Educational programs are provided at the reserve, and besides the staff researchers, the reserve is also used by visiting scientists. It is one of 19 sites in the country that has status as an estuarine research reserve. The primary purpose of a research reserve is to protect areas for research and education. The Briggs Nature Center, operated by The Conservancy Inc., is also there and complements the programs of Rookery Bay. There is no charge for entering the reserve.
Visitors enjoy fishing, birdwatching, interpretive programs and boat and canoe trips at the reserve.
No hunting is allowed and visitors cannot collect plants. Visitors can reach the area by Shell Island Road off S.R. 951. By boat, Rookery Bay is just off the intracoastal waterway. There are more than 100 state parks, recreation areas, museums, gardens, preserves and special feature sites in Florida's state park system. Many are within a day's drive of Naples.