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 Printable Version (pdf)
Recommended Activities:
Sunbathing
Wildlife viewing
Nature photography
Camping (in designated areas)
Fishing
Prohibited Activities
As part of the Wilderness Area Practice “Leave No Trace” guidelines, the following activities are prohibited.
- Unleashed pets
- Unattended fires
- Hunting, harassing or
possessing wildlife
- Use of firearms or weapons
- Removal or disturbance of
natural or cultural resources
- Pollution or destruction of
property
- Live shelling is prohibited throughout Collier County
Rule 18-23.007
Florida Administrative Code
Chapter 253 Florida Statutes
To Report Violations
Call 1-888-404-FWCC
or (239) 938-1800 for DEP Park Patrol
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Southwest Florida Beach Conditions:
For the latest beach conditions in Southwest Florida and Collier County, check out the new beach reporting system. Updates include wind direction, surf conditions, the presence of Red Tide and more.
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Leave No Trace - Guidelines to Protect Wilderness
and Wildlife
The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encourages visitors to
utilize Leave No Trace (LNT) guidelines. These guidelines provide a set of
“outdoor good manners” to protect wildlands from unintended abuse by outdoor
enthusiasts.
Originally established by the National Outdoor Leadership School, the first
guidelines were intended for backpackers and mountain campers. Due to rapid
population growth in southwest Florida, the need for an outdoor etiquette for boaters,
birders, beach enthusiasts and recreational fishermen has increased.
The Reserve recommends the following guidelines to ensure your visit to this
pristine estuary will... leave no trace.
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Operate boats safely
and courteously.
Observe manatee slow zones
Manatees are hard to spot. The greatest mortality among these endangered mammals
is due to boat impacts.
Avoid prop dredging
Many of the inshore waters in Collier County have average depths
less than three feet. Scars which result from boat props cutting through
the bottom in shallow water is detrimental to the dwindling
seagrass habitat throughout the Reserve.
Watch your wake
Small boats or canoes may be easily over turned by the wake of large
speeding vessels.
Tours are offered Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 am – 12 pm. Trip limited to 10 participants age 12+. Cost $35 ($30 FORB Members)
Pre-registration required: call 239-417-6310.
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Avoid building campfires.
Aside from the obvious wildfire threat, campfire scars are very
unsightly and long lasting. Carefully use cookstoves and lanterns
instead.
Use designated trails.
Off-trail excursions destroy native vegetation and cause dune
erosion.
Take your trash with you.
- Garbage of any sort is unsightly and ruins the
aesthetic experience of enjoying the wilderness of
the Rookery Bay Reserve.
- Glass bottles are a safety hazard to visitors and wildlife.
- Plastic wraps and bags pose serious threats to wildlife.
- Monofilament fishing line is deadly to birds and many
other forms of wildlife.
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All plants and animals are protected.
Take no live shells.
Respect areas closed for nesting birds.
Shorebirds typically nest on beaches from April to August. Some wading
birds use mangrove rookeries all year round.
Stay far enough away from resting
birds so they do not flush.
Coastal development has resulted in the loss of habitat needed by
shorebirds for foraging and resting. Flushed birds expend valuable
energy needed for survival.
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Search Rookery Bay
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- Wear sunscreen
- Bring insect repellent
- Be aware of dangerous currents
- swim at your own risk
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Use facilities on board
your boat, or a “portable potty”, and dispose of properly when in port.
Urinate below the high tide line
and away from other people.
Dig a cat hole
above the high tide line and at least eight inches deep
for any fecal waste. Carry out waste paper in a ziplock baggie for
proper disposal.
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