Explore the Ten Thousand Islands, Southwest Florida’s Wet Wonderland
Are you an outdoor lover longing to see a part of Florida few people ever see? The watery wonderland of the Ten Thousand Islands in southwest Florida may become your new favorite destination.
Not to be confused with the 1,000 Islands on the St. Lawrence River between New York State and Canada, the Ten Thousand Islands (the name is usually spelled out) is a remote archipelago of barrier islands on Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast.
Located between Marco Island and the mouth of the Lostman’s River near the southern tip of Florida, the landscape is warm, sandy, humid, tropical, and mostly — surprisingly — uninhabited.
With over 35,000 acres of waterways and mangrove islets, the islands are part of the Everglades which is pristine habitat for native, rare, and endangered wildlife, including marine and plant species.
Add to this a few quirky and unexpected sites you’d never expect to see in a wilderness like this including some of the last remaining dark skies sites in coastal south Florida, and you have the makings of a real Castaway adventure (BYO Wilson volleyball).
Are you ready to see one of our favorite destinations in southwest Florida?
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What’s in This Article on the Ten Thousand Islands?
History of the Ten Thousand Islands
Ten Thousand Islands Florida Wildlife Refuge (and Local Wildlife)
Where Are The Ten Thousand Islands, Florida?
Getting to the Ten Thousand Islands in Florida (and Best Time to Visit)
Boating the Ten Thousand Islands
What to See & Do in the Ten Thousand Islands: 12 Activities & Things to Do
Top FAQs About the Ten Thousand Islands
Camping in the Ten Thousand Islands
Where to Stay With Easy Access to the Ten Thousands Islands
Exploring the Ten Thousand Islands Safely and Responsibly
History of the Ten Thousand Islands
Native Americans inhabited the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands region for over 3,500 years, including the Calusa Indians who were known to live here in the 17th century, and were present when the Spaniards explored the area.
European settlers first arrived in the region sometime in the late 19th century and established commercial fishing trade in several of the largest islands such as Marco Island, Everglades City, and Naples on the mainland of southwest Florida.
Today, despite the ever-growing coastal development in SWFL, the Ten Thousand Islands are likely as intact as they were when the first settlers arrived .
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
Within the Florida Ten Thousand Islands system is the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge established in 1996 to protect its unique subtropical mangrove estuarine ecosystem, one of the largest and most pristine in the Western Hemisphere.
But not all of the 10,000 Islands are part of the National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).
The Refuge surrounds Collier-Seminole State Park on three sides, overlaying a portion of the Cape Romano - Ten Thousand Islands State Aquatic Preserve, and lies just west of Everglades National Park.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and Big Cypress Swamp both run contiguous to the Refuge creating the largest expanse of mangrove forest in North America.
Wildlife in the Ten Thousand Islands and NWR
Wildlife in the Ten Thousand Islands is abundant. Particularly in the National Wildlife Refuge where the wildlife includes a variety of wetland species: alligators, wading birds, shorebirds, bald eagles, osprey, loggerhead sea turtles, river otters, raccoons, and bottlenose dolphins are common.
Threatened and endangered species like the West Indian manatee, bald eagle, peregrine falcon, wood stork, and the Atlantic loggerhead, green, and Kemp's Ridley sea turtles are frequently seen in the Ten Thousand Islands.
In fact, if you love manatees, the marina at Port of the Islands is a great place to see lots of them hanging around.
The mangrove bottoms and sea grass beds around the islands are unique to this ecosystem and serve as vital nursery areas for marine fish and over 189 species of native SWFL wading birds, shorebirds, raptors, and diving water birds use the refuge at some time during the year.
With all this rare native wildlife, you can see why exploring the Ten Thousand Islands is such a privilege and why we should take great care when we go boating, shelling, hiking, or just walking the beaches or shallow waters.
Where Are The Ten Thousand Islands and Ten Thousand Islands NWR?
The Ten Thousand Islands Florida extend from Marco Island in Collier County south to the mouth of Lostman’s River near Everglades National Park.
It’s not that far from Naples and Bonita Springs, and visiting the islands is one of our favorite day trips.
The northern part of the Ten Thousand Islands between Cape Romano and Everglades City is in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
The southern part south of Everglades City, is in Everglades National Park. The 99-mile-long (159 km) Wilderness Waterway begins at Everglades City and ends at Flamingo at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula.
The Gulf of Mexico borders the southern boundary, and the eastern boundary lies just west of Everglades National Park, and FAKA Union Canal in the northern portion of that boundary.
Getting to the Ten Thousand Islands
Getting to the Ten Thousand Islands and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge takes some planning and a good bit of patience.
But exploring this part of Florida is all about the journey after all.
Access Ports to the Ten Thousand Islands
Two of the best boating access points are Goodland and Port-of-the-Islands. Take U.S. 41 / Tamiami Trail south from Naples and drive 12 miles to Highway 92, turn right and drive 5 miles to get to Goodland.
Or, continue on U.S. 41 for 5 more miles to Port-of-the-Islands boat launch.
Goodland and Marco Island
Just off the southeast access bridge on Marco Island (State Road 92), Goodland is a still-sleepy fishing village with a few trailer parks, marinas, several touristy but fun restaurants and more than its share of colorful characters.
There is an excellent marina at Calusa Island/Safe Harbor on the right as you arrive into town.
You can rent a boat here or launch your own. There are several access points for kayaks as well.
Collier-Seminole State Park
The Collier-Seminole State Park is a gem of a State Park with excellent boat accessibility for craft up to 24 ft.
The Blackwater River originates in the park and meanders several miles through the mangroves to Blackwater Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands beyond.
The park has canoe and kayak rentals along with a boat ramp that provides access to the Blackwater River.
Port of the Islands
Accessible from Tamiami Trail north of Everglades City along the Faka Union Canal, Port of the Islands is a cluster of marinas, condos, an RV park, and motorcoach resort, with several boat ramps with easy access to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
It feels touristy but oddly is an ideal base for anglers wanting to launch their boat into the islands.
Kayakers won’t find much to look at as the only access point here takes you down the Faka Union Canal.
However, the canal also takes you right to Panther Key if you want to do some beach camping, no permit required.
Best Time to Visit The Ten Thousand Islands
The best time to visit the Florida Ten Thousand Islands is during the cooler winter months of October to May, when mosquitoes and no-see-ums are at bay.
Visiting southwest Florida during the summer however, does have its advantages.
Crowds are fewer if you plan on visiting nearby Marco Island or Naples, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
And if you book your tours and outdoor adventures for the morning, you’ll avoid the hottest part of the day and the daily summer afternoon thunderstorms.
Boating the Ten Thousand Islands
Since most of the refuge is wetlands, a boat is the best way to get around, and a must for fantastic sportfishing in the backwaters.
You’ll want to launch your own boat or kayak, rent a boat, or take a guided boat or fishing tour from the small island of Goodland, Marco Island, Everglades City, Chokoloskee, or Port of the Islands. Commercial boat operators (tour guides) are available in these areas too.
Renting a Boat
We have rented boats from several reputable marinas.
Two of our recommendations for renting a boat for the day are Rose Marina in Marco Island and Safe Harbor Calusa Island Marina in Goodland.
Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tours
Large Group Tour from Marco Island
Want to take your family and friends on a fun boat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands?
This 2.5 hour sightseeing and shelling tour for up to 12 people takes from Marco Island to explore for the afternoon.
Pontoon Boat Tour from Port of the Islands
Hop aboard a 24’ saltwater pontoon and enjoy a 3 hour tour into the heart of the Ten Thousand Islands, Rookery Bay Marine Estuarine Reserve, and Everglades National Park.
You’ll get to explore one of the islands on foot!
Things to Do in the Ten Thousand Islands — 13 Must-Do Activities
Despite its remote access and undeveloped landscape, there are a surprising number of amazing things to do in the Ten Thousand Islands.
Many of these are general activities to enjoy year round, mixed with a few little hidden gems in the Everglades that you should check out as your driving to and from the islands.
1. Kayaking
Kayaking the Ten Thousand Islands is an amazing way to immerse yourself in the wet wilderness that surrounds you, and seasoned paddlers will find endless places to paddle.
If you’re just starting out or want a less-rigorous trail so you can relax and take in all the sites, the kayak trail to Sandfly Island is a good intro kayak trail.
The short trail is around 5 miles long, which is perfect for those with moderate or even more advanced kayaking experience.
Once on the island, you can dock your boat or kayak and explore.
2. Take a Boat Tour
The Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City offers 3-hour 10000 Islands boat tour to the Ten Thousand Islands several times a day.
You can buy your tickets in person at the gift shop or online.
3. Shelling
If there’s one thing guaranteed to make your island adventure simply epic, it’s the treasure trove of seashells you’ll find along many of the deserted beaches in the Ten Thousand Islands.
To help you get to the islands and find the best shells, you can take a Ten Thousand Islands shelling tour with several good companies.
Do your research and find a reputable tour company with a licensed Captain, not just a local who knows where to find the best shells.
A NOTE OF CAUTION: Please make sure your shelling tour is operated by a licensed US Coast Guard Captain who is authorized to operate the boat and the tour, and who is insured in case of accident. There are more than several “tour operators” from Marco Island and Goodland who are un-licensed, which we think is unethical, unsafe, and unwise.
4. Observe and Photograph Wildlife
The variety of wildlife in the Ten Thousand Islands NWR attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers from around the world.
Whether you’re in a boat, on a trail, or taking an eco tour, you’ll see lots of wildlife.
Bring a pair of good binoculars with you and your camera or cell phone (maybe a waterproof case is a good idea)!
5. Visit Everglades City
Historic Everglades City is a fun place to explore for the day if you’re planning multiple days in the 10,000 Islands.
There are several good restaurants like the Havana Cafe, Triad Seafood, City Seafood, and the Camellia Street Grill.
Take an airboat ride, or stop in Museum of the Everglades, one of the coolest museums in the area.
6. Fishing
Anglers will be in heaven as 10000 Islands fishing is excellent, with snapper, snook, redfish, pompano, and sea trout abundant in season.
There are plenty of private fishing charters and boat launching facilities from Goodland, Marco Island, and Port-of-the-Islands.
7. Hunting
Waterfowl hunting for duck and coot is allowed at designated hunting sites in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
An estimated 4,000 acres of fresh and brackish marsh is accessible from US 41 / Tamiami Trail in accordance with Florida state game regulations is permitted during season.
Contact the refuge office for more details.
8. Go Airboating
Along the Tamiami Trail and from Everglades City, there are a dozen or so local tour companies who will be happy to take you for an airboat tour through the Everglades.
You’ll get a quick taste of the islands, whizzing across the water at lightning speed. It’s not the most quiet activity, and they stay closer to the mainland — something the anglers and birdwatchers are glad of — but they’re a fun activity especially for kids!
9. See the (sunken) Cape Romano Dome Houses
These unique dome houses sit in the water off the southern tip of Cape Romano in the northern part of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Built in the 1970s by a retired oil investor, the space age-style houses now site a few hundred yards offshore, in the water.
If you take a Ten Thousand Islands tour, most of them will swing by so you can get a close look.
So go see them while you still can. Another good hurricane and they’ll be sunk forever.
(UPDATE: Sadly the remaining dome houses at Cape Romano did indeed get washed away by Hurricane Ian in September 2022)
10. Eat at Joanies
If you like finding authentic local joints, imagine this kind of place in the heart of the Everglades.
Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe is a fun place with friendly people and good food.
Plus, any place that offers help-yourself cold beer on the honor system is alright with us!
11. Visit the Smallest Post Office in the USA
Just as you’re traveling down the road thinking there’s absolutely nothing interesting to see as you head into the Everglades, be sure and stop at the tiny white Post Office with the flag pole out front.
This is the smallest Post Office in the USA, and it’s worth a visit.
You can send a loved one a postcard stamped from the Smallest Post Office in the USA — how cool is that!
12. Go Stargazing
Given the lack of ambient light, the Ten Thousand Islands are some of the best remaining dark skies sites in south Florida.
Urban developments practically ends at Pavilion Key, just 11 miles south of Everglades City, making for awesome stargazing opportunities and astrophotography of the Milky Way.
13. Hike the Marsh Trail
Located at Mile Marker 31 off US 41 / Tamiami Trail, the mile-long Marsh Trail loops within the boundaries of the refuge, and offers several canoe and kayak trails running alongside marshes.
The trail is mostly paved and flat which makes for an easy walk.
Be sure and climb the small observation tower that overlooks the marsh and offers great views.
Top FAQs About the Ten Thousand Islands
Are there really 10,000 Islands?
Nope. Despite the name, there are a couple hundred islands or keys — not 10,000 — in the Ten Thousand Islands.
But it won’t impact that Castaway feeling you’re seeking.
You’ll have the feeling of solitude as you paddle or boat around the islands that all look similar, undeveloped and natural.
Can You Drive the 10,000 Islands?
Several of the larger islands in the Ten Thousand Islands are drivable. Marco Island, Chokoloskee Island, and Goodland are inhabited and drivable, and are all good jumping off points for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands in a kayak or boat.
Can I bring my dog into the Ten Thousand Islands?
You can bring your dog with you on most of the islands, but they must be on a 6’ leash, even in the water, to avoid encounters with nesting birds, turtles, and other wildlife.
What Islands Have Amenities for Boaters?
Don’t plan on stopping to refuel the boat or grab snacks or lunch at the next little island as you’re boating around the Ten Thousand Islands. Marco IsIand, Goodland, and Chokoloskee in the northern part of the islands are the only places that offer amenities for boaters.
What’s the BEST Way to Visit The Uninhabited 10,000 Islands?
For an immersive outdoor experience away from any crowds, kayaking the Ten Thousand Islands, boating from island to island, or doing some overnight camping are the best ways to explore the Ten Thousand Islands.
What’s the EASIEST Way to See the Ten Thousand Islands?
The best way to see the Ten Thousand Islands isn’t necessarily the easiest.
For a quick and easy intro, we recommend taking the narrated boat tour from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center of Everglades National Park in Everglades City.
The 90-minute tour is $40 for adults, and $20 for kids 5 to 12.
Are the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands the Same Thing?
Technically, the Ten Thousand Islands lie within the Everglades ecosystem, but the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge encompasses the northern region of the Ten Thousand Islands, whereas Everglades National Park includes the southern portion of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Ten Thousand Islands Camping
Imagine camping in the Everglades, surrounded by nothing but the quiet isolation and gently lapping waves at the beach, and the annoying no-see-ums in the warmer months!
Something only wilderness camping can offer. Camping in the Ten Thousand Islands is just as secluded, and you have several good options for beach camping without needing a permit.
There are three types of camping in the Ten Thousand Islands: Beach camping,
Chickee camping on elevated platforms over the water, and ground tent sites on sites other than the beach.
No Permit Camping
If you’re camping north of Tiger Key in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, no permits are required for camp sites.
Permit Camping Required - South of Tiger Key
Camping south of Tiger Key and into Everglades National Park requires a back-country permit for camping.
As of November 2020, permits can now be reserved on Recreation.gov up to three months in advance.
They can also still be picked up in person on the day of or day before your trip at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City or the Flamingo Visitor Center.
The camping areas of both Picnic Key and Tiger Key are on the western sides of the islands and face the Gulf, so they’re open to sea breezes that drive away the no-see-ums and other biters and make the camp sites more than comfortable.
Tiger Key has a sheltered crescent-shaped beach that’s well-positioned for camping. Picnic Key’s beach sites are on the windward side of the island with little protection from sudden storms.
Rabbit Key - considered a good first-night spot for travelers doing the Wilderness Trail or exploring more of Everglades National Park.
Jewel Key - a small key with a good camping beach.
Pavilion Key - the largest campsite in the Ten Thousand Islands, Pavilion Key has a unique topography separated from the mainland by a mile of open water.
Which is why camping here is for intermediate and experienced paddlers only — it’s far more challenging than paddling nearby keys.
Where to Stay With Easy Access to the Ten Thousands Islands
If you want to explore the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands, there are a number of good places to stay in Goodland, Everglades City, Chokoloskee, and Port of the Islands.
The Ten Thousand Islands also make a great day trip from both Naples and Marco, so if you want to stay in some more comfortable or luxurious digs, you’ll want to stay in Naples or Marco Island where you’ll find accommodations for every style and budget.
Here are our favorite places to stay — with a star (*) next to the best access to the Ten Thousand Islands:
Everglades City and Port of the Islands
* Everglades City Motel — This clean and comfy local hotel puts you in easy access to the water and the Ten Thousand Islands.
Check availability and current rates
* Port of the Islands Everglades Adventure Resort - This low-key resort is fun for families, especially those who love to fish!
* Ivey House, Everglades City - In the center of Everglades City, it’s close to local restaurants as well.
Check more details and availability
* Serene Getaway, Goodland — If it’s boat access to the Ten Thousand Islands, this 2BR cottage is right on the water at the Safe Harbor Calusa Island Marina.
Your boat can be ready and waiting, and close enough to walk to you won’t have time to finish your coffee!
Everglades Chickee Cottage & Bungalow, Ochopee - A very cool glamping experience in the Glades!
Marco Island
Seawinds Condo, Marco Island — This condo on the southern tip of Marco gives you easy access (walking distance) to Caxambas Pass marina where you can rent a kayak or hop on a boat tour and get out into the Ten Thousand Islands within minutes.
Shipps Landing — if you want the BEST view over the northern Ten Thousands Islands from your luxury condo balcony high above Caxambas Pass, this place is for you!
Check availability and more details.
>>> Want a great beachfront resort for your trip to Marco Island? Check out our favorite Marco Island beach resorts! <<<
Exploring the Ten Thousand Islands Safely and Responsibly
Before you head out, always remember these other camping safety tips:
Always tell a friend or relative where you're going and when.
Check with the ranger about campfires. Because of nearly constant drought conditions, open fires are prohibited during certain times of the year.
Carry plenty of drinking water, at least a gallon a day — more in extreme heat.
Use common sense. Don't tease the alligators. Don't pick up snakes you can't identify. Don't feed raccoons.
Many boat tours and shelling tours take you to islands where nesting birds and sea turtles are protected. Pay attention to signage and do not enter designated protected nesting sites.
And remember to always check your shells — if there is an animal inside, throw it back in the sea!
Leave No Trace — Pack out what you packed in. Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it.
Management of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands
A large number of research projects are conducted on the Ten Thousand Islands NWR by a variety of local and state agencies and organizations.
Most of the work being done on the refuge is part of larger projects dealing with mangrove and estuary systems, especially as it relates to restoration activities planned for lands located in the watershed north of the refuge.
The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve facilitates research within the state aquatic preserves which overlay the refuge and refuge staff and volunteers participate in research and monitoring activities involving endangered sea turtles, migratory birds, and endangered manatees.
Law enforcement also patrols the Ten Thousand Islands, providing additional protection for migratory birds and endangered species.
They also educate, monitor, and inform the public about interim uses and refuge resources.
Have You Been to the Ten Thousand Islands?
Drop us a line and let us know your favorite island hideaways!
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