Boat Tours

Get ready for a boat tour unlike any another! Captained by real local biologists and science professionals, you’ll get the chance to explore some of the most unique areas of the Rookery Bay Reserve with the most qualified captains and educators in the region.  As the exclusive ecotour partners of the Friends of Rookery Bay, we have access to areas that are off limits to the public and all other tour operators. 

Get out for some shelling on a remote part of Keewaydin Island from our private dock, visit the ancient sand dune island of Sand Hill where you’ll find ancient human burial grounds and a beautiful view of the Reserve from its highest point (only accessible on a boat tour with RTE), take a cruise around the estuary with a knowledgeable biologist as your captain, or cruise into the Rookery Bay to watch over 1,400 birds return to roost on the famous Rookery island against the backdrop of a gorgeous SWFL sunset.

Whether you’re looking to find unique shells for your collection, to see local wildlife, or to learn about this incredible natural area…a boat tour with Rising Tide Explorers is a great option for the whole family.  With wheelchair accessibility and the most comfortable vessels in town, you can join us for a fun adventure while learning about what makes this place so special and unique from the people who study it.  While there are many opportunities to enjoy the waters of Southwest Florida by boat, there is only one place to venture into the estuary with a real science professional while gaining access to unique and restricted areas of the Reserve that host some of the most incredible habitats, history, and views in the region.  By booking with RTE you are also helping to protect and preserve the Rookery Bay Reserve!  A portion of the proceeds from your boat tour ticket goes back to the Friends of Rookery Bay to support the Reserve’s research, education, stewardship, and conservation efforts.