Fun in the Sun or Air-Conditioned Comfort

Experience Natural Naples
at Rookery Bay Research Reserve and the Environmental Learning Center

There are so many activities and events happening at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve this winter season. Some are off the beaten path – on the water, beaches and trails and others happening right inside the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center each day.

A visit to the Reserve is the perfect opportunity to create a unique nature experience in Naples by taking a guided kayak tour, walking a nature trail, enjoying a scenic river overlook, painting with
watercolors or even learning about local wildlife during a lunch and learn session. It’s totally up to you! At Rookery Bay, visitors can discover a more natural Naples and get a little closer to the “real” Florida.

7 ways to experience Rookery Bay Research Reserve

Boat Tours to a Secluded Shelling Spot

Enjoy a small boat tour and 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.

Biologist-led Kayaking Tours

Navigate a kayak with expert biologist guides through hidden corridors of mangrove tunnels while exploring the waters of Rookery Bay. See fish, birds, manatees and dolphins up close.

The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

So much to do and see at the Environmental Learning Center. Hold a Sea Star in your hand at the touch tank, wander through the latest art exhibit in the beautiful gallery, learnabout indigenous people and pioneers who called this area home, relax in a giant rocking chair with water views, cross the scenic overlook bridge and enjoy one of three loops of trails.

Lunch & Learns

A monthly lecture by an expert presenter that includes a hot buffet from Carrabba’s Italian Grill and free admission to the Environmental Learning Center Feb. 13 – 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. “Partnering with Plants and the Naples Botanical Garden” by Chad Washburn, Vice President of Conservation, Naples Botanical Garden.

Create a “Coastal” Monet All Your Own

Paint the beauty of the water and wildlife at a watercolor painting class. Each spotlights a natural theme from manatees to birdlife to local waterways. Held in classrooms at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, all materials are included. Participants complete a painted piece with matte a teach session. Feb. 11 – Sea Turtles 12:30 – 3 p.m. Feb. 20 – Sea Turtles 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Feel the “Omm in nature” with Forest Bathing

Enjoy a slow, quiet, guided-sensory and meditative experience in nature. A Certified Forest Bathing Guide will conduct a guided-meditation and offer a series of invitations to use your curiosity and senses to connect with nature and yourself. Look, listen, smell and feel what the forest is offering you. Feb. 1 – 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Connect Art and Nature at Rookery Bay’s Art Gallery and Receptions

Join exhibiting photographers for Rookery Bay’s 2025 Natural Selections Photography Art Exhibit and Reception. The art on display reflects the flora and fauna of Florida and shows how art offers another pathway to experiencing the beauty of nature. Exhibition: February 3, 2025 –April 25, 2025Reception: Thursday, February6, 2025, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m. (registration required)

Visit RookeryBay.org to learn more about upcoming events and programs at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.

Also, Naturalist-led boat and kayak eco-tours are available all summer long!

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