Is this walk suitable for children?

Yes, the Moon Walk is designed for all ages and provides a safe environment for kids to discover nighttime wildlife.

Are flashlights provided?

Participants should bring their own flashlights or headlamps to navigate the trails safely.

Can you see bats on this tour?

Yes, bat sightings are common as they hunt insects above the reserve during the moonlit walk.

Is the boardwalk wheelchair accessible?

No, the boardwalk used during the Moon Walk is not ADA accessible due to uneven surfaces and access restrictions after dark.

What should I wear for the tour?

Lightweight, long sleeves and pants with closed-toe shoes are recommended to protect against insects and the environment.

How does the reserve protect wildlife during this activity?

The guided walks access carefully selected areas with minimal disturbance, and visitors are instructed to stay on paths and keep noise low.

Moon Walk Nights at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve | Guided Tour | Hiking

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, located just outside Naples, Florida, offers a rare glimpse into the dynamic ecosystem of Southwest Florida's coastal wetlands, but the ‘Moon Walk: Nights in Nature’ trip redefines how to experience it. This 1.5-hour guided hike under the full moon invites participants into a dramatically transformed nocturnal world where daytime silence gives way to vibrant, unseen life.

As twilight fades, a Rookery Bay biologist leads the group along trails usually off-limits before dark, sharpening your senses to the chorus of settling birds and the calls of waking amphibians and insects. The nighttime reveals a cast of creatures often missed by daylight explorers — bats weaving overhead, frogs croaking from marshy pockets, and insects with luminescent qualities. This immersive experience not only offers the thrill of wildlife spotting but deepens understanding of the reserve’s role in supporting endangered coastal habitats.

The reserve itself is a critical estuarine environment, sheltering mangrove forests, salt marshes, and tidal creeks where freshwater and saltwater mingle. This blend nurtures diverse species, including several threatened or protected wildlife. The evening hike highlights these ecosystems without the interference of daytime heat or crowds, making it accessible and engaging for all ages.

Rookery Bay’s commitment to conservation education shines here — guiding visitors through a responsible interaction with the environment that supports local flora and fauna. With clear night skies typical of the Gulf Coast and a well-maintained boardwalk system, this trip balances comfort and adventure in a fragile landscape.

For travelers seeking an authentic Florida nature experience with a nocturnal twist, the Moon Walk stands out as an unforgettable way to connect with the region’s natural rhythms and biodiversity while supporting an essential research reserve.

About Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a Southwest Florida research and education organization that connects people to coastal science through lectures, workshops, community events, and youth camps.

It presents the Lunch & Learn Lecture Series at the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, pairing a buffet from Carrabba’s Italian Grill with monthly presentations by environmental experts and complimentary center admission. The Reserve offers guided experiences such as Birding with Biologists, a three-hour beginner workshop at Donna Fiala Eagle Lakes Community Park led by expert biologists focused on identification, behavior, and binocular skills.

Annual and community events include the Classic Car Show at Florida SouthWestern State College with vehicle and vendor registration options, family-friendly activities, and Friends of Rookery Bay fundraising; an Art Gallery Reception in partnership with United Arts Collier showcasing local photography and painting; and Rookery Bay Community Day. The Reserve also hosts Science Nite, the Seabird Social decoy painting workshop during the Festival of Birds, and a wildlife workshop series addressing marine animals, invasive Burmese pythons, and local mammals.

Professional learning opportunities include a hybrid workshop for real estate professionals on selling coastal and inland properties, seawalls, boat lifts, and regulations. Educational programs for youth include a half-day marine science camp for 7th–10th graders with hands-on lab experiences led by scientists focusing on sharks, sea turtles, and conservation.

Rookery Bay emphasizes research-driven programming, community partnerships, and practical learning to advance conservation and public understanding of estuarine ecosystems. Programs welcome residents, students, scientists, and visiting nature enthusiasts year-round.