Overview

2 hours • Explore the most pristine mangrove forest in North America! • All ages

Duration: 2 Hours
Cancellation Summary: Customers receive a full refund for cancellations 48 hours before the booking. Cancellations, changes, or no-shows within 48 hours are charged in full. Operator cancellations get a full refund.
Meeting Point: Capri Paddlecraft Park, 1295 Capri Blvd, Naples, FL 34113
Min Age: 4
Max Age: 99
Group Size: 10-12 Individuals
Accessibility: Yes, but there would need to be someone to assist individual into kayak. All personal items must be stored in vehicle, no storage space.
Description: Embark on a 2 hour kayaking adventure through Rookery Bay Estuarine Research Reserve. Your guide will help you learn basic kayak maneuvers to help you along the route. You will learn about the parks history, storm events, the ecosystem you'll be exploring, and the wildlife that inhabits the area. By the end of your adventure you will leave with amazing memories and have learned amazing facts from your passionate guide! We cannot wait to explore with you!
What is Included: You can have a choice of a single kayak or a tandem (2 seater) kayak. Tandems are perfect for those with children who are unable to paddle on their own!

Your guide will also assist in taking photos throughout the tour! Photos and videos will be taken by your guide of the wildlife that you come across, and great shots of you throughout the adventure in the mangrove tunnels. All will be sent by email to you within 24 hours of your tour.

A dry bag is provided to help keep personal items dry and in one place on the kayak.

Life vests are provided for all ages and sizes.
What is not Included: The park location is a Collier County Park, so as of January 2022 all vehicles parking at the park must have a Collier County Beach Sticker or you must pay a $10 parking fee.

You must bring water and sunscreen or hat along with you. There are no concessions at the park.
Itinerary: When you arrive to the park, you'll meet your guide by the company truck and trailer. Look for the blue and green kayaks, or our company name and logo on the side of the truck. They will provide parking instruction and where to find the restroom. Waivers must be signed for all individuals in your party. Once all guests have arrived and waivers are signed, your guide will bring you to the launch to provide you with the basics to kayaking and hazards to watch out for to ensure a safe and fun adventure. The guide will launch you into the water and begin the tour. You will return to the same location at the launch 2 hours later. Please note that your feet and bottom half will get wet, so plan your attire accordingly.
Highlights: Our guides are individually unique in the experiences they have had and their passion for the wildlife and the ecosystem. Each love to share their adventures and knowledge, so your tour will be very entertaining no matter the guide!

Due to our guides experiences, you'll get hands on with our unique wildlife and encounters with species you never knew existed or expected to see. That is what makes this tour an adventure, as you never know what your guide will find as you paddle along.

Don't hesitate to ask questions or engage with your guide, you'll be blown away by the response and develop a deep appreciation for the ecosystem. Many of our past guests have come back letting us know that they now explore more in their hometown environments or on vacations because we inspired them!
Check in Details: Guests must arrive 20-30 minutes ahead of scheduled tour time for parking and to sign waivers. This also ensures time to get everyone ready for the adventure.
What to Bring: Sun protection like sunscreen, hats or sun protective clothing
Water is required to be brought by all guests!
Bug spray because its Florida
Camera or GoPro (optional)
Towel to help dry off after the tour
Special Requirements: Minors must be accompanied by an adult at check in. Children 14 and younger must have an adult with them throughout the tour. Ages 15-17 can do tour without a parent with them, but a parent must be at check in to sign the waivers.
Restrictions: Ages 12 and under must be in a tandem kayak with an adult. All kayaks are adult kayaks. No kid kayaks are available.

If you are pregnant it is not recommended, unless you are in a tandem with another adult. Please consult your doctor before booking to ensure safety of you and the baby.

If you have limited mobility you can still participate, ensure you have a family member or friend who is able to assist you getting in and out of the kayak, as well as to paddle, if needed.

Not recommended for individuals who have recently had shoulder or back injuries or surgeries.
Disclaimers: Please understand that there is no guarantee on the type of wildlife you will see on this excursion. The tide, time of year, weather, recent storm events, or water quality will play a role in what species or how many you would see during the tour. Our guides do an amazing job and are determined to find as much wildlife for their guests on each of their tours to ensure a great time is had by all!

If our guides arrive to the park and notice rough water conditions or potential storms, they will contact the office to reschedule the tour. This may result in a close to arrival time cancellation as unpredictable weather happens.

Please note that you are fully responsible for the choices you make on the tour. Your guide will provide you with all necessary information to keep you safe throughout the tour, but if you choose to not listen to their tips or instructions, we are not liable. This area is very safe to explore and there are many kayakers in the area each day, but oyster beds are present all around and it is best to stay in the kayak if you do not know the area.
Faqs: Will we see an alligator?
Unlikely, but there is possibility. Please note that this area is very uncommon to see alligators or crocodiles, they have been spotted in the past but it is extremely rare. They want nothing to do with us, so if they are in the area they will likely hide or go in the opposite direction of the group.

Will we see manatees?
Depending on the time of year and if they are in the area. Manatees are prevalent during the spring and summer months and can be seen during the tour. During the fall and winter, it would be very rare sighting if one is spotted.

What should we wear?
Outdoor comfortable clothing and shoes you can get wet. You will get wet on this adventure so it is best to wear bathing suits or quick dry clothing. Water shoes, flip flops or sandals are recommended.

Can we go shelling?
No. Most of the shell species are alive in this area. Live shelling is prohibited in our company. There is no beach stop either.

Can we get out of the kayak to walk or swim?
There is a stop on the tour that would allow guests a chance to swim or walk around. Your guide will instruct you and assist you in and out of the kayak. You must wait for your guides instruction as many areas throughout the route have oysters beds just below the water surface, and you do not want to step on them as they are very sharp.

Can we do this tour if we do not know how to swim?
Yes! Most of the area is 1-4 feet deep and all guests are required to wear a life jacket throughout the tour. A life jacket will be provided for you. So if you were to fall out of your kayak, your guide will likely instruct you to stand up and assist you back into the kayak.