Programs, Tours and Events at Rookery Bay Reserve

Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday year-round, with special “Science Saturdays” on the last Saturday of every month.

Enjoy the two-story visitor center, art gallery, gift shop, nature trail with viewing platform and more. Themed naturalist programs are offered daily on topics such as manatees, sharks, sea turtles, Estuary Encounter marine life exhibit and more. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 6 – 12, and free for kids under 6 and Friends of Rookery Bay members. Located at 300 Tower Road, one mile south of the intersection of US 41 and Collier Boulevard.

Guided Boat and Kayak Tours

Two-hour guided kayak tours let you explore backwater bays and mangrove tunnels while learning about your surroundings from an experienced guide and naturalist. Boat tours provide opportunities to see wildlife such as wading birds, osprey, fish and dolphins. All tours include free admission to the Environmental Learning Center on day of trip and proceeds support the non-profit Friends of Rookery Bay, Inc. Kayak and boat tours are offered Tuesdays through Fridays from November through April. Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar. Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events. NEW! “Life in Naples” readers can enjoy a 5% discount on programs and events: enter “beach 5” as the discount code during registration.

April 6 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Birding Basics

Enjoy this fun and informative class designed to help you identify birds around you. Oriented toward the beginning birder, the classroom session explores how to use birds’ plumage, shape, behavior and habitat to recognize various species. It also covers the effective use of binoculars and field guides. During the second part of the class you will learn more tricks of the trade during a field trip to a nearby park where you can enjoy practicing new skills. Cost is $40.

April 9 | 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop

This class covers the essentials of your digital camera. You will learn how to use your camera’s shutter, aperture, ISO control and the drive modes to create images with impact and creativity. No previous camera or photography experience is necessary, just a desire to learn. Sonny Saunders has over 35 years of experience in photography and instruction and is renowned for his ability to communicate to a wide variety of students. Cost is $55.

April 20 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Earth Day

In celebration of Earth Day, the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center offers “buy one, get one free admission.” Higher price prevails. Cannot be combined with other offers.

April 28 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Science Saturday Science

Saturdays provide an opportunity for families to spend the day at the Environmental Learning Center enjoying programs, labs and activities centered around a different science theme, on the last Saturday of every month. This month’s theme is science of sand. Scheduled activities include: Estuary Encounter, Activity Lab, Show & Tell, and Nature on the Silver Screen. Cost is $5 for adults. $3 for children 6 – 12, under 6 is free.

Learn more and register for tours and events at rookerybay.org/calendar.
Friends of Rookery Bay member discounts apply to most events.

NEW! “Life in Naples” readers can enjoy a 5% discount on programs and events:
enter “beach5” as the discount code during registration.