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.

We were looking for something to do and this caught our attention. The fees are so reasonable. The visitor’s center is so well done! We walked the trail over the river and although we didn’t see much for wildlife, it was interesting to see the evidence of the controlled burns that have been done. The staff is absolutely wonderful and happy to share information with you. This would be an awesome outing for families.

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.

We visited the National Estuarine Reserve on a cool day in March. There is a short and very nice trail outside the education center. It has some nice lookouts and it is an easy walk. We checked out the movie which runs on a loop and explains how the Reserve came to be and the essential work its scientists, staff and volunteers do. There are some exhibits and a small aquarium which are interesting but can be quickly viewed. The gift shop has some nice items and all proceeds from the shop and the admission go towards the advancement of the Reserve's mission. Although we enjoyed the visit, I feel there could be more done with exhibits since the trail itself is so short. We may take one of the Boat Tours which go into the Reserve and see first hand what good work this organization is doing.

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.

My trip to Rookery Bay was an amazing educational experience, as well as a very fun way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of Naples. I was blown away by how interactive and well put together the education center was. I learned so much about the history of Rookery Bay in Collier County, as well as a lot of new facts about the ecosystem and wildlife found around. They had a touch tank that had many species! They have indoor attractions for when it may be too hot to explore outdoors, but the outdoor walkway was shaded by beautiful mangroves and quiet cool. The staff/volunteers were so friendly and informative. I highly recommend checking out Rookery Bay. It had lots to learn and do for both children and adults!