Immerse Yourself in Nature: Rookery Bay’s Environmental Learning Center

The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, tucked just outside Naples, is a two-story, 16,500-square-foot hub packed with interactive exhibits that spotlight Southwest Florida’s unique estuarine ecosystems. Highlights include a 2,300-gallon mangrove aquarium, “bubble” viewing experiences, a tactile 180-gallon touch tank, walking nature trails, an art gallery, and a nature store.

Open Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sundays and Mondays. General admission runs $10 for adults, $5 for kids (ages 4–12), and is free for children under 4. Members, military, and SNAP recipients get special discounts or free entry.

Beyond the indoor exhibits, visitors can explore three half-mile walking trails — including the accessible Snail Trail, which winds through mangroves and leads to water-edge platforms where you might spot manatees, tarpon, or even sharks.

For hands-on immersion, the center offers kayak and boat eco-tours, guided by naturalists. Kayak rentals and home-delivery options are available, particularly for those on Marco Island or in south Naples.

Cultural elements shine in the art gallery, featuring local works and installations such as a 120-foot “Continuum of Life” watercolor mural and a dramatic black-and-white landscape by Clyde Butcher — perfect for blending art and nature.

Quick Highlights:

Bottom line: Whether you're local or visiting Naples, the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is your ticket to a hands-on estuary experience—full of learning, exploration, and tranquility. Want help crafting an SEO-savvy headline or a social caption to boost foot traffic? Just say the word.