Ten Thousand Islands

The Basics

You can explore the archipelago’s remote islets in a variety of ways, either with a tour or solo if you’re an experienced boater or paddler. Take a canoeing or kayaking ecotour to discover the diverse flora and fauna of the region up close. Boat safaris offer a more relaxing journey and the chance to discover native wildlife like manatees, river otters, and bottlenose dolphins. Fishing expeditions are also available, where you can enjoy a private charter boat and cast a line to catch local gamefish.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Ten Thousand Islands are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and insect repellant.

• There are no facilities available on the islands, so take this into consideration before heading out to explore.

• Camping within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is free but accessible only by boat.

How to Get There

Ten Thousand Islands is located between Marco Island and Everglades City, on the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. The islands of the refuge are best reached by boat, kayak, or canoe, with access points found in Goodland and Port-of-the-Islands, just off US 41 from Naples, as well as from Chokoloskee Island, just south of Everglades City. You can also drive to the Marsh Trail, 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) east of Collier-Seminole State Park and with an 18-space parking lot.

When to Get There

For all-day adventures, visit Ten Thousand Islands between October and May, when the weather is cooler and drier—and there are fewer mosquitos. If going between June and September, book your hikes and boating adventures for the morning to avoid the hottest parts of the day and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

The First Settlers

Native Americans inhabited the Ten Thousand Islands region more than 3,500 years ago. Many shell rings and a few settlements have been found in or next to the region, such as the Horr’s Island archaeological site, but have been flooded by rising sea levels. The area was once good for fishing and trading, but after European settlers arrived in the area, the native populations were wiped out by foreign diseases and disputes.

Can you visit Ten Thousand Islands?

Yes, you can visit the Ten Thousand Islands region in Florida. A National Wildlife Refuge (and partly within Everglades National Park), the island chain is a popular destination for outdoorsy types. It can be explored on boat tours, kayaking, canoeing adventures, and overnight camping stays.

How do you get to Ten Thousand Islands in Florida?

True to their name, the Ten Thousand Islands are best explored by boat, whether you embark on an active kayaking excursion or a more laidback eco boat tour. Typical jumping-off boats for tours include Goodland, Port-of-the-Islands, and Chokoloskee Island. You can also explore on foot via the Marsh Trail.

Does anyone live on the Ten Thousand Islands?

The Ten Thousand Islands are a largely uninhabited group of islands (comprised of mangrove islets or sections of largely submerged coastline), although they were home to Native Americans. The one exception is Chokoloskee Island, considered a northern gateway to the archipelago and home to some 400 permanent residents.

Are there alligators in the Ten Thousand Islands, Florida?

There are alligators in the Ten Thousand Islands—but not as many as you might think. Because of its salt-water environment, there are far fewer gators here than in the rest of the Everglades. Instead, you can look for other popular wildlife, from manatees and bottlenose dolphins to river otters.

Can you swim in the Ten Thousand Islands?

Yes, it’s possible to go swimming (as well as fishing and shelling) in parts of the Ten Thousand Islands, including at popular locations like Indian Key; the island chain is home to several pretty beaches. However, opt for a boat tour if you want to immerse yourself in the scenery.

Can you stay on the Ten Thousand Islands?

Yes, you can stay at the Ten Thousand Islands, but options can be limited. If you’re most comfortable in a hotel or inn, stay on Chokoloskee Island, among the only inhabited islands in the archipelago. Otherwise, camping is permitted—but you’ll need to access your site by boat.

Ways to explore

Boating, fishing, and overnight camping are all ways to explore the Ten Thousand Islands archipelago. A variety of excursions are available to explore the remote islets with varying durations and feature an array of activities.

Tour options include guided canoe or kayak trips to discover diverse flora and fauna, boat safaris to see native wildlife like manatees or dolphins, or private charter fishing expeditions. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to occupy a few hours or even days.

Accessibility

Some tours of the Ten Thousand Islands are wheelchair accessible, including boat tours, but it’s best to check tour details carefully to ensure all required needs can be met.

Age limits

Varies per activity; some tours welcome all ages, such as many boat tours, but there may be age restrictions for activities like kayaking.

What to pack

Water, sun protection, insect repellent

What to wear

Hat, breathable clothing, rashguard

Not allowed

Littering (pack out all trash), removing plants or animals, pets off-leash, camping out of season

Amenities

Seasonal campground within the wildlife refuge (but accessible only by boat), parking lot at Marsh Trail

Address 

Located between Marco Island and Everglades City, the Ten Thousand Islands are a popular destination on the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. The islands are best reached by boat, kayak, or canoe.

Driving

Access points to the Ten Thousand Islands are at Goodland, Port of the Islands, and Chokoloskee Island, just south of Everglades City. You can also drive to the Marsh Trail, 3 miles (5 kilometers) east of Collier-Seminole State Park, which has a small parking lot.

Public transportation

Tours offer easy access to the Ten Thousand Islands archipelago. Choose between group boat trips, private fishing charters, or kayaking and canoeing excursions.

Best times to visit

If visiting between June and September, book hikes and boating adventures for the morning to avoid the hottest parts of the day and frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

Best days to visit

These remote islands offer peace throughout the week; tours may be less busy on weekdays than on Saturday or Sunday.

Best months to visit

Weather is cooler and drier—and there are fewer mosquitoes—between October and May (though check ahead for hurricanes during the fall months).

Special events

The Ten Thousand Islands host annual events, such as a birding festival in January or February, nature walks, sailing festivals, and more.