Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rookery Bay Reserve
A mangrove estuary reserve between Naples and Marco Island. Its environmental learning centre has exhibits and an observation bridge, and kayaking is available.
Rookery Bay Reserve covers about 44,000 hectares and protects an undeveloped mangrove estuary. It is home to sea turtles, manatees and many waterbirds. The Environmental Learning Center has aquariums, interactive exhibits, a walkway across the channel and an observation tower. Admission costs about US$5, and the centre is closed on Sundays and Mondays. You can also join the reserve's eco boat tours or kayak guided trips into the mangrove waterways. The reserve is southeast of Naples, about 20 minutes' drive away.
Opening hours
Environmental learning center Tue–Sat 9:00 am–4:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Keewaydin Island
- Naples Botanical Garden
- Tigertail Beach
- Marco Island
- Tin City
- Fifth Avenue South
- Third Street South
- Naples Pier