Discover the Ten Thousand Islands – A Wildlife Refuge in the Everglades

Scattered along the western edge of the Everglades National Park, you’ll find the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, a labyrinth of land and channels harboring a surreal amount of plant and animal life. While there aren’t quite 10,000 islands here, it is one of the biggest mangrove systems on the planet, making it an international treasure.

The region stretches from Cape Romano, the southernmost tip of Marco Island, to Lostman’s River near Everglades City. In places, it can be difficult to distinguish genuine islands from the mangroves that have grown atop oyster mounds; the mangroves occupy an estimated 230 square miles.

Visiting this remote part of the Everglades offers an epic adventure into the rare and wondrous ecosystem that defines this part of southwestern Florida.

History of the Ten Thousand Islands

The Ten Thousand Islands have long been a fertile area, attracting fish, game, and humans for thousands of years. Archaeological evidence suggests that Native Americans inhabited this region around 3500 years ago, although some sites have since disappeared beneath rising sea waters.

The land originally belonged to the Calusa, who created large shell mounds, built sophisticated docks and bridges, and dug canals throughout the region. When the Spanish arrived in the 1500s, European diseases decimated the indigenous population, including the Calusa.

By the mid-1700s, the area was ceded to Europeans and small groups of Seminole, eventually transitioning to white fishermen who dominated the commercial fishing industry.

By the middle of the twentieth century, the Ten Thousand Islands were nearly uninhabited, leading to its designation as a national wildlife refuge in 1996. Today, it serves as a protected tangle of dense mangroves, lagoons, and tunnels, attracting outdoor enthusiasts drawn to its isolated beauty.

Wildlife Watching

The Ten Thousand Islands area was carved by the freshwater of Big Cypress National Reserve, forming brackish estuaries, marshes, mangrove forests, and hammock ecosystems along the coast. Wildlife from air, land, and sea congregate here to feed and take shelter.

Within the twisting waterways, you’ll find over 200 bird species, nearly 200 types of fish (including the giant goliath grouper), five different species of turtles and tortoises, as well as marine mammals like the Florida manatee and bottlenose dolphin. However, unlike other areas of the Everglades, alligators are relatively uncommon here as they tend to avoid salt water.

Bring along a pair of binoculars and embark on the ultimate critter scavenger hunt.

Florida’s Premier Fishing Destination

The Ten Thousand Islands are an angler’s paradise; nutrient-rich waters attract a wide array of sport fish including grouper, permit, snook, snapper, triple tail, kingfish, and the majestic tarpon. Whether you choose to charter a boat or kayak through the mangroves, the region is renowned for its excellent fly-fishing opportunities due to the clarity of its waters.

To fish in these waters, obtaining a Florida fishing license is essential. Non-resident licenses range from $17-$50 depending on the duration of your stay. It is advisable to secure one ahead of time from gooutdoorsflorida.com or purchase it locally.

Guided Tours

Navigating the Ten Thousand Islands requires careful planning and a solid understanding of navigation. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center offers nautical charts and tidal information essential for exploration.

For those new to mangrove ecosystems, consider joining a guided tour, which can provide valuable insights into the area’s rich biodiversity and ecology.

Marco Island

Marco Island, the largest and most developed of the region’s barrier islands, offers an ideal setting to unwind while enjoying the beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands. Public beaches face the peaceful waters of the gulf, allowing for a perfect day of shelling or simply soaking in the tranquil ambiance.

After a day outdoors, savor the ocean’s bounty at one of the island’s seafood restaurants, such as the historic Snook Inn.

Just a 30-minute drive from Naples and a 40-minute drive from the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, Marco Island serves as a convenient day trip destination, whether for shopping or exploring the mangroves.

Make it Happen

The optimal time to visit the Ten Thousand Islands is between December and April, offering milder temperatures and fewer mosquitoes. Be mindful of hurricane season during late summer and fall, as boating can become dangerous in these conditions. Some beach camping spots may close from May 1 to September 30 to protect nesting birds and sea turtles.

Other Things to Know:

• Understanding nautical maps is crucial if you choose to explore independently; a regular map will not suffice. Equip yourself with a GPS—a satellite phone for emergencies is also advisable.

• Be aware that tides can significantly impact your paddling experience; research tidal movements to maximize your enjoyment.

• Always check the weather forecasts before heading out.