easy
2–4 hours
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling skills and comfort on water helpful.
Discover Naples’ coastal beauty aboard Rising Tide’s kayak and eco-cruises. Navigate mangrove tunnels, visit bird rookeries at sunset, and uncover shells along barrier islands in these immersive water adventures.
Naples, Florida, offers a coastal adventure unlike any other, where saltwater mangroves and pristine barrier islands shape a dynamic estuary ecosystem. Rising Tide taps into this unique environment with a lineup of water-based tours that reveal the raw essence of Southwest Florida’s shorelines and bays. From paddling silent mangrove tunnels to cruising alongside bird rookeries at sunset, each experience immerses visitors in the rhythms of the estuary’s wildlife and habitats. The Life’s a Beach Cruise, a popular pick, focuses on barrier island shelling where the sand reflects the intense tropical sun and treasures the sea has left behind. Kayakers glide through winding mangrove tunnels and across mudflats, encountering fiddler crabs and herons, while eco-cruises offer intimate views of fragile seagrass beds and oysters beds crucial to water quality. Trips such as the Heart of Rookery Bay Tour and the Sunset to Full Moon Cruise provide compelling opportunities to witness bird colonies nesting and nocturnal transitions over water. Rising Tide stands out because it delivers both adventure and education–guides infuse local ecological knowledge, fostering a deeper connection to this dynamic coastal environment. The company’s presence strengthens Naples’ reputation as a gateway to significant natural habitats and conservation efforts in the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. For visitors eager to engage with Florida’s coastal wilderness beyond typical beaches, Rising Tide’s carefully crafted tours provide authentic, accessible ways to be present with the landscape and native wildlife in this subtropical coastal haven.
Protect your skin and the fragile estuary environment by using eco-friendly sunscreen.
Low tides reveal more shells and mudflat creatures, enhancing your kayak and shelling experience.
Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics keep you comfortable on kayak and boat tours.
Enhance sightings of rookery birds during sunset tours with a compact pair of binoculars.
The Rookery Bay area is part of one of Florida’s designated National Estuarine Research Reserves, highlighting its ecological importance since the late 20th century.
Tours with Rising Tide emphasize minimizing disturbance to sensitive marine habitats and promoting awareness of local conservation efforts.
Keeps valuables and electronics safe and dry amid splashes.
Provides essential sun protection during daytime tours.
summer|spring|fall specific
Shields skin from sun and bugs while keeping you cool.
spring|fall|winter specific
Stay hydrated on the water to maintain energy and focus.