Adventures in Boating: Florida's Ten Thousand Islands

Whether you’re traveling along Florida’s Gulf Coast ICW, making a day trip from a private boat dock rental in Tampa or just looking for adventure, the Ten Thousand Islands make an excellent trip for boaters, anglers, kayakers and nature enthusiasts.

Located west of Everglades City, along Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast, the region known as the Ten Thousand Islands is a 35,000-acre setting of mangroves, hardwood trees, canals and coves that feature stunning sunsets, secluded beaches and amazing stargazing opportunities. The chain includes small natural sand and coral as well as artificial islands built up by oyster shells. And, no, there aren’t actually 10,000 islands (it’s more like a couple hundred).

Established in 1996, the archipelago protects mangrove habitats, native wildlife and endangered species. In addition to the twisted tangled beauty of the mangrove forests, you’ll find fresh and saltwater marshes, beaches, bays, lagoons, channels and small islets.

Photo: Denise Wauters/Flickr/CC

The 10,000 Islands are located where the Everglades meet the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the second-largest mangrove forest in the world (Bangladesh is the first). The islands run from Cape Romano (south end of Marco Island) to the Lostmans River, making it convenient for access to private boat slip rentals and Fakahatchee Bay.

The northern section of the chain, near Marco Island, is made up of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The southern section is part of the Everglades. Many travelers use Everglades City or Marco Island as a base to anchor their trip to the Ten Thousand Islands. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center of Everglades National Park, located in Everglades City, is a terrific place to book a tour boat for fishing, nature and sightseeing trips.

The Ten Thousand Islands are a wonderful area for kayaking and nature watching. You’re likely to see Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, dolphins, manatees, river otters and birds like osprey, peregrine falcons and wading birds. Visitors can paddle along in canoes like the original inhabitants, the Calusa Indians, explore small coves and secluded beaches or fish for snook, tarpon, bass and sea trout.

Most of the islands are uninhabited, though some have been sporadically inhabited by families or individuals. Chocoloskee Island, the largest, does have about 400 permanent residents. Let’s talk a bit about some of the most popular islands.

Cape Romano

Photo: Wikimedia

Cape Romano, one of the larger of the islands, has a canal running through it and unique dome structures. These dome houses were developed in the early 80s as eco homes. They’re now abandoned and feature an eerie look as they’ve withstood years of hurricane, wind and weather damage.

Sandfly Island

While uninhabited, Sandfly Island makes a terrific excursion from a private boat lift for rent. The island has a one-mile boardwalk trail through tropical hardwood vegetation and gumbo limbo trees. There are some historic structures that date back to Calusa Indian history.

Sandfly Island sits along the 5-mile Sandfly Loop Kayak Trail, which begins near the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. This provides a convenient and laid-out place to paddle from a private boat dock rental, a ramp or the visitor center.

Coon Key

Located in the Goodland area, Coon Key is about 5.5 acres and has several small beaches around the island. It’s a popular raccoon hangout (hence the name).

Turtle Key

Local legend says Turtle Key was a former rumrunner and bootlegging island during Prohibition. We don’t know if you’ll find any rum bottles lying around, but you will find a small cove at the eastern end and a narrow mangrove creek in the center.

Dismal Key

The artificial Dismal Key is about 74 acres and was featured in Carl Hiaasen’s novel Nature Girl. It was constructed by stacking shells in stages taking place over a period of 1,500 years.

Chocoloskee Island

At 141 acres, Chocoloskee Island is connected to Everglades City by a causeway leading across Chocoloskee Bay, so you won’t have to navigate from a private boat lift rental or marina. Island activities and attractions include Chocoloskee Island Park and Marina, an RV park and a variety of fishing, kayaking, birdwatching and Everglades charter tours. Ted Smallwood’s General Store (now a museum showcasing local history) was established in 1906 and is on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s a gift shop and a nearby Cuban restaurant.

Camping is allowed at Hog Key, Tiger Key, Turkey Key, Jewel Key, Rabbit Key and Picnic Key. You do have to have a permit, which can be obtained at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City.

Photo: Wikimedia

Tips for Visiting the Ten Thousand Islands

• The waterways around the islands can be shallow. If you’re not an experienced boater, or don’t know your way around the area, it’s best to book a professional boat tour so you don’t run aground or encounter other problems. Follow safety tips and always have a float plan.
• If you’re trailering a boat from home or a private boat slip rental, Collier-Seminole State Park, Port of the Islands and Goodland (which is south of Marco Island) have boat ramps for launching access.
• November through March is the best time to go as it’s cooler and drier.
• Bring plenty of water (there’s none available on the islands).
• Take bug spray and insect repellent (there are no-see-ums and mosquitoes a-plenty).
• A GPS, compass and nautical charts are a must.
  
  

We hope you’ve discovered a new Florida region for your next boat trip or adventure getaway for private boat dock rentals. Let us know how it goes. Happy boating!