- Most Popular!
Join a local biologist on a journey through the winding Mangrove Tunnels of Southwest Florida in search of unique wildlife as you explore oyster reefs, mudflats, and hidden bays.
Voted Southwest Florida's #1 Adventure!
Adventures with Local Biologists
Explore the unique habitats, wildlife, and ecosystems of Naples and Marco Island with top rated kayak rentals, award-winning kayak tours, and leisurely boat tours led by 100% certified local biologists! Venture into wild Florida with the most qualified guides in the region and share in their passion for our local ecology and wildlife. Journey through winding mangrove tunnels, experience evening in the estuary at the famous bird rookery island, go shelling on a remote section of Keewaydin Island, take a cruise around the estuary, explore ancient sand dune islands, or rent a kayak to explore on your own! As Southwest Florida’s only biologist owned and operated adventure company and the exclusive ecotour providers for the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, we can’t wait to share our favorite things about our wild backyard with you and your family. A percentage of the proceeds from all of our adventures and rentals goes to support the Friends of Rookery Bay.
Reservations required for all tours and rentals
About Us
The most unique Kayak & Boat Tour experience in Naples & Marco Island
Rising Tide Explorers was founded in 2016 by a group of local biologists looking to share their passion for the unique ecological landscape in Naples and Marco Island, FL. With our diverse background of research experience, we offer fun, educational and family-friendly kayak tours unlike any other. As the first and only biologist-owned-and-operated ecotour company in the region and the exclusive ecotour provider for the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, we take pride in sharing our favorite things about the estuary during the most unique and dynamic kayak adventures in Naples and Marco Island! We love this area so much that a percentage of the proceeds from our tours and rentals goes back to the Friends of Rookery Bay to support the research, education, and conservation efforts of the Reserve.
We aim to be a company that explorers can trust to provide a safe, exciting and educational experience on the water. Towards this goal, 100% of our guides are vetted and qualified biologists & ecologists who have spent their lives studying the natural world. All of our guides are also certified in First Aid and hold ACA kayaking certifications. If you are looking for an educational adventure in Naples and Marco Island where you can learn and give back to the places we love to explore, look no further than Rising Tide and come exploring with the best!
Rated "Excellent" by Over 950 Visitors!
"This is the second time I have done a tour with Rising Tide Explorers, and I learned even more about the area than I did the first time. Ryan is so knowledgable, professional and passionate about educating people, that you can't help but take away new knowledge about the waterways and wildlife of Collier County. I will definitely be taking more tours with Rising Tide Explorers, and will be bringing friends and family to enjoy this unique experience."
– TripAdvisor
"This was a birthday gift for me and what a great one it was! I had a wonderful time. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about local flora and fauna and I was so grateful that he took pictures so we didn’t have to. It was an experience I’ll never forget and I hope to go on another adventure with them in the future!"
– TripAdvisor
"Myself & my boyfriend are travelling from NZ and staying with my Aunt & Uncle in Florida, and my aunt organised us to go for a tour with Ryan who is super knowledgeable, we learnt heaps about birds & the ecosystem and had a good day paddling. It was super hot so take some water with you. We also saw dolphins which was so awesome!!!! Highlight of the morning. Loved it."
– TripAdvisor
"Amazing experience. Guides, Ryan and Terry we great. Ryan is so knowledgeable and made this trip well worth it. So many Marine wildlife to see and touch. Would recommend this to anyone, experienced kayakers and non kayakers too. Good for everyone of all ages. Looking forward to the Sunset tour next time!"
– TripAdvisor
"My husband and I kayaked with our kids, ages 8 and 11. We had a wonderful time. Ryan and Terry were very friendly and knowledgeable, sharing facts about the rookery, and finding critters for the kids to hold. Being June it was HOT, so pack plenty of water and sunscreen. I highly recommend this experience, as it is extremely fun and engaging."
– TripAdvisorGet 5% off when you book online!
Enter code “EXPLORE” at checkout for 5% off online bookings. Free photography is included with every tour.
because you can't see Florida from a lounge chair...
A portion of the proceeds from your tour or rental goes to support the research, education, and conservation efforts of the Rookery Bay Reserve!
FREE ADMISSION! Get free admission to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center for everyone in your party when you book a guided kayak tour or boat tour with Rising Tide Explorers! *Must visit within 24-hours of your tour