Rookery Bay
Wading birds, manatees and untouched estuary at first light.
Gallery
5 moments
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The story
Why people return here
Rookery Bay protects 110,000 acres of estuary just east of the island — one of the few mangrove ecosystems left in this kind of shape anywhere in the country. The Environmental Learning Center is the way in.
Walk the boardwalk trails at first light to catch wading birds at their busiest. The on-site aquariums and exhibits make sense of what you're seeing outside.
What to expect
The vibe, at a glance
Conservation site
110,000-acre National Estuarine Reserve.
Learning Center
Aquariums, exhibits and guided walks.
Birding heaven
Roseate spoonbills, herons, ospreys, eagles.
Best at dawn
Wildlife is most active before 9 AM.
Practical info
Before you go
Address
300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113
Hours
Mon – Sat · 9 AM – 4 PM
Fees
$5 adults · $3 children
Parking
Free on-site
Insider tips
- Bring binoculars and bug spray.
- Sign up for a guided boat tour for the full experience.
- Café on-site for a light lunch.
BeachTigertail Beach
Powder sand and a tranquil lagoon famous for shelling at low tide.
Aerial viewCaxambas Pass
Turquoise inlet meeting Gulf — a sandbar disappearing act.
MarinaEsplanade Marina
Yacht-lined docks and sunset cocktails on the water.
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Wildlife
Rookery Bay