A powerpoint presentation lasted about 45-minutes where we learnt about the work of the research centre before being taken on a trip on the bay where our lecturer hauled in a net of fish and told us about them all, before carefully returning them all safely to the water. Highly recommended!

We learned a great deal about this remarkable protected area, the fish, the shells, etc. We had an excellent docent. She was very enthusiastic about all of the creatures in the touching pool. This would be a great learning place to take kids. There were a few school groups there. We did all the trails - about 1.5 miles in total. It’s always nice to learn about the area you are staying in!

My husband and I took this class one year ago and again today. Both novice birders, we had put into practice much of what Randy taught about bird identification. Wanting to continue to hone our skills we decided to take the class again. The half day combination of classroom and field trip was so helpful for learning. It was Randy’s last class teaching before retirement. I wish him the best. Many thanks!

Nice relaxing 2 hour guided kayak trip thru the mangroves. The guides were knowledgeable and extremely helpful. They made for a pleasant morning on the water. Then we experienced a trip thru the education center, which was extremely interesting. Fun time for the family.

Brought my grandkids for a visit but was amazed at the special Free Friday for kids!! So educational, fun and staff are so friendly! Feel so lucky to have this available and so close by. Everyone should take some time (young or old) and come visit!! Well worth 5$$$

I always wanted o visit this place, finally it happened. It is a good place to visit, there is not too much to see inside but it enough for a 1 hour visit. There is also a big area outside that you can go for a walk, be aware of mosquitoes. It s Naples..haha

45 min live zoom call with Rookery Bay Team
You can put questions into the chat/q/A to be answered but team can't see or hear you.
Enjoyed by our whole family. Audio and Video were great--was impressed by how much detail we could see on the fish and whelk. Enthusiasm of the team brought energy to the presentation.
Got to see fish/shells/invertebrates very close up and learn a bit about them, the estuary and some of the data and equipment they use to learn more about the environment in the reserve.

We stopped here on an impulse on our way back from Naples to Marco during Thanksgiving week. On duty was "Dave" an educator at the touch tank. We spent the next 45 minutes quizzing Dave about the creatures in the touch tank and regaling him with stories of our short visit. The reserve was pretty quiet that day so we had him all to ourself. The gift shop was closed for the week but the rest of the reserve was open. We took in the movie in the auditorium and traveled the 1/2 mile nature walk. For the admission fee there didn't seem to be a whole lot to take in other than the touch tanks so we are glad that we encountered a knowledgeable staff person.

My trip to Rookery Bay was an amazing educational experience, as well as a very fun way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of Naples. I was blown away by how interactive and well put together the education center was. I learned so much about the history of Rookery Bay in Collier County, as well as a lot of new facts about the ecosystem and wildlife found around. They had a touch tank that had many species! They have indoor attractions for when it may be too hot to explore outdoors, but the outdoor walkway was shaded by beautiful mangroves and quiet cool. The staff/volunteers were so friendly and informative. I highly recommend checking out Rookery Bay. It had lots to learn and do for both children and adults!

Let me emphasize, this review is about a specific workshop, not Rookery Bay itself, which is a terrific place.

I just came from a workshop on the "Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop" at Rookery Bay. From the description in the Jan/Feb Naples FL edition of ENjoy, I expected some class time and some hands on working at this spectacular facility. I always love learning new things about photography.

HOWEVER, the instructor, Sonny Saunders, announced that it was all class room. I told him nicely that I had expected to work outside part of the time. He got very arrogant and stated, "There was nothing in the write up about that!"

MR. SAUNDERS WAS QUITE ARROGANT ABOUT THAT POINT.

I have many years doing digital photography all over the world and have attended workshops with top magazine photographers. They always involve both outside work and classroom time. The latter usually involves looking at participants photos and stating what he/she likes and what needs improvement.

Photography is like learning to ride a bike or drive a car. There are things one needs to learn in a classroom, but to master it, a photographer needs to take pictures.

THE BOTTOM LINE? If you are brand new to digital photography or have upgraded your equipment, this might be something for you. If you already have experience, skip this one.

Especially given Mr. Saunders arrogant attitude, I would suggest looking elsewhere to learn about your camera.

I attended a day of observations and learning with a few friends about 5 years ago. I was very impressed with the information we all had gathered by way of interactive activities, walk and talk with a guide and the history of the ecosystem incorporated all around us.
I had the good fortune to attend a “lunch and learn” about sea turtles the other day. It was very well run with the help of many caring volunteers. We were fed a very nice lunch. Gathered in the auditorium that sat maybe 300ish. We had 3 knowledgeable speakers that really helped you understand what, where, how and why their job is so important to keep the turtle population viable. The speakers plus the audience questions only took an hour but the speakers were available afterwards if you needed them.
Compared to the experience 5 years ago, the program has grown by leaps and bounds with the emphasis on education, ecology and volunteerism. By understanding nature’s way, we can learn to do our part to make sure these wonders will be here for generations to come. I will be signing up for the next lunch and learn along with a kayak trip.

Located on Collier Blvd., the education and research center is just south of the intersection with U.S. 41 East....it is a nature-lovers must-see!
Programs and exhibits will appeal to various ages; summer programs are available for school aged children. Employees are helpful and all is well presented.

Sky walk and the nature trail are wonderful, but may have mosquitoes during the hottest summer months.

Years ago, I went on the estuary boat trip (small, open-air boat), only a short drive south of the center and well worth it... best part was "trawling" for what is "under the water", then discussing our estuary system first-hand (and touching is allowed!). Birds and other wildlife will be observed.Our captain was exceptional.

Kayak trips are also available, and would provide another up-close look at mangroves and provide an understanding of Naples estuary .

Several restaurants and fast-food choices are located nearby.

We went on the kayak trip on a fairly windy day. We learned a lot about the ecosystem of Rookery Bay and also about kayaking on windy, wave-filled bay. Trip was well-organized; guides were knowledgeable; equipment was adequate. All good. Later we stopped by the educational center which was OK, not great. There were some trails there and we did see a manatee.

Note that you need to make reservations for the kayaking in advance.

Wonderful experience. The guide took us on a nice cruise and talked a lot about the history of the reserve and the wildlife. Great sunset views and of bird island. Highly recommend the sunset cruise!

Perfect weather, a very knowledgable and personable guide (Don),
the idyllic scenery, and an up close visit from a feeding dolphin in the estuary all worked
together to make this 2 hour Kayak tour quadruply enjoyable. We highly recommend if
you're looking for a leisurely, quiet, and educational excursion.

This is a neat education center. You learn about neat fish you would never know existed in the area. There's a touch tank, a small aquarium area, microscopes for the kids to look at plankton and other things up close, a replica of their research vessel for the kids to play in with lots of play crustaceans and other sea creatures they can "sort" into buckets. There's a lot of reading in the upstairs part of the building. It teaches you about what would happen to the environment if we lost a species in our environment... what would over populate and what would suffer...etc. Very good lessons taught. Upstairs also has a children area to read books and play games and do puzzles. There's a door that leads outside overlooking the water and an outside nature trail. We attempted the trail but the marsh mosquitoes were so bad we turned back. Even with bug spray they ate us alive. Otherwise it was a great visit.

We thoroughly enjoyed our morning 2 hour tour of Rookery Bay and the Mangroves with Captain Randy and his volunteer John as they guided us across the waterways and shared their vast knowledge of this amazing Florida ecosystem. We were provided with the basics instructions needed to enjoy the experience and while we are experienced kayakers, many who joined in were novices but managed well as Randy took time to ensure everyone’s needs were met. My husband and I were thrilled to learn that our adventure fee went entirely to the conservation fund. We saw a beautiful dolphin and many birds and fish during our tour. Be sure to bring your sunglasses, sunscreen, hat and closed toe water shoes. It was windy today and the water does splash in a bit and you enter and exit your kayak from the shallows of the waterway entry point. Don’t miss this wonderful experience. And if your children are twelve or older include them. It’s an amazing way to all learn about our beautiful planet and what we can do to ensure these ecosystems remain healthy in the future.

I have to be honest, I didn't know what Estuarine even meant or what to expect. We got there in just enough time to join a nature tour that was starting. Our guide was very informative and I learned a lot about the local flora. There is a butterfly garden, a nice picnic area, a theater showing the local Eco-history and other exhibits inside showing various fish and a touch tank. The admission price was only $5.00 and this little place really blew my mind on all that it had to offer for such a low admission. The staff were very kind and knowledgeable. It was an awesome visit and I will definitely go again next time we vacation in the area. They have different attractions they offer on different days so it seems no two visits would be the same.

This is a wonderful stop whether on vacation or if you live in the area.
It's a bit set back from main roads and I find many people aren't even aware of this hidden gem. I direct people here all the time when asked "what is there to do in the area?"
I've been here a couple times and would gladly return. It's a perfect air conditioned escape for hot days and covered retreat for rainy ones. Very educational and hands on fun for kiddos, full of information on local flora, fauna and aquatic life. There is a walk through aquarium area with a "touch and feel tank," a small theatre with loop video of area mangroves (I believe the video changes every season or so?), upstairs is a history area filled with loads on area info on settlers and native Americans including real and replica artifacts. Also a book nook area for the kiddos with toys and lovely rocking chairs with a great view of the mangroves for adults. Out back is a nature walk with boardwalk and a butterfly garden. A great way to spend some time and learn about the area. Very affordable too, I think it's a $5 per person donation request.

3-4 times a year they have an open house that is free to the public to take tours of the labs, talk to the researchers and other local experts about how they manage our environment and study it to keep it safe and alive. Also have free guided tour boat rides that take you out into an estuary and learn about it. They also are open to the public most other times to take the guide boat tours, kayak tours and visit the research center. Anyone who is interested in learning about the sensitive environment in SW FL would enjoy this.

We took a visitor to see the Rookery and had a fun time. The person that gave us the tour, Carl, made a very interesting tour very informative.

This is a wonderful facility with helpful, informative volunteers who gladly share their knowledge. It's one of the best values in Collier County!

The guided boat tours are wonderful both day and night ones. The best can be the Sunset to Moonlight cruise for 6 people. Our guide Randy was excellent, very knowledgeable answering all of our questions with more information than we will be able to remember so will have to return for another trip.

But what you can see in boundless, when we visited we where the 10th different state represented that day. The number of birds varieties was over 20. Great deck to observe the Rockery; bring your best binolulars.

Educational, lots of saltwater exhibits, hands on aquarium, 2 mile nature trail. Great way to spend 3-4 hours with curious kids of all ages.

We too the "Essence of an Estuary" boat tour by Randy McCormick. Great experience! Gained insight into the workings of the Everglades and Florida history, as well as a nice tour. Highly recommended!!!!

A guided walking trail, picnic area, indoor exhibits, a short film about the area, a touch tank, and volunteers eager to impart information.

Spent the afternoon with Captain Randy of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research on the "Life is a Beach Tour". Went out to Keewaydine Island, seven miles of pristine beach just a few miles from Naples. Fantastic shelling and highly informative. Sunny, cool and gorgeous day. Highly recommended for couples and families. Call Rookery Bay to check availability of this and other popular tours with Captain Randy.

I just visited for the first time when they had a free event to see what it's all about. I will be back. The director took us on a boat ride and told us about the importance of this estuary and the wildlife. After the boat ride I took Kayak tour which was really nice. They offer sunset Kayak Tours which I will book when friends come in for sure. There is also a sunset sail that you can book friends. Rookery Bay started in the 1960s when developers wanted to make a highway from Bay Shore right down through the current estuary. It would have turned this area into another major city with far too much development. Concerned citizen worked with the Conservancy of SW Florida to stop the development and begin to collect funds (thru penny drives with 5th graders) to preserve this beautiful land. I'm not originally form Florida so learning all about this was very enlightening. A must for all residents in this area.

We went to Rookery Bay and loved it! The volunteers were very informative and friendly. The set up was very stroller friendly. We had a great time. We will be back for sure!

Great place to stop if you are heading to Marco Island. Be sure to begin with the 10 minute introductory film.

We visited as a rainy day activity. Our kids loved the touch exhibit and learned so much from the gentleman working. We also had a chance to talk to a sea turtle volunteer to learn more about nesting season. The history exhibits were of more interest to the adults and the walking trail was flooded due to rain. We will keep this on our list of things to do when visiting Marco!

This facility is a great place for people who have environmental interests. The Estuary is one of the largest in the US of not the world. It is at the beginning of Florida's 10,000 islands. Not an official count, but probably close; Inside you can view live fish of the smaller variety and many educational exhibits. From the building you can take a walk through part of the estuary with bridges crossing waterways, learn about the mangroves and types of Mangrove trees. There is also kayaking available. A great family experience and a way to get the kids off their electronic games & phones.

Rookery Bay is very informative. You learn about the estuaries and you have the chance to go on a nature walk. Great to do with your kids

Saw this in one of the guide books so thought we'd visit for 1/2 day. Cost of entry $5 each. Went on a Friday and was that a big mistake! It's kids free Friday, so from 10am the place was full of little ones, with lots of story time, face painting and other activities, great if you have a little one, but not if you have a 16 year old. The guy at the desk did have some sympathy with us and suggested we start upstairs in the gallery and do the bridge view we might avoid the kids and see sharks, gators , manatees. We did walk round but not a huge amount to see On the 2 floors inside and unfortunately we didn't see anything from the bridge. After less than an hour we decided to leave, there wasn't much else to do or see and by now it was overrun with little ones. The guy on the desk did give us free tickets to come back again on another day, but I'm not sure there's anything to go back for. For us it was disappointing, but if you have little ones Friday is a great day to go!

I’ve been here twice with my family and plan to bring more. Just walk in and friendly and most helpful staff and docents/rangers help one understand how Florida “works” and helps the ecology. Clean and modern museum with outdoor obsevation bridge leading to 1 1/2 miles of trails/obsevation decks. Clean restrooms, child-friendly and easy parking. The docent Michael always made our visits warm and meaningful - ask for him, he is a real asset to this endeavor.

This place is wonderful! We heard a lecture on how all the plastics we use are killing wildlife. There are also various displays, kayak rides, boat rides etc.

Wonderful education center for all ages. Guided walk was well worth it. Not very long (approx 1 hr), but very informative and enjoyable.

Very knowledgable staff...very kid friendly and interesting. hands on activities and got to learn fun things about Rookery Bay.

Very informative volunteers that are very willing to share all their knowledge of the plants and aquatic life in southwest Florida. Children have many hands on opportunities to explore nature. Great value and receive a $1.00 off each guest if you have downloaded online. Spend an hour or as long as you want but enjoy what Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Centre has to offer. There is something for everyone!

Relaxing, knowledgeable personnel/docents, easily and simply explained shorelife to children (and adults); good hiking areas. Exhibits are not very extensive, but interesting nonetheless.

We walked about 4 miles down the trail and back. Fabulous trails loaded with Cypress trees and other hardwoods. You can see the cypress knees growing up through the ground. The wild orchids and air plants were very abundant and blooming.
They have a boardwalk above the ground that goes into the park.
We saw several foot long baby alligators sunning themselves on a dock. There were also some babies that were tiny right by the mother.

Wonderful for all, children, adults or seniors.
Learning center is very engaging. Environment, science, biology, and art, all under one roof.
Don't miss the boardwalk.

Went on our way home from Marco Island. Very helpful and knowledgeable volunteers. Nice touch tanks. Trails are currently closed due to Irma, but they have a dock and skybridge for wildlife viewing. They had crafts for kids and a video in the theater. Plan on an hour max with kids. Price is reasonable, and coupon is $1 off.

Our guide was excellent, very reasonably priced admission. I will definitely visit again with family or friends. Lots to see both inside and on the boardwalk. Well done!!!

Spent a great day out at this highly informative centre. The staff care passionately about the Everglades Eco system and everything else connected to this area of Florida. We saw a family of manatees in the river and thoroughly enjoyed the nature walk. We were then advised to visit their other site a couple of miles further along the highway. A drive down Shell Bay road takes you into a highly protected area. Animals and all flora fauna can be spotted. Make sure to take the board walk. We saw racoons and then we were very excited to spot a very large Florida wild cat. A fantastic experience and learned lots.

I've participated in several remote & in-person events through Rookery Bay & they've all been excellent. Most recently I took an in-person beginner bird watching course as part of Bird Month which was phenomenal!

We went on an afternoon cruise organised by the Rookery Bay staff and it was an excellent experience. Even before we got on the boat we had an informative brief talk from our guide who explained, with the aid of an aerial map, the background to the reserve and the area. As we walked along the pier to the boat, one of the other guides who was cleaning his boat after taking a group of students out that morning, showed us some interesting marine organisms they had found that he was taking back for further study. Our cruise included a stop on an island for a walk through the hammock to look at the vegetation. Our guides (we picked up another en route from her 'off grid' home on a nearby island) were, friendly, informative and very responsive to all our questions. The small boat is very comfortable and the individual swivel seats enable everyone to have a great view. On the day of our visit we saw a great variety of birds and even some dolphins. I can't praise the staff and organisation highly enough for the trip and for the work they do.

The education center has lots for both young and old to see and learn about our estuarine areas. many interesting exhibits, an aquarium of mangrove fish, the little kids can even climb under it! They show very good educational movies in their small theater, and then enjoy the walks on the paths, over the bridge, into the native vegetation. Friendly docents available for questions. A full morning adventure!

The $10 entry fee is rediculous for his tiny little walking path. Saw a couple Ibis and that was it. It was a pure waste of time. We wanted to go on a boat tour but found out that this didn't start until November 7

We spent a most enlightened morning at the Rookery. The many volunteers added greatly to our experience as we learned much more than we ever knew about the trees, wildlife and the Everglades environment. Our guide gave us a master class in the life band challenges of the magnificent manatees. We left appreciating the beauty and majesty of the evergladesnalong with a determination to return often to learn even more.

Lots of displays, guided tours and events at Rookery Bay. Definitely check their website for events as they offer so much.

Excellent nature touring area with both water and woodland trails. Very good information in the visitor center. Good place for a relaxing, peaceful stroll through the woods.

So worth your time. The kayak tour gets you down in line with nature and is an amazing experience. Don and Steve are great volunteer guides.

We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon aboard one of Rookery Bay's Carolina Skiffs with our guide, Randy. He's extremely knowledgeable and a great storyteller. Randy piloted the skiff deep into a maze of mangrove islands, rich with an array of migrating and local birds. He brought us to a surprising treasure -- and then embellished it with sensory experiences and his commitment to protecting places like this. We learned about the natural and cultural history of Sand Hill. It is one of the highest places in Collier County and affords the traveler expansive views of the Ten Thousand Islands. We'll be back to experience another trip with Randy.

Such an amazing learning experience for adults and kids, the staff is exceptionally knowledgeable and keeps the kids attention. We love it here, so much so we go every Friday.🙂

Great instructor and class. Even better, all you need is supplied. Great price for what you get. I am very happy with my experience. Highly recommend for beginners.

Rookery Bay is only $5 and can get a $1 coupon but not inspiring unless you go by water on boat or canoe, which is alot more pricey. The hikes are not very good. Maybe a good place to take grandchildren or kids under 10.

Very nice walk, but take the kayak tour if you want to see birds. Very friendly and informative people.

We went last month for the first time, despite driving past for years. It had rained heavily 2 days before. Upon entering, the volunteer warned us that there had been a bear spotting in the reserve that week. I was a little hesitant but we forged on and sure enough we saw evidence of a bear (see photo).

Nominal entry fee. Wonderful learning center building and gift shoppe when you enter, where you can see some fish and the research station with researchers.Great for kids. We didn't schedule a tour, just went to walk the paths.

I would advise anyone walking the paths to wear sturdy enclosed footwear, especially if it has rained. The trails were soaked and a little hairy to walk through. These are dirt paths through heavy brush so go prepared. Bring plenty of water. There is a beautiful footbridge to enter, it goes over the water and has beautiful views. There is a fascinating remnant of a well from an early home on one path, you can still see the embedded shells they used. One fun thing was since the trails were muddy we saw raccoon and panther tracks (see photos!)

We will definitely return and will try a guided tour.

Just an hour boat trip off Rookery Bay boat ramp and you will soon be exploring SANDHill. Nothing like it. Absolutely beautiful different and unusual. Bird life lovey and seeing Dolphins was a real treat. Only 6 on the boat and Capt. Randy was so accommodating and knowledgeable. Well worth the money!!!

On our last day in Naples visiting family, we opted for a visit to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center. We needed an outing that wouldn't be too long, since we were flying out in the evening, and would provide some level of protection from the 90 degree day -- my mother-in-law gets dangerously overheated pretty quickly.

Rookery Bay was just right. We were greeted by friendly and engaging volunteers, and I learned something new at the touch table. Did you know that every batch of vaccines produced in the United States is tested on horseshoe crab blood (the crabs aren't killed, just subjected to a blood draw) to test for impurities? I didn't know that, and I always appreciate learning something new.

There are informative exhibits and a short (0.5 mile) nature trail that extends in a loop from the back of the center.

The reserve also offers boat and kayak tours that sound more high-quality than the tourist boat tours that ogle expensive homes. For locals, there's a Farmer's Market with produce, local seafood, crafts, baked goods, and other local goods.

This Sunset/Moonrise boat trip on the night of the Wolf Moon was the highlight of my family's vacation. Captain Randy guided us on an adventure to learn, honor and appreciate the real Florida of the back bay and mangrove estuary. His knowledge of and respect for the habitat was delightful and the quiet was a balm. Magical! Join Rookery Bay for discounts!!

This Marine Estuary is the perfect place to get young children to start learning about Southwest Floridas environment and let them feel connected to nature. There is a touch tank, a large exhibit of the fish found in the area, and even a nature trail to see what a “wild” Florida looks like. Please make a visit to help the next generation appreciate the beauty of Florida and continue to help preserve it!

On April 8 took two teen granddaughters on two-hr kayak trip in Ten Thousand Is. Only 10 people. Randy patient guide, gave lesson at beginning. Pace was moderate so everyone could keep up. Educational and fun.