Programs, Tours and Events at Rookery Bay Reserve

Rookery Bay Research Reserve
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve stretches across 110,000 acres of pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters, encompassing 40% of Collier County coastline. The Reserve is committed to preservation through research, education and land protection.

The Rookery Bay Environmental Education Center offers a variety of hands-on experiences for all ages, including aquariums, interactive exhibits, an art gallery, nature trails, picnic areas, lectures and classes, exhibitions and receptions and much more. Visitors can also explore the unique ecosystem of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve via Rookery Bay’s boat and daily kayak tours that offer an up-close and personal experience in nature. When you choose to spend the day at Rookery Bay, know that you are exploring one of the last and largest remaining undisturbed mangrove habitats in North America. To learn more, visit RookeryBay.org

For Learning and Fun from Home Check Out Rookery Bay’s Virtual Family & Educational Activities Web Page. 

RookeryBay.org/family-activities                                       Rookery Bay Family Activities web page is the place to go for all virtual family and education programs continuing to happen at Rookery Bay. It’s a great way to learn all about nature, wildlife and waters of Southwest Florida.

The page is filled with interactive videos, presentations, tours and downloadable activities about everything from sea turtles and sharks to environmental conservation methods and water quality testing. Have some fun with your family and learn about the nature and wildlife Rookery Bay anytime at RookeryBay.org/family-activities.

November 2020 Events & Eco-Tours by Boat and Kayak
“Virtual” Essentials of Digital Photography Workshop
November 9 • 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.• $55
Registration is required rookerybay.org/events If you want to get the best pictures possible, and truly understanding your camera’s features, this camera online workshop is for you. The 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. 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.

Rookery 2nd Annual Rookery Bay Classic Car Show
November 14 • 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
$10 (Spectator 13 +) • Free (Spectator 12 & under) $25 (Car Registration)
Registration is required to exhibit a car. RookeryBay.org/events/classic-car-show/
Pre-registration for spectators is requested The inaugural Rookery Bay Classic Car Show in 2019 was a great success with 92 classic cars and more than 800 attendees. Join Rookery Bay on November 14, 2020 for a bigger and better car show that is sure to entertain the whole family. The showcase will include pre-1930’s  antique, 40’s and 50’s classic and 60’s and 70’s muscle cars plus food trucks and family-friendly activities for all ages!

The safety and wellness of our attendees, volunteers and staff is our #1 priority. The entirely outdoor show will closely follow all CDC guidelines and protocols to ensure a healthy and safe experience for everyone. The Environmental Learning Center will be open ONLY for restroom use, the wearing of masks will be required. Masks will also be required on our shuttle bus.

Virtual Binoculars: Beach Birding with Biologists
November 18• 9 – 10:30 a.m.•$20
Registration is Required. https://rookerybay.org/events/lectures-classes/
Southwest Florida is a critical stopover site for thousands of migrating and wintering shorebirds. In this virtual program, Adam DiNuovo of Audubon Florida and Collette Lauzau of Rookery Bay Research Reserve will discuss the life history of these birds and the incredible journeys many of them make annually. From the comfort of your computer, we will take you on a virtual tour of the amazing mudflats of Tigertail Beach. You will see what birds are out there in real time through a virtual spotting scope while viewing photos and receiving clues to look for in order to help you identify these birds in the field. Each month the bird and their appearance will change, so we encourage you to join us for the entire series. No two sessions will ever be the same!

Rookery Bay Eco Kayak & Boat Tours – Going Strong in the Fall
Join Rookery Bay Research Reserve for a guided boat tour or kayak adventure into the beautiful waters of Rookery Bay with our exclusive partner: Rising Tide Explorers! All the guides are active local biologists, certified naturalists and certified kayaking instructors making them the most qualified guides in the region. With our kayak tours, guests paddle through beautiful mangrove tunnels, teeming mudflats and intricate oyster reefs while searching for amazing wildlife like sea stars, large snails, birds, dolphins and manatees!

Our boat tours are small 6 passenger boats and offer a comfortable and informative ride. Guests can choose from different tours including a shelling trip to a deserted barrier island, a sunset tour, a backwater plants and wildlife trip, or an excursion to the highest point in Collier Country with a visit to an ancient sand dune.

Contact us at RookeryBay.org or call 239-530-5972.