Everglades National Park: Ten Thousand Islands
Explore liquid horizons, crushed-shell beaches, and islands hedged with thick mangroves on this three-day tour in the Gulf of Mexico.
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This 28-mile, counterclockwise 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 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 push that hugs the outer isles to minimize wind exposure, yet often requires paddling hard and long against crosswinds and quartering waves. Store all food and water securely against raccoons.
INFO: File trip itinerary and grab permits ($10/person plus $2/night) 24 hours in advance. (305) 242-7700; nps.gov/ever.
-Mapped by Steve Howe
Trail Facts
- Distance: 45.0
Waypoints
TTI001
Location: 25.845451, -81.387266
Launch boat at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. Head northwest toward Lane Cove
TTI002
Location: 25.855917, -81.418358
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: 25.827929, -81.491432
Fine campsite on Tiger Key
TTI006
Location: 25.800239, -81.438244
Jack Daniels Key
TTI007
Location: 25.750686, -81.380078
Rabbit Key
TTI008
Location: 25.78173, -81.363695
From Rabbit Key Pass, swing NW at this point
TTI009
Location: 25.787731, -81.364861
Continue NE
TTI010
Location: 25.790309, -81.363362
Stay NNE
TTI011
Location: 25.794656, -81.361592
Back into open water
TTI012
Location: 25.818697, -81.359575
Alternate takeout. Hug shoreline back to Gulf Coast Visitor Center
