Florida
Ten Thousand Islands Paddle
Around here
Around Ten Thousand Islands Paddle
- Marjory Stoneman Douglas Visitor Center (Gulf Coast)Visitor center1.4 mi (opens in a new tab)
- Nathaniel P. Reed Visitor CenterVisitor center6.5 mi (opens in a new tab)
- Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife RefugeRecreation area14.4 mi (opens in a new tab)
- Big Cypress National PreserveRecreation area21.7 mi (opens in a new tab)
Data Source: Recreation.gov · Source: USGS GNIS · Public land: USGS PAD-US
About this boating route
The Ten Thousand Islands are a maze of mangrove keys at the western edge of Everglades National Park, and the loop out of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center around Sandfly Island is the standard introduction to them. Tides matter more here than distance. The passes between islands run hard on a falling tide, and a route that is easy with the current is a long day against it.
A mangrove day paddle out of Everglades City around Sandfly Island and Chokoloskee.
Highlights
What earns the trip
- Sandfly Island has a mile-long loop trail and an old homestead site
- Dolphins and manatees are common in the passes
- Chokoloskee is a historic fishing settlement at the end of the road
- Launch is directly from the national park visitor center
Stops
- 1
Gulf Coast Visitor Center
Park launch ramp at Everglades City.
- 2
Sandfly Island
Loop trail and dock inside the park boundary.
- 3
Chokoloskee Island
Historic settlement at the south end of the run.
When to go
Best time to go
December through April. Summer brings heat, storms and serious insects.
Planner estimate for the mapped line: 24 min
Before you go
Know before you go
- Plan the paddle around the tide table, not the mileage.
- A backcountry permit is required for overnight camping in the park.
- The islands look identical from the water. Carry a chart and a compass, not just a phone.
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