About Rising Tide Explorers
Rising Tide Explorers is a biologist-owned eco-tour company based at Capri Paddlecraft Park on the edge of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Founded in 2016 by a team of active local marine and wildlife biologists, every tour is led by a certified scientist — making it the only 100-percent biologist-guided operation in Southwest Florida.
Their tour menu includes guided kayak expeditions through the mangrove tunnels and tidal creeks of Rookery Bay, narrated boat eco-tours spotting dolphins, manatees, and nesting shorebirds, and seasonal sunset paddles. Kayak rentals are also available for experienced paddlers who want to explore independently. Group sizes are kept small, and guides carry spotting scopes and field guides to identify species on the water.
What makes Rising Tide stand out is the depth of knowledge their guides bring. These aren't just naturalists — they're working biologists who conduct field research in the same waters they tour. Guests leave with a genuine understanding of the mangrove ecosystem, not just Instagram photos. The company is a Rookery Bay Reserve partner and donates a portion of proceeds to local conservation efforts.
