Home > Royal Palm Caloosahatchee River Bird Rookery And Creeks Kayak Tour
Royal Palm Caloosahatchee River Bird Rookery and Creeks Kayak Tour
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Overview
Near downtown Fort Myers & Lehigh Acres
Rates
Person $70
About
GAEA Guides uses tandem kayaks that handle like a single if you are alone in one. We do this to limit the number of kayaks in the environment that may annoy the wildlife. We also do it because there is better communication between the guide and the clients if there are fewer kayaks. We only take a small group on each tour. The kayaks are sit-inside kayaks with comfortable seats and plenty of leg room.
We have been seeing 100s, if not 1000's of nesting wood storks. Many other birds that are nesting this time of year include roseate spoonbills, pelicans, great blue herons, tri-colored herons, snowy egrets, great egrets white ibis, glossy ibis and more. Some of the highlights that you will learn about from your Certified Florida Master Naturalist Guide on this tour Are:
- The many different species of birds that are nesting on the rookery
- the estuary that this area is part of – “the cradle of the ocean”
- some history of the native Calusa that used this river as a highway
- the mangrove forest that you are paddling in - the only mangrove forest in the United States.
Feel free to ask questions.
Duration
- 3 hours
- The entire experience takes about 3 hours, and we'll be on the water for 2 hours. Upon meeting at the appointed time we will sign in, go over some safety information and then get the equipment in the water. This takes approximately ½ hour. At the completion of the tour we allow another ½ hour to get all the equipment put away.
What to Wear
We ask that you dress for the Weather:
- Usually a t-shirt and shorts will do.
- Shoes that will get wet as you get in and out of your kayak (not flip flops, they are slippery and dangerous).
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- A hat.
- Bug repellant may also be necessary if we are out in the evening.
What to Bring/What Not to Bring
What to Bring
- Water, or something, to drink.
- Complete your electronic waiver beforehand
- Gratuity is not included in your ticket price, and not expected, but greatly appreciated and lets the guide know that you enjoyed the tour.
What NOT to Bring
Do NOT bring anything that you cannot afford to get wet, unless you have it in a dry bag.
Other Tips & Guidelines
- Please arrive on time to find parking, as tours start promptly.
- If you are not at the site by 15 minutes past the meeting time and have not made contact with the guide, the tour will start without you.
Cancellation Policy
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event. The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.
Meeting And Pickup
You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup
Meeting point
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Additional Info
PLEASE HAVE EVERY PARTICIPANT READ THROUGH THIS EMAIL. IT HELPS EVERYONE TO HAVE A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE IF EVERYONE IS INFORMED.
All guests must have signed the online liability waiver BEFORE meeting for the tour.
- All participants (including minors) MUST sign the electronic waiver prior to arriving at the tour. Those under 18 (minors) will NOT ONLY need to sign a waiver and have a responsible adult sign for them, but a responsible adult must participate with them as well.
- Follow this link
- Read the waiver and sign it as soon as you get this. We must have this electronic waiver in our system prior to your coming to meet us.
Duration
- 3 hours
- The entire experience takes about 3 hours, and we'll be on the water for 2 hours. Upon meeting at the appointed time we will sign in, go over some safety information and then get the equipment in the water. This takes approximately ½ hour. At the completion of the tour we allow another ½ hour to get all the equipment put away.
What to Wear
We ask that you dress for the weather:
- Usually a t-shirt and shorts will do.
- Shoes that will get wet as you get in and out of your kayak (not flip flops, they are slippery and dangerous).
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- A hat.
- Bug repellant may also be necessary if we are out in the evening.
What to Bring/What Not to Bring
What to Bring
- Water, or something, to drink.
- Complete your electronic waiver beforehand at: https://www.smartwaiver.com/v/gaea/
- Gratuity is not included in your ticket price, and not expected, but greatly appreciated and lets the guide know that you enjoyed the tour. Also, this is how we keep our rates so low.
What NOT to Bring
Do NOT bring anything that you cannot afford to get wet, unless you have it in a dry bag.
Other Tips & Guidelines
- Please arrive on time to find parking, as tours start promptly.
- If you are not at the site by 15 minutes past the meeting time and have not made contact with the guide, the tour will start without you.
Detailed Directions
You will meet your tour guide at 300 Royal Palm Park Road, Fort Myers, FL, 33905. After turning north on Royal Palm Park Rd., go to the end of the road. You will then be in Royal Palm Park, Fort Myers. There are no facilities there, only a fishing pier and a place for us to launch the kayaks. Parking is free at the meeting location. If you are running late or lost, please call (239) 940-3255.
Driving Directions
Click Here for a map
From I-75
- Take exit #141 – Palm Beach Blvd. also known as State Road 80
- Turn west, heading towards downtown Fort Myers
- Not counting the traffic lights at the interstate, go through 2 traffic lights (the 2nd light is Ortiz Avenue) then go one short block and turn right (north) on Royal Palm Park Rd
- Go to the end of the road. You will then be in Royal Palm Park –300 Royal Palm Park Road, Fort Myers. Please Park to the left side under the big oak tree.
- There are no facilities there, only a fishing pier and a place for us to launch the kayaks
Parking
Parking is free at the meeting location. Please Park to the left side under the big oak tree.
Notice
BE SURE TO READ THESE POLICIES - THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS
You have certified that you understand that EVERY adult MUST be able to assist with the unloading and loading of the kayaks. ALL adult participants are responsible for getting the kayaks off the trailer and into the water and when the tour is over, back onto the trailer, including the guide's kayak while the guide is getting all of the other equipment into the kayaks. In agreeing to this we feel confident that YOU will be physically able to participate in the group kayaking activity. This applies to ALL adults, unless prior arrangements are made. PLEASE BE SURE THAT EVERYONE IN YOUR GROUP IS AWARE OF THIS POLICY! ANY EXCEPTIONS to this policy MUST be discussed with GAEA Guides prior to meeting for the tour.The main objective of our tours is to observe nature, so the tours are relatively leisurely, but we do have to contend with wind and currents.
Other Tips & Guidelines
- Please arrive on time to find parking, as tours start promptly.
- If you are not at the site by 15 minutes PAST the meeting time and have not made contact with the guide, the tour will start without you.
- Cell phone # to use in case you are lost or running late is 239 940-3255.
Cancellation Policy
Once purchased, tickets cannot be refunded and cannot be rescheduled because your space is being guaranteed at the event. The activity usually runs in light rain and other moderate weather conditions, but the seller may cancel the activity up to an hour before the start time in the event of severe or unsafe weather conditions. If the seller cancels the event, ticket-holders will be allowed to reschedule tickets (subject to availability) or receive credit for a future event.
