Rising Tide Explorers Kayak Tours, Kayak Rentals, and Boat Tours is dedicated to helping visitors and locals alike enjoy and learn about the unique natural areas of Southwest Florida with the most qualified guide staff in the region. The launch site is just South of the Rookery Bay Reserve Environmental Learning Center, 30 minutes or less from anywhere in Naples, and just 5 minutes from Marco Island! This 2-hour nature cruise captained by the areas only active local biologist captains that will allow you to surround yourself with some of the most beautiful wildlife Southwest Florida has to offer! Learn about the nesting habits and migrations of our local bird species before riding back in the twilight! Tours launch Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday from Shell Island Road located about 2 miles South of US-41 on Collier Blvd. Keep your eyes out for dolphin, manatee (summer months), and other interesting wildlife looking to get a meal in before resting for the night. Watch over 1,000 birds return to the island to rest for the night during the beautiful Southwest Florida sunset. Your guide will teach you about the wonders of the estuary as the birds come to life! You’ll visit the Rookery Bay’s famous Bird Rookery Islands that are home to hundreds of nesting herons, egrets, pelican, cormorant, and anhinga and many more or our areas avian inhabitants. Your journey begins with a beautiful cruise through the Rookery Bay Reserve as the sun sits low in the sky on-board Tringa, the area’s most comfortable tour vessel.