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    Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

    299 Reviews
    #17 of 132 things to do in Naples
    Features Animals
    Nature & Wildlife Areas, Nature & Parks
    300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113-8031
    +1 239-530-5940
    Website
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    Review Highlights
    “engaging wildlife exhibits”

    The five year old enjoyed the aquarium at her height and the touch tank; think it's wise to plan... read more

    Reviewed 6 days ago
    Catbody
    ,
    NYC
    “Very Informative”

    The staff here are very well informed. If you have questions about the animals, environment etc... read more

    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    donna592
    ,
    Jackson, New Jersey
    Read all 299 reviews
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    The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. The Environmental Learning Center is a 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, classrooms and 140-seat auditorium, and two story visitor center. The visitor center offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including 2,300-gallon aquarium and NEW Estuary Encounter interactive marine life exhibit and other displays addressing research and stewardship efforts ongoing within the Reserve, as well as a nature store, gallery and picnic area. Guided boat and kayak tours offered seasonally provide educational experiences while enjoying this special place. Check our website to see information about our tours.

    About Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

    The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. The Environmental Learning Center is a 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, classrooms and 140-seat auditorium, and two story visitor center. The visitor center offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including 2,300-gallon aquarium and NEW Estuary Encounter interactive marine life exhibit and other displays addressing research and stewardship efforts ongoing within the Reserve, as well as a nature store, gallery and picnic area. Guided boat and kayak tours offered seasonally provide educational experiences while enjoying this special place. Check our website to see information about our tours.
    4.5
    299 reviews
    • Excellent65%
    • Very good25%
    • Average7%
    • Poor2%
    • Terrible1%
    Travellers talk about
    “touch tank” (35 reviews)
    “learning center” (19 reviews)
    “nature trail” (13 reviews)
    Closed
    Hours
    Hours Today: Closed
    LOCATION
    300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113-8031
    CONTACT
    Website
    +1 239-530-5940
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    Write a ReviewReviews (299)
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    All reviews
    "touch tank"
    in 35 reviews
    "learning center"
    in 19 reviews
    "nature trail"
    in 13 reviews
    "marine life"
    in 14 reviews
    "educational exhibits"
    in 6 reviews
    "marco island"
    in 23 reviews
    "short film"
    in 4 reviews
    "estuary tour"
    in 3 reviews
    "protected area"
    in 3 reviews
    "walking trails"
    in 10 reviews
    "sea creatures"
    in 8 reviews
    "across the bridge"
    in 3 reviews
    "five dollars"
    in 3 reviews
    "bug spray"
    in 12 reviews
    "great learning"
    in 4 reviews
    "local art"
    in 4 reviews
    "hands on activities"
    in 3 reviews
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    1 - 10 of 294 reviews

    Reviewed 6 days ago
    engaging wildlife exhibits

    The five year old enjoyed the aquarium at her height and the touch tank; think it's wise to plan for kayaking or other walking on the grounds (it was too hot for much of a walk when we visited). She also loved the books and...More

    Ask Catbody about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    Thank Catbody
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    Very Informative

    The staff here are very well informed. If you have questions about the animals, environment etc. you will get your answers here. There are displays, maps and video. However, if you are hoping to see a lot of wildlife as you walk the trails don't...More

    Ask donna592 about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    Thank donna592
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    RookeryBayReserve, Public Relations Manager at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, responded to this reviewResponded 1 week ago

    Thanks Donna! It sometimes can take several visits to get lucky enough to see wildlife other than birds on our trails, but we have had reports of people seeing deer, raccoons and snakes pretty frequently, but there are also bear, hog, bobcats, opossums, skunks and...More

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 2 weeks ago
    Great for kids

    Very knowledgable staff...very kid friendly and interesting. hands on activities and got to learn fun things about Rookery Bay.

    Ask 368colleenb about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    Thank 368colleenb
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    See more reviews
    Reviewed 8 February 2018
    Eco Boat Tour

    What an amazing experience! Sunset at Kewayden Island and Moon rise over the estuary...not to mention approaching roosting birds on "their" island in Rookery Bay...listening to the the sounds as they settle in for the night. I would encourage all nature lovers to experience this...More

    Ask mando50 about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    2  Thank mando50
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    RookeryBayReserve, Public Relations Manager at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, responded to this reviewResponded 13 March 2018

    Thanks Mando50! We are glad you enjoyed your experience with Captain Randy! He offers the best boat and kayak tours available in Rookery Bay, and they are only offered November - April. The Sunset to Starlight tour is amazing!

    Report response as inappropriate
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 5 February 2018
    See the western everglades first hand

    The education center has activities fro all ages of visitors. Little ones love watching the fish and climbing in the boat. Older ones can see what is currently under the viewing scopes. Be sure to take the walk across the bridge and into the mangroves.

    Ask Judith M H about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    1  Thank Judith M H
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 5 February 2018
    Super Educational Trip fir Kuds

    Love this place. My grandkids love all the fish and especially when it’s feeding times. Very educational and interest8ng. The outdoor walkway is safe and numerous birds can b3 seen. Bring bug spray.

    Ask Bernadette1352 about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    2  Thank Bernadette1352
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 4 February 2018
    Grandsons and I stayed for hours

    This is s fun learning experience for young and on on the Henderson River. Lots to see and learn. The boys were interested and the exhibits (especially the boat in the lobby) kept them occupied for a couple of hours, Most people miss the gem....More

    Ask Greg S about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    Thank Greg S
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 25 January 2018
    The Best!

    Wonderful education center for all ages. Guided walk was well worth it. Not very long (approx 1 hr), but very informative and enjoyable.

    Ask willisw2018 about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    Thank willisw2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 24 January 2018
    Very informative about the area

    We learned a great deal about this remarkable protected area, the fish, the shells, etc. We had an excellent docent. She was very enthusiastic about all of the creatures in the touching pool. This would be a great learning place to take kids. There were...More

    Ask MarilynLu012 about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    Thank MarilynLu012
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
    Reviewed 22 January 2018
    Tour on The Good Fortune

    It was probably not the most perfect day to go out on a boat, but our group was dressed for the occasion and we were ready to take the tour! Our tour guide was very informative and had examples of eggs and bones from birds...More

    Ask Maryjo0715 about Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
    Thank Maryjo0715
    This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
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    Ask a question
    Questions & Answers
    See all 6 questions
    Sue D
    22 March 2017|
    AnswerShow all 5 answers
    Response from Katherine D | Reviewed this property |
    Call the center. Reviewers don't have all the answers.
    0
    Votes
    Tina P
    14 February 2017|
    AnswerShow all 3 answers
    Response from RookeryBayReserve | Property representative |
    Thanks for your question. In February, our touch tank is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This might change slightly in March, but you can find the "daily programs calendar" at our website. We are currently building... More
    0
    Votes
    Christopher K
    18 January 2017|
    AnswerShow all 3 answers
    Response from RookeryBayReserve | Property representative |
    Sorry we did not respond to this inquiry sooner - Steve G.s response is accurate. Be aware that there is no launch site at the Environmental Learning Center however, purchase of our guided tours includes admission to the... More
    1
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