Everglades National Park: Ten Thousand Islands
Dolphins, ospreys, and beaches highlight this 3-day coastal meander.
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This 3-day loop threads through Gulf of Mexico islands along the park’s northwest corner in what may be the world’s osprey capital. The feel is decidedly oceanic, with liquid horizons, crushed-shell beaches, big tides, and excellent fishing for sea trout, tarpon, jack, and snook. There are long crossings of bays and channels exposed to wind and waves, but most of the route is sheltered. Mazelike channels and endless green shorelines make navigation challenging, but shallow gaps through peninsulas and between islets let you avoid powerboat traffic.
Start by paddling northwest across shallow Chokoloskee Bay, threading between mangrove peninsulas to find West Pass Channel, the gateway to fine beach camping on Tiger or Picnic Keys. Paddling southeast to Rabbit Key involves a stout 11.7-mile push that hugs the outer isles to minimize wind exposure, yet often requires paddling hard and long against crosswinds and quartering waves. Day 3 is a 4-mile open-water crossing to the expansive beaches of Pavilion Key; in bad weather, it’s for experts only. From there, it’s a 12-mile return to your starting point. Store all food and water securely against raccoons.
Mapped by Steve Howe
Trail Facts
- Distance: 57.5
Waypoints
TTI001
Location: 25.845455, -81.387266
Launch boat at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Head northwest toward Lane Cove
TTI002
Location: 25.855965, -81.418396
Paddle through slot A
TTI003
Location: 25.859349, -81.443861
Paddle through slot B
TTI004
Location: 25.859488, -81.458977
East end of West Pass Channel; head SSW through the channel
TTI005
Location: 25.827944, -81.491459
Fine campsite on Tiger Key
TTI006
Location: 25.800238, -81.43824
Jack Daniels Key
TTI007
Location: 25.750705, -81.380056
Rabbit Key
TTI008
Location: 25.704766, -81.354854
Pavilion Key; large beach campsite on isolated island
TTI009
Location: 25.781725, -81.363689
From Rabbit Key Pass, swing NW at this point
TTI010
Location: 25.787731, -81.364861
Continue NE
TTI011
Location: 25.790647, -81.363207
Stay NNE
TTI012
Location: 25.794651, -81.361592
Back into open water
TTI013
Location: 25.818701, -81.359566
Alternate takeout. Hug shoreline back to Gulf Coast Visitor Center