Rising Tide Explorers is a biologist-owned and operated ecotour company based in Naples, Florida, specializing in guided kayak and boat tours throughout the unique estuaries of Southwest Florida. Founded in 2016 by local scientists and graduate students, it stands out as the only company in the region offering tours led exclusively by active local biologists with advanced degrees and research experience. This expertise ensures that guests receive an educational and authentic experience while exploring the mangrove tunnels, oyster reefs, mudflats, and protected bays of the Rookery Bay Reserve and surrounding areas. The company’s commitment to science and conservation is reflected in its partnership with the Friends of Rookery Bay, supporting ongoing research and stewardship efforts in the 110,000-acre reserve. The company offers a variety of eco-adventures, including family-friendly guided kayak tours through mangrove tunnels, boat cruises to bird rookery islands at sunset, and shelling excursions on remote barrier islands like Keewaydin Island. Each tour is led by knowledgeable biologist guides who share insights into local wildlife, ecology, and conservation, providing a hands-on learning experience for guests of all ages. Equipment is high-quality and well-maintained, and every kayak tour includes free HD photography to capture the adventure. Rising Tide Explorers caters to nature enthusiasts, families, and travelers seeking an immersive and educational outdoor experience in Naples and Marco Island, combining adventure with a deep appreciation for Southwest Florida’s natural environment.

Located in Naples, Florida, this wildlife tour company specializes in immersive boat adventures through the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands. With over 22-foot covered deck boats designed for comfort and close wildlife encounters, the tours provide a unique opportunity to see dolphins, manatees, alligators, and a variety of birds in their natural habitats. The calm waters and expert captains ensure a safe and enjoyable experience suitable for all ages, including children and seniors. What sets this operation apart is its ability to bring guests within 10 feet of wildlife, often with dolphins playfully jumping in the boat’s wake, making it one of the few tours in Southwest Florida offering such intimate encounters. The company offers a range of tours tailored to different interests and time frames, including a three-hour Beach Eco-Tour featuring shelling on an uninhabited island, a romantic sunset cruise with wildlife viewing, and a 90-minute manatee sightseeing trip ideal for families. Additionally, kid-friendly fishing excursions provide catch-and-release fun in calm backwaters. Each tour departs from Port of the Islands Marina and includes opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as sea turtles and bull sharks. Guests can enjoy beach time, picnicking, and swimming during select tours, making the experience both educational and recreational for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Located in Naples, Florida, this fishing charter offers expertly guided backwater and offshore fishing adventures in the heart of the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands. With over 30 years of experience, Captain Jimmy leads excursions aboard a 25-foot Parker center console boat equipped with modern amenities such as a fish finder, GPS, and live bait well. The operation stands out for its personalized approach, accommodating all skill levels and preferences, from hands-on instruction to simply enjoying the thrill of the catch. Guests can expect encounters with diverse wildlife including manatees, dolphins, alligators, and various fish species native to the region. The charter provides a range of trips tailored to different interests and durations, including a 1.5-hour catch-and-release fishing experience ideal for children, a 2.5-hour exploration of the mangroves in the Ten Thousand Islands, and a 5-hour offshore expedition in the Gulf of Mexico targeting a variety of fish such as redfish, blacktip shark, and grouper. Each trip includes all necessary equipment, fishing licenses, and bait, with catch cleaning and filleting services available on longer excursions. The boats accommodate up to six guests, making these outings suitable for families, groups, and anglers seeking both relaxation and adventure in a scenic and wildlife-rich environment.

Located in Naples, Florida, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses 110,000 acres of one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. Managed through a public-private partnership involving the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, and Florida International University, the Reserve is dedicated to research, education, conservation, and professional training. Its unique coastal environment stretches from downtown Naples through the Western Everglades, covering 40 percent of Collier County’s coastline. The Reserve’s Environmental Learning Center offers interactive exhibits, art galleries, and trails, providing visitors with hands-on experiences that highlight the region’s ecological significance. The Reserve offers a variety of eco-tours including boat and kayak excursions that explore the estuary’s diverse habitats, such as mangrove tunnels and mudflats. These tours, operated by Rising Tide Explorers, provide all necessary equipment and instruction, catering to participants as young as three years old. Primitive camping is available year-round in designated areas north of San Marco Road, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings while adhering to conservation guidelines. The Reserve also hosts educational events, lectures, and art exhibitions, appealing to families, nature enthusiasts, and researchers alike. Through its comprehensive programs and protected lands, the Reserve fosters a deep connection between the community and Southwest Florida’s coastal environment.