Last Updated on October 31, 2023
Located off the coast of Southwest Florida, the Ten Thousand Islands are an archipelago or group of islands. The chain of islands and mangrove islets is situated by the Gulf of Mexico.
They stretch from Cape Romano to the mouth of Lostmans River in the Florida Everglades.
Once inhabited by Native Americans, the Ten Thousand Islands are now mostly uninhabited, aside from Chokoloskee Island, which has an estimated population of 400 residents.
Because of this, there are many opportunities to see wildlife in the area, such as alligators, sea turtles, and water birds.
The Ten Thousand Islands is one of the most remote destinations to visit in Florida. Chokoloskee is the only part of the Ten Thousand Islands connected by a causeway, making it the only section you can drive to.
The rest of the islands are best accessed via boat or by paddle board. Because of their remote location, the Ten Thousand Islands have some of Southwest Florida’s best dark sky sites for stargazing.
The best time to visit Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands would be during the winter months when the weather is cooler and hurricane season has passed.
Nautical charts are necessary to have if you plan on venturing out on your own boat, as the area is a labyrinth of water.
If you are not a seasoned kayaker and would prefer not to explore the open water on your own, the easiest way to see the Ten Thousand Islands would be to book a boat ride.
Tours depart daily from Everglades City and Chokoloskee Island allowing you to see and cruise through areas of the Ten Thousand Islands with the knowledge and guidance of tour guides familiar with the history and rich diversity of native wildlife in the area.
Things to see in Ten Thousand Islands
There are many places to explore and things to do within Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands: from camping to kayaking, birdwatching, and more. We’re here to recommend seven places to discover in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands.
Chokoloskee Island
Chokoloskee Island is the only consistently inhabited island of the Ten Thousand Islands in recent history. It is also the only one easily accessible by car, thanks to the causeway that connects it to Everglades City on the mainland.
Check out Smallwood Store, established in 1906. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. Today, it serves as a museum of Florida’s pioneer history with a gift shop full of unique souvenirs.
If you are hungry, Havana Café is a quaint Cuban restaurant that serves breakfasts, salads, and sandwiches on the island.
There are charters on Chokoloskee that offer tours of the Ten Thousand Islands as well as the Everglades National Park. Whether you are looking for a tour, a rental, or something else, Chokoloskee Island is a great place to stop on your exploration of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is protected and managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Twenty miles southeast of Naples, the refuge has many trails and waterways and is one of the best spots to explore.
You can hike through trails; or canoe, kayak, or paddleboard through kayak trails.
Many different species call this area home, such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. Birdwatchers may find opportunities to spot species of birds like egrets, herons, osprey, and bald eagles.
If you are interested in a primitive camping experience, the best time to visit is from October through April, when the wildlife refuge is open for overnight camping.
Campsite spaces are free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are no facilities here, so it is crucial to come completely prepared.
Tiger Key
Tiger Key is one of the small, uninhabited islands that is part of the Ten Thousand Islands. It is part of Everglades National Park and is managed by the National Park Service. Camping is permitted here.
If you are interested in planning a trip to Tiger Key, make sure to check out the NPS Wilderness Trip Planner.
Picnic Key
Picnic Key is another small island and beach campsite managed by the National Park Service. This key is known for its oyster bars located on an offshore channel.
Sandfly Island
Sandfly Island is known for its 0.9-mile hiking trail, which loops around most of the island. The island is a noted stopping point for people traveling the 5-mile Sandfly Loop Paddling Trail, which begins near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City.
Dependent on how much time you spend on this island, the paddling trail can take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours to complete in favorable conditions.
Jewell Key
Jewell Key is another popular spot for paddlers to stop. There is also a beach campsite on the back side of the island for those interested in an overnight trip.
Indian Key
Indian Key is only accessible by boat. Whether you go by boat or kayak, you are sure to have an amazing day on this island.
There are no facilities on the island as it is mostly abandoned. That said, you can see an old city from the 1800s while visiting the island.
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