Rookery Bay Sunset Birdwatching Cruise

Kelley D
May 12, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Jan 13, 2025

A Rookery Bay Pontoon Floating in front of the setting sun. — Rookery Bay Sunset Birdwatching Cruise

Looking for a relaxing end to a fun filled day in the Naples/Marco Island area? The Rookery Bay Sunset Bird Cruise may be exactly what you are looking for.

The two-hour boat tour takes off from Shell Island in between Naples and Marco Island, and glides over the peaceful waters through a small part of the 110,000 acres of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Pelican Flying above trees — Pelican Flying Through Rookery Bay Estuary

Boats are captained by biologists and bird lovers

who are very knowledgeable about Florida birds, their behaviors, and their local habitats. Our captain enthusiastically taught us about the history of the estuary and importance of the fragile ecosystem all while keeping watch for birds to show us. We slowed down to watch the birds that we encountered while the captain gave us an impressive amount of information for each one. Our tour had the special treat of seeing the Roseate Spoonbill hanging out on a piece of driftwood with some pelican friends nearby.

View from Pontoon, metal poles holding up tarp above pontoon with water and island in the background — View from boat passing Keywadin

Lucky passengers may get the opportunity to see manatees, dolphins and on very clear nights, possibly even a space launch. The night of our tour, Space X was launching a satellite. Our guide stopped the boat and another passenger pulled up the NASA website so we could listen to the launch and try to see it, but the weather to the East did not cooperate for us.

A bird circling a tree covered island full of birds settling down for the night. — Bird Island of Rookery Bay

As sunset approaches, the boats speed past Keywadin and arrive at an island full of birds settling down for the night. Our boat was one of three circling the island as the sun set and birds arrived to find their safe branch to sleep on. Watching the sun sink below the mangroves and seeing the plethora of birds settle in was an amazing site to see. While the night we were out was perfect, our guide did let us know that the island can smell a bit overpowering at times.

Overall, it was a great way to spend a Florida evening! We had a relaxing and educational boat ride, saw a lot of areas and birds that we never would have seen on our own. If you love birds, sunset cruises and nature – this tour is for you.