Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. Rookery Bay's Environmental Learning Center is a state-of-the-art, air conditioned 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, classrooms, a 140-seat auditorium, and two story visitor center. The Environmental Learning Center offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including a 2,300-gallon aquarium and a marine life touch tank. Other displays in the learning center address coastal research, local history and ongoing conservation efforts within Rookery Bay. There is also a number of nature trails, a scenic overlook bridge, unique gift store, art gallery, and picnic area. Guided boat and kayak tours are offered seasonally from November to May. Check our website for more information.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
53 within 5 kms
Attractions
25 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
428 reviews
Excellent
295
Very good
91
Average
29
Poor
8
Terrible
5
TheCovertCritic
Apex, North Carolina414 contributions
Jan 2020
There are several videos, a touch tank, and paths to wander. But who is kidding who? I think that there is a purpose in information, but really despite all the talk about conserving Florida's big cats and the manatees and every other vanishing species in its once pristine ecosystem, the number of building starts far and away establishes what is really important in Florida. Efforts now to increase public awareness is too little too late. But, if you are really naiive and want to feel good about positive effects that have come of a few folk's efforts to save the state visit Rookery Bay to watch the videos and look at the displays. Then drive out of the parking lot and get back on the 8 lane highway edged on both sides with a non ending sprawl of shopping plazas and condos and get real.
Written 19 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BeeCatz
Huntsville, AL21 contributions
Dec 2021
We spent a cooler windy hour at the center. When we first walked in, the greeter gave us a detailed overview and directed us to the theater for a movie about the conservation efforts- we came in halfway and watched the remainder of it and it set the tone. The display area is very small but the docent at the tank spent about 15 minutes with us telling us about and letting us touch 8 or 10 different specimens— so interesting! After we looked around the interactive area, we took a walk across the river and a short 1/2 mile trail. If the weather had been bette, we would have walked more.
Interesting place to visit. The docents really made it special. Go in realizing it’s small and that you have to take the time to interact with the volunteers to really make it worth your time. Fair price for the size of the attraction.
Interesting place to visit. The docents really made it special. Go in realizing it’s small and that you have to take the time to interact with the volunteers to really make it worth your time. Fair price for the size of the attraction.
Written 21 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lr03
10 contributions
Feb 2021
45 min live zoom call with Rookery Bay Team
You can put questions into the chat/q/A to be answered but team can't see or hear you.
Enjoyed by our whole family. Audio and Video were great--was impressed by how much detail we could see on the fish and whelk. Enthusiasm of the team brought energy to the presentation.
Got to see fish/shells/invertebrates very close up and learn a bit about them, the estuary and some of the data and equipment they use to learn more about the environment in the reserve.
You can put questions into the chat/q/A to be answered but team can't see or hear you.
Enjoyed by our whole family. Audio and Video were great--was impressed by how much detail we could see on the fish and whelk. Enthusiasm of the team brought energy to the presentation.
Got to see fish/shells/invertebrates very close up and learn a bit about them, the estuary and some of the data and equipment they use to learn more about the environment in the reserve.
Written 12 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary Ann
Spirit Lake, IA2 contributions
Dec 2022
This was my very best experience during a great stay in the Florida Everglades region. This beautiful teaching facility is manned by an army of the most knowledgeable volunteers I have ever encountered. Each volunteer was able to impart their information in an entertaining and arresting way. Every one was a star! Be sure you allow plenty of time to hike the beautiful trails around the facility.
Written 23 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
prpljl
11 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
My first time experience was an enjoyable lunch presentation about drone mapping of the 110,000 acre estuary and the geographical changes of southwest Florida since 1940. The minimal fee included entry to the educational learning center (touch tanks great for children 3+), butterfly garden (blue italia native to SWFL only - pic attanched), and snail walk. The speaker and volunteers were informative and passionate about their mission in caring for this protected area. There are kayak and eco tours which allow you to immerse yourselves in nature even more.
Written 31 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dini O
Cleveland, OH204 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We had a great walking tour there today with Art, the naturalist. He was very informative about the plants that can be seen along the trail. His talk made the $5.00 admission fee worth it and then some. If you get the chance, make sure you take a guided tour while you’re there.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy W
Boyertown, PA18 contributions
Feb 2023 • Friends
We took the eco cruise with Winston, a very knowledgeable biologist, and saw osprey and bald eagles nesting, many other water fowl and Mom and dolphin calves rolling and playing. We learned a great deal about the estuary and all the sights while having a great time on the boat ride. Since it was Sunday, we returned another day to see the information center and take a guided tour on a half-mile walk with Paul, a very knowledgeable volunteer. Inside the information center, there was another very knowledgeable volunteer, talking about various local shell fish, letting the children touch them. The entire experience was great and all ages will find something of interest.
Written 23 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
littleone1118
Fort Lauderdale, FL299 contributions
Jan 2020
We enjoyed the Environmental Learning Center at Rookery Bay. We were warmly greeted as soon as we walked in the door & the layout of the building was explained to us. The admission was $5, and worth the price. There's a quick 10min looping video in the auditorium which makes for a good starting point. Lots of information in the displays on 2 floors, including a small touch tank. There are a few walking paths, each 1/2mile, though for us it was too hot to enjoy. A guide was available for the walking tours.
We've lived in FL for many years, so much of what we saw there we had seen at other places. However, we still found it enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting or new to the area.
We've lived in FL for many years, so much of what we saw there we had seen at other places. However, we still found it enjoyable. Highly recommended for anyone visiting or new to the area.
Written 3 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
335arthurd
Naples, United States5 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
My wife and I were invited to attend a gallery opening held at the Rookery Bay Educational Center. We found the people to be very professional, very welcoming and politley engaging. The photography exhibit presented very talented artists' works. The hors d'oeuvres were not just food, but a well laid out informational and active environmental center. We were impressed by the well run affair, and for the pleasant public event.
Written 23 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bron1303
Burnley, UK444 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
What a great place !!! We took our four year old grandson to say we were all enthralled is an understatement. The exhibits were brilliant especially the touch tanks !!! The walkway was something else. The staff so polite, patient and friendly, we learnt so much. My grandson really enjoyed his time.
Written 30 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What is the cost of your kayaking tour please?
Written 22 March 2017
Call the center or use the website. Prices vary with season.
Written 23 March 2017
Thanks for your question. In February, our touch tank is open on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This might change slightly in March, but you can find the "daily programs calendar" at our website.
We are currently building a NEW touch tank that has a flow-through system, which will allow for greater filtration and more access to the animals all day, every day. That tank is due to open in April!
Written 15 February 2017
Can you bring/use paddle boards to enjoy the waterways?
Written 18 January 2017
Sorry we did not respond to this inquiry sooner - Steve G.s response is accurate. Be aware that there is no launch site at the Environmental Learning Center however, purchase of our guided tours includes admission to the center.
Written 15 February 2017
Are you allowed to bring food/drinks for the sunset tours?
Written 5 January 2017
Thanks for asking! It's okay to bring your own refreshments but alcohol is not permitted. You are responsible for carrying your items to the beach and back (a short hike, in the dark). Big coolers are a bad idea, and on the boat Captain Randy is very specific to request all guests to be careful that nothing blows overboard (plastic bags).
Written 12 January 2017
Adults: $10
Children Ages 4-12: $5
Children 3 & Under: FREE
Friends of Rookery Bay members: FREE
Association of Nature Center Administrators Reciprocal Program Members: FREE
Active and Retired Military personnel and family(up to 6 in total): FREE Year-Round
Copied directly from the website, rookerybay . org on 2/24/2024
Written 24 February 2024
We offer daily boat and kayak tours from November - April. There are a few also offered in May. visit our website, "nature tours" section
One of our boat tours is called Sunset to Starlight only around the full moon. There is still availability on the May 1 and 2 tours.
Written 13 April 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing