tampa bay eco tour

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Tampa bay ecotourism attractions and activities.

By Janet K. Keeler

Tampa and environs offer many opportunities for eco-travelers. In the third-most populous city in Florida, a visitor looking to make a low impact while having a high-impact experience can do so on both land and water.

There are 1.4 million people living in Hillsborough County but visitors might not notice that once they dip a paddle into the Hillsborough or Alafia rivers. The Hillsborough and its state park cuts through the city north and south, skirting the high-rise buildings of downtown, which is quite a sight from a paddleboard. The Alafia , which also includes a state park, runs east and west with plenty of opportunities for boating and fishing. Both rivers feed into Tampa Bay.

Here are more suggestions for visitors who want to travel to Tampa and leave mostly footprints behind.

ECO-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS

Go to college.

The University of South Florida is a sprawling campus with some 50,000 students studying everything from marine biology to marketing to modern dance. The 16-acre USF Botanical Gardens offers a respite from busy campus life and welcomes visitors. The gardens boast 3,000 species of plants including the orchid, which is glorious in full bloom. There is also a medicinal garden plus several festivals and plant sales held annually. The gardens host regular events, including a honey tasting with the sweet stuff coming from all over the world and one produced on campus.

Call them what you will -- sea cows, gentle giants or manatees -- getting a chance to see this interesting mammal close up is a treat. The herbivore is as peaceful as they come, and they almost seem to pose for photos as they glide just below the surface of the water or poke their snouts up for air. At the TECO manatee viewing station in Apollo Beach, the mammals gather in the warm water there from November to April. The Big Bend Power Station’s discharge channel has attracted the mammals for decades. Admission and parking is free and there is a viewing tower and a boardwalk to provide visitors with a closer vantage point.

Nature Preserve

It’s easy for drivers to miss  Diamond Back Nature Preserve  as they whiz across the Howard Frankland Bridge that spans Tampa Bay. Just north of the bridge on Old Tampa Bay is this nine-acre preserve that features a tidal creek plus a hammock and mangrove forest. A  hiking  trail leads visitors through the natural oasis, plus there’s free parking in front of the FBI building. Bring binoculars for bird watching.

ECOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

The history of Ybor City has long been a lure to the tiny city within a city. In year’s past, it was bustling with cigar manufacturers and big halls where the cigars were rolled by hand. There are still some cigar stores now where visitors can see the rollers in action. Cuban food with a Spanish (from Spain) accent is also on the menu at iconic Ybor restaurants such as La Teresita and the Columbia . Don’t leave without having a Cuban sandwich, Tampa-style.

Ybor City Walking Tours guides regale visitors with the history of Ybor City, which is a U.S. National Historic Landmark District.

- Ybor City Walking Tours

Walking Tours

Two walking tours will get you out of the car to explore the area.  Ybor City Walking Tours  guides focus on Ybor’s history and if they don’t talk about  el lectors , the people who read to the workers as they rolled cigars, ask them. When day turns to night,  Ybor City Ghost Tours  get spooky with tales of haunted buildings and lovers who met an untimely end.

Kayak Eco-tour

Get off your feet and into a kayak for an adventure Tampa Bay with Xperience Days . Excursions include two-hour  guided adventures of the bay, through the mangroves, and spend some time on golden beaches.

FOOD AND DINING

Thai temple.

Hang out on Sunday morning with the locals for brunch at  Wat Mongkolratanaram Thai Temple . Wat Temple hosts a Sunday outdoor market and the big draw is the prepared food, including papaya salad, curry dishes, noodle soup and egg rolls. The lines begin to form at about 8:30 a.m. when people fill up their plates and head to the picnic tables under the trees. It’s open until 1 p.m. but those who arrive past 12:30 p.m. won’t have their choice of all the food. When the food runs out, it’s gone. It’s cash only and a good place to chat with locals about their favorite eco-friendly attractions in the area.

Big Ray’s

Big Ray’s Fish Camp has deep Tampa roots, thanks to the chef who learned how to fish Tampa Bay waters from his grandfather just a few blocks from this Ballast Point restaurant. It’s nothing fancy but the grouper sandwich is one of the best around. Big Ray’s has gotten a lot of accolades from reviewers who don’t mind sitting on picnic benches outside of a tiny hut that’s cooking up big things. And it’s not exactly local but the lobster corndog is a splurge that’s worth it.

The historic TECO streetcars provide transportation from Ybor City to the Channelside entertainment district and then on to downtown Tampa. The streetcars run late on weekend and when there are home Tampa Bay Lightning games.

ECO-FRIENDLY TRANSPORTATION

Street cars.

Explore downtown Tampa and Ybor City by way of the Historic Street Car system. The street cars make stops in Ybor City and the Channelside area where Amalie Arena is home of the Tampa Bay Lightning and a popular concert venue, and the Florida Aquarium features the state’s aquatic wonders. The cars run later on weekends and when there are home games. Sparkman Wharf along the Hillsborough River is a collection of excellent local restaurants that feature a variety of cuisines. Check out Edison’s Swigamajig for seafood prepared by Jeannie Pierola, one of Tampa’s best chefs and a Florida native. The streetcars also stop downtown near hotels and there are plans to extend service to other areas.

Cross Bay Ferry

The Cross Bay Ferry provides seasonal transportation across Tampa Bay from the Channelside area to downtown St. Petersburg. Besides avoiding busy highways, riders get a chance to sightsee on the glittering bay. Once in St. Petersburg, there are numerous restaurants on nearby Beach Drive plus several museums within walking distance including the Dali Museum and Museum of Fine Art St. Petersburg .

Bike Sharing

Ride along downtown’s  Riverwalk  with a bicycle from  Coast Bike Share . There are several places to rent the bikes and then drop them at stations along the way. The newly developed Riverwalk has turned a once sleepy area into a bustling promenade with music and art events, museums and places to eat, including the  Armature Works  food hall and  Ulele , a restaurant that celebrates Florida cuisine in a refurbished water utility building.

Charging Stations

If you’re driving an electric or hybrid vehicle, you can plot your course for charging stations on Plugshare .

ECO-FRIENDLY LODGING

Green resort.

North of Tampa is the Saddlebrook Resort , which is all about the eco-mantra “reduce, reuse and recycle.” It is situated on a 480-acre gated preserve that includes a nature walk through the property. On this walk, visitors can spy bald cypress trees as well as blooming plants and birds such as egrets, herons and cranes. This is a luxury resort for sure but it’s also a certified Florida Green Lodging facility. A new irrigation system has reduced the amount of water used on its Arnold Palmer-designed golf course. Most employees travel around the property via electric cart.

If you want your luxury more rustic, consider camping at one of 80 sites at the Alafia River State Park . There are even sites that accommodate equestrian campers, and primitive sites, too, for youth groups. There is RV and tent camping at Hillsborough River State Park , plus a half-acre ADA-accessible pool to cool off in. Nature trails meander along the river.

Green Lodging

In Florida, the Certified Green Lodging program encourages hotels, motels, resorts and B&Bs to be sustainable and environmentally aware. You can peruse this list to find accommodations that do this.

VOLUNTOURISM  

Many organizations that focus on the environment and wildlife and those that provide assistance for the homeless or youth at risk depend on volunteers. For visitors seeking to help for a limited amount of time, it’s best to call ahead to find out how best to contribute.

Metropolitan Ministries

Metropolitan Ministries provides many services for the homeless, including feeding hundreds of people every day. The non-profit is fueled by its many volunteers and can often accommodate visitors for short-term stints. November and December are especially busy because of holiday meals and extra hands are always needed.

Keep Tampa Bay Beautiful has a number of programs that put the focus on the environment. Clean-up days are part of the group’s mission and volunteers are needed to pick up trash in various locations.

Learning Garden

The  Florida Learning Garden  at the  Florida State Fairgrounds  is a one-acre teaching facility that features a walking trail, rain gardens, more than 75 types of trees and an interactive greenhouse. Volunteers also work here. The year-round garden is a popular spot for school field trips and is helping to create a network for people who want to learn more about local food sources.

PLACES TO REMEMBER

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STRATEGIC ALLIANCE PARTNERS

Summer 2022-Bioluminescence Tours

World-class Ecotours

Summer 2022-currently giving bioluminescence tours 2-4 people $60/person 5 or more $50/person, arrive at 8:30pm tour is from 9-10:30/11pm, please call (727) 389-8687 to reserve in advance , offered year-round .

1 person   $60/person

2-4 people  $50/person

5 or more  $40/person

Sunset Tours 

Watch the sun sink over the horizon as you float on tampa bay. the highlight of this tour is the light- transitioning from the evening, through golden hour, the sunset, and into the early evening. you will learn about tampa bay's ecology, history, and wildlife from our guide with over 30 years of experience. perfect for photo ops, birdwatchers, dolphin enthusiasts, and all nature lovers. this  2-3 hour tour is our most family friendly ecotour, with safe fun for paddlers of all ages. , our classic safety harbor ecoheritage tour.

Full moon Tours 

Experience the bay at night.

This tour is for the night owl- Tampa Bay truly is another world after dark. Fish jumping in the distance, birds calling at the water's edge, and the moon in the sky reflected off of the water. This high adventure tour provides you with safety equipment, lights, and a guide. You will hear about nocturnal wildlife and what happens in the Bay after dark. This tour is offered year round. 

Personalized tours , maybe you'd like to hear about birding in the area, and head to some popular avain hangs. , maybe you'd like to hear about local tocobaga native american history and see the famous philipee park temple mound from the water., safety harbor is filled with nature, history, and biodiversity , if there's a topic you'd like to center a tour around, give us a call and we'll be happy to create a custom adventure for you. , choose your own adventure .

Bioluminescent Night Kayaking  

Offered may-august  price: $60/person, bioluminescence is a natural glow that some plankton and jellyfish give off when touched. this phenomena is only visible after dark, and in very few places in the world. lucky for you, that includes safety harbor. guided by our owner with over 30 years of experience, you will have a truly unforgettable evening viewing this rare and breathtaking natural phenomenon. this 2 hour tour is by far our most popular ecotour., kayak at night with naturally glowing plankton .

Mix Fun, Education and Environmental Awareness on An Eco-Tour of Tampa Bay

Three times a day, a covered catamaran departs from Gate 23 at the St. Pete Pier for a special trip around Tampa Bay. It’s part pleasure tour and part sightseeing tour, but it’s also something much more important than that. It’s a tour that educates people about the ecology of Tampa Bay — not as a region, but as a body of water — Florida’s largest open water estuary, comprising 400 square miles.

The tours are run by Tampa Bay Watch , part of the programming that takes place out of the nonprofit’s Discovery Center on the Pier. Tour guests get up-close views of marine life and learn about dolphin and manatee identification and behaviors. The boat nudges close to a mangrove island and bird sanctuary near Snell Isle.

In fact, according to the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the volume of seagrass — a valuable barometer of the bay’s health — has nearly doubled, from a low of 21,600 acres in 1982 to 40,300 acres in the mid-2010s. But Tampa Bay is not yet in the clear; the same organization noted a 16 percent drop in seagrass from 2018 to 2020.

The current eco-tour schedule is: Monday-Wednesday, 11:30 a.m.; 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m.; 2 p.m.; 7:15 p.m. (with a sunset!) Tickets can be purchased at the Discovery Center on the Pier or online .

Our Charters

The Private Custom Tour

• Departure times determined by you and your family.
• Sites, locations all determined by your interests.
• Discover some of the most beautiful spots in Tampa Bay
• See birds, fish, dolphins, and more.
• Great spots to swim
• Throw in the rods and go fishing too!

Sunset Boat Eco-Tour

• Enjoy watching the sunset with wine and nibbles
• Explore wildlife throughout Tampa Bay
• Discover hidden historical sites

Sunrise Tour of the Bay

• See all that Tampa Bay has to offer on land and sea
• Fun fishing for the whole family
• Beautiful locations to jump in the water and go swimming
• Discover historical sites like Egmont Key and the The Fort

Book your Eco-Charter today!

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center

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Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Mon - Thu 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Fri - Sat 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• (0.17 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites St. Petersburg/Downtown
• (0.21 mi) Watergarden Inn at the Bay
• (0.14 mi) Downtown! Steps to Beach Drive restaurants, shops, and gorgeous waterfront!
• (0.27 mi) Hyatt Place St. Petersburg / Downtown
• (0.17 mi) The Birchwood
• (0.03 mi) Fresco's Waterfront Bistro
• (0.09 mi) BellaBrava
• (0.08 mi) Stillwaters Tavern
• (0.09 mi) Cassis
• (0.12 mi) Parkshore Grill
• (0.01 mi) Benoist Plaza
• (0.02 mi) South Straub Park
• (0.05 mi) Doo's Amazing Tours
• (0.06 mi) Pier Dolphin Cruises
• (0.06 mi) Museum of Fine Arts

APRIL 20th - MAY 7th | CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE

Morning Eco-Tour

Historical And Engaging!

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: -Tours Depart at either 9 am or 10am on alternating days. -Approximately 2 hours
• Sun Note: Dress for the weather Drinks available for purchase Small coolers allowed (no glass bottles)
• Dolphin Info: Embark on a adventure filled with diverse wildlife sightings as we search for dolphins and manatees.

Morning is usually a tranquil time to glide along the calm waters and explore the estuary’s abundant wildlife. Spot dolphins and manatees, and embrace the vibrant awakening of nature.

Morning Eco-Tour of the Tampa Bay Estuary

Join our morning eco-tour and explore the stunning aquatic preserve along the Little Manatee River. Our knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights about the diverse wildlife and rich history of the area. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may even spot some dolphins or manatees during the tour.

Morning presents an enchanting opportunity to explore the tranquil waters of the estuary while marveling at the diverse wildlife that calls it home. The tranquil waters create a serene atmosphere perfect for observing nature’s wonders. From graceful dolphins gracefully gliding through the water to majestic manatees leisurely grazing nearby, each sighting is a moment of pure delight. As the day awakens, the estuary comes alive with vibrant colors and bustling activity, offering a serene yet captivating experience for all who venture out to witness its morning magic. This tour is suitable for individuals of all ages, making it an ideal family activity. Book now and embark on an adventure on the water!

Related Tours

Eco-tour with optional lunch.

Enjoy a 2-hour narrated tour guided by your knowledgable captain and first mate, offering an exploration of the Little Manatee River and Tampa Bay Estuary system. Experience a continuously moving waterfront view and observe the area’s diverse wildlife and unique historical aspects. For an additional cost, lunch options are available for participants.

• THIS TOUR BOOKS FAST

Sunset Cruise With Optional Dinner

Have you heard about the sunset dinner cruise? It’s the talk of the town! The breathtaking sunset views of Tampa Bay and beyond are worth experiencing. This tour is great for all ages!

Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Eco-tours

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Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center Eco-tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Royal Conquest

Dolphin Quest

Estuary Ecosystems

• December 13, 2018
• by Sunshine Scenic Tours

Spanning 400 square miles, Tampa Bay stretches from the head of the Hillsborough River to the salty waters near Anna Maria Island. This wide area of water makes for Florida’s largest open-water estuary, which harbors a rich and diverse assemblage of plants and animals, including the beloved bottlenosed dolphin. Today, Dolphin Quest eco tour shares more about this amazing estuary ecosystem.

What is an Estuary?

First, an estuary (aka bay, lagoon, sound, or slough) is a partially enclosed, coastal area where a freshwater river or stream meets the salt water in the ocean.

What we at Dolphin Quest find really cool is that, in the brackish waters of an estuary, water continually circulates. Estuaries are natural water filters due to the tides daily.

In Florida, storm surges and other ocean waves may flood the estuary with saltwater. The good is that most estuaries are protected from the ocean’s force thanks to geographical features such as reefs, islands, mud, and sand that act as natural barriers from ocean waves and wind.

What Animals Call an Estuary Home?

Many types of animals are found in estuaries. The calm, nutrient-rich waters of an estuary make it an attractive habitat for tons of plant and animal species. And on Dolphin Quest, we are pleased to see some many on our Madeira Beach sightseeing tour.

There are a large number of birds found in estuaries. At an average of only 11-feet deep, the Tampa Bay estuary is home to 25 species of wading and shorebirds like blue herons, eagles, and osprey that nest on the protected islands of the bay.

On our Tampa sightseeing tour, you’ll notice that the different types of birds all have different lengths of bills. Why? Each bird is adapted to eating different things, which reduces direct competition for food and allows more species of birds to inhabit the estuary ecosystem.

Additionally, one-sixth of the Gulf Coast population of Florida manatees that spend the winter months near power plants bordering the bay. This means our eco tour passengers may also encounter manatees on their sightseeing tour!

Lastly, our estuary ecosystem is also home to more than 200 species of fish!

Conservation of Estuaries

Thanks to steady improvements in water quality, our precious Tampa Bay is having a boom in ecological benefits. However, an increase in population has created an increase in pollution. Therefore, it has never been more important to maintain the quality of our bay; do your part to keep Tampa Bay clean and safe for the plants and wildlife that call it home!

Explore On A Tampa Eco Cruise

Estuaries form a transition zone between river environments and ocean environments. They also are a great place to see many animals in their natural habitats! If you want to see bottlenose dolphin and other amazing coastal creatures in the Tampa Bay estuary, Dolphin Quest will give you an eco sightseeing tour to remember. Schedule your Madeira Beach, FL dolphin tour today!

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Eco-Friendly Places to Shop in Tampa Bay

Earth Day is coming up on Monday, April 22 . While it’s important to teach kids about the basics of helping our planet with acts such as recycling and composting, you can also help the environment as a family by shopping for and using eco-friendly products.

The good news is that it's becoming easier to find sustainable products in stores today. Even better, some stores are dedicated to exclusively selling recycled and zero-waste products! Here are some of our favorite places in Tampa Bay where you can find eco-friendly goods.

Looking for Things to Do in Tampa Bay?

>> This Week’s Favorite Events >> Nearby U Pick Farms >> 40+ Free Things to Do with Kids

Lüfka (featured in cover image)

4222 N. Florida Ave., Tampa Lüfka is Tampa’s first-ever zero-waste store. This quaint Seminole Heights shop sells handcrafted and naturally made items such as bath and body products, laundry care, hair care, pet products and cleaning products. You can even pick up reusable items like UNpaper Towel Rolls, Wheat Straw Toothbrushes and utensil kits. When you visit again, be sure to bring your own containers to refill some of your favorite finds!

Sans Market

1037 Central Ave., St. Petersburg Sans Market in St. Pete aims to provide eco-friendly items at an affordable price. You can stock up on beauty and personal care goods, cleaning supplies, kitchen items, feminine hygiene products and more. Bring your own containers or purchase one of their refillable ones and pay a visit to the Bulk Bar to purchase products by the ounce. Have some empty jars at home lying around? Sans Market accepts container donations to use for their products (no plastic).

Rollin’ Oats Market

2841 Dr. Martin Luther King St. N., St. Petersburg | 1021 N. MacDill Ave., Tampa Rollin’ Oats is filled with all-natural, organic and NON-GMO food products, bath and body products and cleaning products mostly sourced from local producers. They offer sustainable food for every dietary need. Their selection of produce, baked goods, specialty cheese, farm-fresh meats and even local craft beer and wine are all clean and made with healthier ingredients. Fun tip: got a picky eater? Head to their extensive bulk goods section to let them choose and fill their own reusable containers!

Fat Beet Farm

13830 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa Using green initiatives, Fat Been Farm doubles as a market and a place where families can learn about sustainable farming in Florida. The heart of their farm is the Biodigester—a giant machine that’s fed with all the waste from their kitchen and crops, which is then broken down and used as a nutrient-dense fertilizer. They offer farm tours, including special kids’ tours. You can also purchase freshly made meals, bakery items, take-and-bake items and lettuce and microgreens.

The Dancing Goat Dairy Farm

12502 Maverick Court, Tampa This sustainable local farm produces an array of products like eggs, goat and cow milk, homemade goat cheeses, yogurt, kefir, artisanal goat milk soaps, shampoos and shaving bars. You can pick up their products on select days at their main Tampa farm or at their St. Pete Meet Up. And be sure to inquire about farm tours! Little ones will love visiting with the animals while learning where their farm-fresh products come from.

More Sustainable Shopping Ideas

Go thrifting.

Thanks to the recent influx of TikTok and Instagram influencers sharing their thrift purchases, shopping secondhand has gained recent popularity. Heading to the thrift store can be a fun outing since it’s kind of like a treasure hunt—you never know what you’ll find!

It’s a great spot to get stuff like used books, home décor and kids' clothes (that you KNOW they’ll grow out of within a few months anyway) for a fraction of the price you’d pay in a retail store. Many thrift stores also have special shopping days where certain items are marked down even lower, giving you more bang for your buck.

Check Out Local Farmers Markets

There are tons of great farmers markets year-round in Tampa Bay. They’re the perfect spot to pick up unique, handmade goods along with fresh, local produce, eggs and honey. Scan the QR code to find our picks for top farmers markets around town!

Looking to go greener but not sure what to look for that makes a product eco-friendly? Here’s what to look for when you’re out shopping:

• Green Seal Certification
• Energy Star
• Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verified
• Fair Trade Certified
• Certified B Corporation (B Corp)
• Non-GMO Project Verified
• Forest Stewardship Council

Featured Image credit: Zoe Joiner | Originally published in the April 2024 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine .

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March 1 Notice: Second Chance Island is CLOSED March 1 - August 31, 2024.

Visit Rookery Bay

Guided Eco-Tours

Upcoming Events

BOAT TOUR OFFERINGS

Essence of the estuary.

Individual Tickets or Full Boat Rental Available

This 3-hour nature cruise captained by a local biologist will allow you to immerse yourself into some of the most beautiful areas of wild Southwest Florida. Look out for dolphins and manatees while learning about wildlife and the history in Rookery Bay. Tours are led by our exclusive eco-tour partner Rising Tide Explorers.

• Duration: 3 hours
• Location:  10 Shell Island Rd, Naples, FL
• Passenger Maximum: 6
• Member: $89
• Non-Member: $99

PRIVATE TOURS

LIFE'S A BEACH

Take the opportunity to explore a remote part of Keewaydin Island, a natural, living barrier island with an incredible diversity of life and some of the best shelling in Naples and Marco Island. Tours are led by our exclusive eco-tour partner Rising Tide Explorers.

HIGH POINTS

Cruise through back bays and winding mangrove creeks to visit one of the most remote and unusual places in the Rookery Bay Reserve.  A short hike up to the top of the region’s highest natural point. Tours are led by our exclusive eco-tour partner Rising Tide Explorers.

SUNSET BIRD ROOKERY CRUISE

This nature cruise captained by the areas only active local biologist captains will allow you to surround yourself with some of the most beautiful wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and birds that Southwest Florida has to offer! Tours are led by our exclusive eco-tour partner Rising Tide Explorers.

Closed for summer (May through October)

• Duration: 2 hours
• Member: $80
• Non-Member: $89

SUNSET TO FULL MOON CRUISE

This one-of-a-kind tour takes guests to observe the famous bird rookery island and  visit a remote section of Keewaydin Island where you will disembark and explore the beach. Enjoy the magical moment when the sun sinks into the Gulf. Moon light will guide you back to the boat and as darkness gradually enfolds you, begin the leisurely cruise through the back bays of the Reserve, becoming immersed in the sights, sounds and sensations of night. Tours are led by our exclusive eco-tour partner Rising Tide Explorers. Closed for summer (May through October)

ACCESSIBLE BOATING

Accessible boat tours on dino days.

“Dino Days” is our ADA accessible boat available for Essence of an Estuary, Sunset Bird Rookery and Sunset to Full Moon tours.

• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Rates: Per Person – Rates vary depending on desired tour

About Our Boat Tours

• Duration:  3 hours
• Registration is required.
• The minimum age is 3 years old.
• Meet at the launch site 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

Tours are led by our exclusive eco-tour partner Rising Tide Explorers

Cancellations & Weather Info

• Customers will receive a full refund or credit with 48 hours notice of cancellation.
• In the event of severely inclement weather, your trip leader will contact you on the morning of the trip at the phone number you provide when registering, and you will receive a full refund

What to Bring

• Wear closed-toed shoes and clothes that you do not mind getting wet
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, sun block, bug spray and a water bottle
• Leave all electronic equipment locked in your car, as you may get wet

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the tours suitable for children.

On all regularly scheduled tours, the minimum age for passengers is 3. This is based on your captain’s years of experience as a professional educator and as a long-time instructor in the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Some of the interesting environmental science covered during these tours is oriented toward, and preferred by, an adult audience. Interpreting the natural and cultural history of the area for young children requires a different approach than for adults. Trying to do both at once means neither is done well. Private charters may be arranged for families with young children.

Can I come without a reservation?

Advance reservations are required. These tours are designed to be a unique and intimate natural experience and are limited to no more than six passengers. Special private charters may also be arranged. Please call to inquire.

Can I take photos?

Absolutely. Rookery Bay Reserve has always considered photography and art to be a meaningful and effective way to gain a “sense of place”. The light, colors, textures and wildness of this area make it a fantastic natural setting for photographers.

Can the general public access these same places?

Yes and no. Most locations in the Reserve require a boat to get to and there are some locations that are restricted.

Do you offer private charters?

Yes! 3-hour tour at $499 and 2-hour tour is $475.

Is the tour boat handicapped accessible?

Yes, Dino Days is handicap accessible. If you require specific accommodations , please contact us in advance at 239-530-5972.

May I bring my own refreshments on the boat?

It’s okay to bring your own refreshments, but alcohol is not permitted. You are responsible for carrying your items to the beach and back (a short hike, in the dark). Big coolers are a bad idea, and on the boat, your captain will ask guests to be careful that nothing blows overboard (plastic bags).

How can I receive a discount?

Our tours are intimate, nature-viewing and learning experiences, limited to ONLY six passengers per tour. Our tours are competitively priced, and proceeds support the Friends of Rookery Bay. For this reason, the only discount offered on these tours is 10-20% off, available to Friends of Rookery Bay members. Learn more about membership .

What kind of boat is used?

We have 2 vessels. Tringa is a 24-foot Carolina Skiff specially outfitted for this purpose. Dino Days is a 28-foot Bennigton Pontoon. The boats are extremely stable and perfect for negotiating the narrow creeks and shallow backwaters of the Reserve. There are comfortable individual seats for each passenger (maximum of six), a fully shaded canopy, a very quiet four-stroke Yamaha outboard engine and all required safety equipment.

What kind of wildlife might we see?

It depends on the time of year (for migrating birds), which trip you are on and the luck of the day. Other visitors on these trips have seen: bottle-nosed dolphins, manatees, wild hogs, deer, raccoons, bald eagles, magnificent frigate birds, peregrine falcons, black-crowned night herons, roseate spoonbills, spotted sandpipers, American oyster catchers, gopher tortoises, mangrove tree crabs, sea slugs, Bartram’s hairstreak butterflies and a host of interesting native plants and wildflowers.

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About rising tide explorers.

Rising Tide Explorers was founded in 2016 by a group of local biologists looking to raise the bar of the outdoor industry in Southwest Florida and share their passion for Florida’s unique ecological landscape. In 2019, Friends of Rookery Bay partnered with Rising Tide Explorers to continue providing memorable and educational boat and kayak adventures in Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Proceeds support education, research and conservation.

Kayak Tours in Rookery Bay

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• Receptions and Art Exhibitions
• Bash for the Bay
• Festival of Birds
• National Estuaries Day
• Friends of Rookery Bay
• Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Conservation
• Become a Member

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