rookery bay boat tours

Wildlife Hospital

• Climate Change

Featured Project: Conservancy biologists have been researching mangrove systems since the Conservancy’s inception and have one of Florida’s longest continuous mangrove monitoring projects. Today’s Mangrove research primarily focuses on forests adjacent to human development, such as the Clam Bay Estuary and Fruit Farm Creek – Goodland Die-off.

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Rookery Bay Eco-Cruise

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At the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, we believe the more we can connect people with nature, the more willing they are to protect it. Our Nature Center and programs help us to do just that!

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Prominent members of the community stand with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on important environmental issues. Will you stand with us as well?

Enjoy the magnificent beauty of Rookery Bay. Come aboard the 30-passenger Good Fortune II pontoon boat led by Coast Guard-certified captains and a Conservancy naturalist.

Sunset Cruise

Pack a small cooler, bring a snack, and let us take you on a beautiful sunset ride. This two-hour sunset cruise is offered multiple days a week.

Mid-Morning Cruise

Beat the heat with a mid-morning eco-cruise as you meander through the stunning waterways of Rookery Bay.

Member Adult

Member child, non-member adult, non-member child, private charters.

We offer private charters on the Good Fortune II all year round.

Call 239.213.2500 today to book your adventure!

Members: $799

Non-members: $899

Led by a Coast Guard-certified captain

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers a unique opportunity for its members and guests to explore the beautiful area it saved more than 50 years ago. Conservancy naturalists and a Coast-Guard-certified captain will guide you through Rookery Bay aboard the Good Fortune II, a comfortable 35-passenger pontoon boat. See some of the most spectacular waterways, wading birds, and perhaps even a dolphin!

See below to learn about our cancellation policy for private charters.

*All cruises subject to weather conditions and tide.

The following policies apply to cancellations requested by the customer which are non-weather related or “no-shows” at the scheduled charter time. In the event of a cancellation request made with 7 days’ notice or more, we will make every effort to reschedule your tour. If this is NOT possible, you will be refunded.

• Cancellations requested less than 7 days’ notice prior to the charter date will be charged 50% of the charter fee.
• “No shows” will be charged 100% of the charter fee.

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

The following policies apply to cancellations determined by the Captain which are weather related. The sail usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but we may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. In the event of a weather cancellation, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida will make every effort to reschedule your tour at no additional charge.

Refunds for checks will be available within 14 business days.

Refunds for credit cards will be available within 7-10 business days.

Directions to the Good Fortune II  boat landing from Naples and North

From I-75, take exit 101 and follow signs for Marco Island. You will be on Collier Blvd./State Rd. 951. Continue south to US 41. Cross US 41, continue south on 951. Do not turn into Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. From US 41 it is three miles to Shell Island Road. Turn right onto Shell Island Road (just before Fiddler’s Creek).

The street sign is small, so watch carefully.

Continue 2.5 miles on Shell Island Road. (You will pass Florida Fish & Wildlife). Shell Island Road is a wildlife area; please allow extra time for the 2.5 mile road.  You will come to a Good Fortune II  sign pointing to a grassy parking area which will be on your right. Park on the grass. Go through the gate at the wooden fence and follow the path to the boat dock. Please watch your step.

Directions To Shell Island Road and the Good Fortune II  from Marco Island.

From Collier Blvd, head north towards Naples. Turn left onto Shell Island Road, just after Fiddler’s Creek entrance (which is on the right).

Continue 2.5 miles on Shell Island Road. (You will pass Florida Fish & Wildlife). Shell Island Road is a wildlife area; please allow extra time for the 2.5 mile road.  You will come to a  Good Fortune II  sign pointing to a grassy parking area which will be on your right. Park on the grass. Go through the gate at the wooden fence and follow the path to the boat dock. Please watch your step.

Directions from Shell Island Road

What to bring:.

• You are welcome to bring food and drinks. (One personal size cooler per person)
• Binoculars (a limited supply is available for use)
• Sunscreen/hat (the boat is canopied, so you will not be in direct sun)
• Mosquito repellant
• Light jacket for sunset cruise – Temperature is cooler over the water
• Bird Identification Cards available for use

Special notes:

• The  Good Fortune II boat and all captains are Coast Guard certified.
• All trips are weather-permitting. We will provide notice to you as soon as a trip is canceled, generally within two hours of departure time.
• As a courtesy to other guests, we ask that you kindly cancel or reschedule your cruise at least 48 hours before departure time.
• Facilities are available at the dock.

Eco-Cruise - Private Charters Info Request

• Name * First Last
• Number of Anticipating Guests
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How You can help

Help protect our water, land and wildlife.

Become a Member

Membership helps support our work and gets you free membership to the Nature Center and many other perks. Join today!

The majority of our funding comes from people like you who care about protecting our environment in Southwest Florida.

A variety of fun volunteer opportunities are available. Interact with diverse people, learn new skills, and enhance and share your knowledge.

Our Eco Tours

We are KoolCat Eco Tours

Our 2.5 hour guided eco-tours will cruise the 10000 islands on board our unique CraigCat ® boats which seat 2 people and you get to drive the boat! (Don’t worry if you have never driven a watercraft before) We’ll make sure to offer comprehensive instructions so you can feel as confident as possible before your new adventure.

What lies ahead?

An amazing eco-system that sustains unique wildlife and vegetation. From dolphins, manatees, shore birds, shelling, and breathtaking scenery, there will not be a dull moment!

Come join us on a quest and have a Kool time. Let’s Boat!

What you need to know, koolcat package.

• $135 per person for a 2.5 hour guided tour.
• One vessel holds 2 people. The weight limit per seat is 250 lbs (500 lbs total).
• Our tours will be launching out of 3 designated areas, depending on the weather and tides.
• Water, Ice & Dry Storage.
• Walkie Talkie.
• Wild life watch and shelling.

Launch Area

• Rookery Bay launch zone. CLICK HERE FOR DIRECTIONS

What is a Craigcat ® ?

“The CraigCat® is a pioneer in small boat design. Quick, roomy, and exceptionally well-built, the CraigCat catamaran boats deliver a rare blend of sport boat performance and the genuine comfort of a runabout that appeal to both novice and seasoned boaters alike. Reaching speeds of 30 mph, you know you’ll have a good time on the water.”

What are the rules?

To be able to operate a CraigCat you have to be 18 years of age with a valid driver’s license and passengers must be 5 years or older.

Florida law states all persons operating a CraigCat who were born on or after January 1, 1988 must have in their possession a valid boating safety education ID card while operating any motorized vessel of 10hp or more.

If born after January 1, 1988 you must complete and printout the boaters Safety course in order to drive a CraigCat! If you dont have access to a printer you can send it to us and we will print it for you!

To take your boater safety course online  CLICK HERE

If time does not allow 2.5 hours to take the boater safety course online, please contact us to figure out other options.

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Eco Boat Tour - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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• Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

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 special trip.

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!

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.

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.

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. I went back alone to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. I learned more from the volunteer Guide,"Elsa", in 45 minutes that I could have learned in a week at a college.

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

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 a few school groups there. We did all the trails - about 1.5 miles in total. It’s always nice to learn about the area you are staying in!

March 1 Notice: Second Chance Island is CLOSED March 1 - August 31, 2024. March 8 Notice: Friends of Rookery Bay has issued an eco-tour operator RFP

Visit Rookery Bay

Guided Eco-Tours

Upcoming Events

NATURE CENTER

Experience hands-on activities for all ages, with interactive exhibits, art gallery, trails, and picnic areas.

ROOKERY BAY

Explore 110,000 acres along Southwest Florida’s coast!

Adventure awaits on your next boat or kayak tour!

Join us all year round with the many exciting events for you, your friends and the whole family!

Stay Connected with Us!

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• Environmental Learning Center
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• Lectures & Classes
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• Bash for the Bay
• Festival of Birds
• National Estuaries Day
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• Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
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Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case). 

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About Me in Short

My name's Arthur Lookyanov, I'm a private tour guide, personal driver and photographer in Moscow, Russia. I work in my business and run my website Moscow-Driver.com from 2002. Read more about me and my services , check out testimonials of my former business and travel clients from all over the World, hit me up on Twitter or other social websites. I hope that you will like my photos as well.

See you in Moscow!

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White Clouds Over Village Obraschiha

Beautiful Russian landscape on the way from Suzdal to Yuriev-Polsky on approach to village Obraschiha Suzdal district, Vladimir region in a summer season.

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Heart of the Rookery Bay Kayak Tour

Quick Details

Capacity:  1 – 2 Paddlers

Duration:  2 – 2.5 Hours

Launch Times: 9:00AM & 12:30PM Daily (availability may vary, see calendar for details)

Launch Site:  Shell Island Road Boat Launch

*Children under 12 will ride in a tandem kayak with an adult, ages 3+ only

Join your biologist guide for a 2-hour tour exploring the mangroves!!

Depart on an adventure into some of the most quiet and tranquil parts of the Rookery Bay Reserve with one of our Biologist Guides! Here you will take a leisurely paddle through the remote mangrove bays, islands, and creeks that make the estuary one of Southwest Florida’s most valuable treasures.

Look deeper into the different components of this unique ecosystem as you learn about how its oyster reefs and mangrove islands help to shape the area’s ecology. Navigate these unique living habitats while practicing basic paddling skills as you cruise among the local wildlife. The area is commonly visited by dolphin, osprey, wading birds, bald eagle, rays, interesting invertebrates, and even Manatee! Get out on the water with Southwest Florida’s only biologist guides and immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of the Rookery Bay Reserve! FREE HD PHOTOGRAPHY INCLUDED IN EVERY TOUR!

• Chevron down Things to bring

– Water – Sunscreen – Bug Spray – Snacks – Hat & Other Sun Protection – Water shoes or closed toed shoes (suggested) – Binoculars – CASH FOR GRATUITY

• Chevron down Things we might discover

Heading out into a remote part of the Rookery Bay Reserve, we will be surrounded by some of the most pristine mangrove ecosystems in the world. Soak in the silence and immerse yourself in the tranquil slow pace of the estuary as we look closer at its ecology and wildlife. Keep your eyes out for Dolphin, Mangroves, Tree Crabs, Wading Birds, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Swallowtail Kites, Manatee in the summer months, and much more!! Get ready for some exploration! Feel free to call, email, or text with any questions, changes, or special requests.

• Chevron down More information
• Please arrive 30 minutes before scheduled launch time so we can get fitted with PFDs and kayaks before we launch. Tours depart from the kayak launch AT THE END of Shell Island Road, NOT the Environmental Learning Center. Our trip will depart rain or shine as long as conditions are safe, and our biologist guides will evaluate the conditions before departure to ensure a safe and comfortable trip. Looking forward to meeting you and having a great adventure!!
• Our guides work extremely hard to give our fellow explorers the best experience possible. Not required but always appreciated, we recommend gratuity based on the quality of service you received*

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Sunset Bird Rookery Kayak Tour

Explore the backwaters of the Rookery Bay Reserve. Paddle into the Rookery Bay to see hundreds of birds and enjoy the sunset before paddling back under the glow of twilight!

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Mangrove Tunnels & Mudflats Kayak Tour

Join a local biologist on a journey through the beautiful estuaries of Southwest Florida in search of unique wildlife as you explore winding mangrove tunnels, oyster reefs, mudflats, and hidden bays.