Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is an amazing destination for history and nature lovers…read moreof all ages. The center sits within the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which covers more than 110,000 acres of mangrove forests, upland habitats, and estuarine waters. In addition to board walks and hiking trail it has a two-story, 16,500-square-foot facility that combines research, education, art, and conservation. Start your visit inside the learning center where there is a 2,300-gallon mangrove aquarium with a sculpted 14-foot red mangrove tree. Another highlight is the touch tank where visitors can hold sea stars, horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, and more. There are also exhibits on local ecology and ongoing research in the estuary with emphasis on human impact on nature. A favorite stop on the first floor was the Palmetto Patch Nature Store which featured a variety of nature themed and local made gifts. They also sell water which you will need for a hike if you forgot to bring it. Proceeds from the store go to the Friends of Rookery Bay and their mission to provide resources for Rookery Bay Research Reserve's education, research, and conservation programs. Behind the center there are three half mile walking trails including a boardwalk over Henderson Creek. Thousands of years ago this was the home of the ancient Calusa people that thrived on seafood from the estuary. Although they are extinct you can still see the shell mounds they built. Several Calusa mound complexes are protected within the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve's 110,000 acres. From the observation bridge, you can sometimes spot manatees, tarpon, or even sharks. The trails also passes through native plants and historic sites like the remains of the pioneer settlement Little Marco that lay between Marco Island and Naples. The community was sparked by the Homestead act and pre dated the City of Naples. People lived off the estuary, catching fish, harvesting shellfish, and also growing small plots of winter vegetables. A historic cemetery remains near what is now known as Shell Island Road. The Rookery Bay Environmental Reserve is doing important ecological research and conservation while providing public education about coastal ecosystems, climate impacts, and habitat preservation. If you're a nature lover, looking for an inexpensive family friendly activity, or someone curious about coastal ecosystems, the environmental learning center is well worth a visit if you are in the area.

What a great experience. They do a great job sneaking in education while having fun. Kids loved the…read morescavenger hunt.

It all starts with great people! These folks run a tight ship, but everyone has a lot of fun…read more Can't wait to bring the wife back for this one. Highly recommended, well worth the price, just great.

Such an awesome trip with Cedric at the helm. We loved every minute he was so educated and knew all…read morethe best spots to go to enjoy the environment.

Beautiful island with a beach that's great to boat up to. Go to the coastal side of the southern…read moreend, but get there early as it will fill up with tons of boats. Beautiful waters all around. A great place for a beach party.

Oh, you want to go to Keewaydin?…read more I would rent a boat. I would also recommend purchasing a boat, if you have the means. If you do not have a boat, there are plenty to rent - coming from Naples that is. I'm sure Marco Island has boats too. Don't like boats? Get personal with a jet ski or...stand up paddle board? Just don't plan on walking there. I would arrive early. When the weather is nice, the non-gulf side unofficial watercraft parking lot fills up quickly. I must have gone up and down the bay side 7 or 8 times trying to muster the gusto to park my rental boat in between (what looked like) very expensive, very owned boats. Even tried to park a boat in water thats moving? You can't inch up to it...its all or nothing. Good luck. Should you prove conservative in your boat parking endeavor, the "gulfish" side has plenty of room to throw and anchor and swim up. There are too many people swimming on that side to ram a boat up the shore. This is the route we opted for. Note: make sure your anchor is secure. Otherwise, you will be eating tuna from a pouch and having hummus and pita chips in such a nonchalant fashion that you won't really notice you are drifting....into the sandbar. That area is very not deep. Get on the island, hang at the beach, grab shells, and mingle with other boat people. Observe the many happy puppies in the water. Visit the food boat and enjoy burgers, grouper, and beer. Look to the gulf side and you can see into forever. Look on the bay side and I challenge you to find a car or truck (or road) anywhere nearby. As busy as it is at times, it is very peaceful. While we were here, the weather was stellar, the storms were to the north (Naples) and we had a fantastic show to watch while still basking in the warm sun's warm sunny warming glow. Now reapply your sunscreen, because your back (like mine) will get burnt in very little time. Keewaydin is a clear watered, soft sanded, and very relaxing escape from the 'ness of everyday life. Be on a boat. Escape the 'ness. Go to Keewaydin.

Jenny was fantastic. From the minute we met her she made us feel comfortable and even more excited…read morefor the kayak tour. She's been giving tours a long time, and it shows in the best way possible. She's incredibly knowledgeable about the area, and her love of the Everglades shows. Each mangrove cave we went in she pointed out unique attributes including plants and birds. Every animal she saw she not only pointed it out but helped us get great photos too. It was so special to see a crocodile! Jenny also brought us water and chocolate + came incredibly prepared with heavy-duty bug spray. Use it. And book with Jenny! It will be a top Everglades experience.

Jenny's kayak tours are fun and she will educate you with facts about birds, reptiles, fish and…read moreecology of the Everglades. We've done two other kayak tours in the past 3 years and Jenny's is by far the best! You'll learn so much about the Everglades and conservation efforts to protect this beautiful and delicate natural resource.

We went on the dolphin tour with Captain Colleen, and it was absolutely fantastic! She was…read moreincredibly knowledgeable about the entire area, which made the experience even more enjoyable and informative. We saw several pods of dolphins, a manatee, ospreys and their chicks, and even a swimming raccoon! It was the perfect day on the water. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a memorable wildlife adventure! Plus note to those who want some shade they are one of the few boat companies that have a covered sitting area!

The BEST tour company in Florida! We loved every minute. Colleen was awesome, she knows her…read morestuff! We did the 3 hour eco tour and recommend it 100%! Saw tons of dolphins, birds, and had so much fun shelling. The shells we found were absolutely gorgeous. Next time I want to do the shelling tour exclusively. The sand on the island we visited was ridiculous...pristine white sands. Soo beautiful. Make sure you get here early, and bring your cooler with food & drinks! And don't forget your sunscreen, hat, and upf shirt. Hope to see you guys again soon!

I highly recommend it next time I visit the Naples Area water way it's worth it and great price for…read more2 1/1 hrs

We had the most amazing time with captain Stephen and co captain Sandy! He went out of his way to…read moremake sure we had the most amazing experience and drove us to the boat vendors to get ice cream on our way back. Highly highly recommend!! We will be back!

Had another great sunset sailboat cruise on Sweet Liberty. Captain and crew were laidback,…read morefriendly, helpful (jumping up to help take great pictures whenever someone was trying to get a selfie pic, etc.) and knowledgeable about the sights and animals of Naples, Royal Harbor, the Gordon River and the Gulf. The captain was even a marine biologist and shared his interesting observations to keep things lively the whole trip. It's a great deal since it's BYOB and snacks so no extra costs to fully enjoy your time on the water.

Fabulous evening sailing on the sweet liberty! It was a beautiful night. The scenery was gorgeous…read moreand we had a perfect sunset! Captain and crew did an amazing job.!! Highly recommend

We had such a good time with Captain Buddy! He was accommodating when we had airline problems!…read more When we finally on board, we had the time of our lives! And I love that he built his own boat--sure didn't look like it! As a real Native "Son," he is extremely knowledgeable of Naples and the area. We will go again when we are in SW FL.

Buddy was a great host to charter my family and I around the Naples bay to see the sights. He was…read morevery knowledgeable of the area and showed us the beautiful homes in nature Naples had to offer. We even were able to see dolphins along the way! But he could not have been nicer and a great captain to spend the day with!

We all went last night for the sunset cruse was very nice and the staff was very good . Great night…read morefor the cruse and dinner after woods for some sea food ..

Our sunset cruise with Captain Dom was wonderful. Our grandchildren had come in to see us after…read morevisiting Orlando and after the boat ride said this was the best part of their vacation. Would highly recommend.

Captain Mike is the best! Great boats, great rates, great service. We love to rent a boat for a…read moreday and explore all the mangroves and beaches around Marco Island.

This has got to be the BEST marina in town! Family business, fair prices, growing, and the best…read moreplace to see our SW FL natural beauty. Capt. Mike is the friendliest and most joyful guy to be around. He's also very knowledgeable and will take care of your needs! We also enjoyed the Capri Fish House restaurant. We hope THEY'LL be around for many years to come.