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CRUISING WITH THE

CONSERVANCY

Take a boat tour and find out why
a group of citizens came together

in 1964 to save Rookery Bay

he setting sun casts a beautiful glow on the calm waters that EcoCruises leave from the launch site on Rookery Bay, about
reflect clouds, boats and kayaks and the surrounding trees. 10.5 miles from the Conservancy Nature Center. Reservations are
TThe only sound is wings flapping as birds make their way required for midmorning, sunset and private cruises. Fees paid for
to rookeries already heavy with birds. boat trips support the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s critical
“It’s beautiful and quiet, and a lovely experience,” said mission work including wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and release;
Loralee LeBoeuf, a Naples resident since 1999 and Conservancy of sea turtle monitoring and research; clean water advocacy, and
Southwest Florida board member. “We are so busy, it’s nice to step environmental education and outreach.
away and have that connection with nature.” Located just south of Naples, Rookery Bay is one of the few
Experiences like this are what inspired citizens to come together undisturbed mangrove estuaries left in the United States, and one
in 1964 to save Rookery Bay by forming the Conservancy to of only 28 National Estuarine Reserves. This 110,000 acres of open
stop plans to build a road through Rookery Bay that would cross water, containing interconnected bays, mangrove wetlands, lagoons
Gordon Pass into the Ten Thousand Islands. and streams is habitat for a vast array of wildlife, including dolphin,
The road was never built, and as a result, these experiences are manatee and hundreds of species of birds. Protecting this threatened
still available aboard the 35 passenger Good Fortune II pontoon estuary was the first accomplishment of the Conservancy, founded
boat led by Coast Guard-certified captains and a Conservancy by a group of concerned citizens, more than 50 years ago.
naturalist.
Take a two-hour tour of Rookery Bay on a midmorning or
sunset cruise and learn about the history of the area and its wildlife. All proceeds benefit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s mission of
It’s not unusual for guests to see osprey, bald eagles, dolphins and protection the area’s water, land, wildlife and future.
more.
For information, prices, directions or reservations,
Or book a private charter for up to 35 guests that include a
visit conservancy.org/goodfortune.
captain and naturalist. LeBoeuf organized a private charter for a
family reunion for guests from Texas, New York and California.
“It was one way to introduce my visitors to Florida and what
makes Florida special,” she said.
“It worked out really well and was a
lovely afternoon. We really enjoyed it.
I highly recommend to others looking
for a real Florida experience.”
As a board member, LeBoeuf
understands the importance of
educating visitors and residents about
the importance of the Conservancy’s
work on behalf of the area’s water, land,
wildlife and future.

Life in Naples | January 2020 31