Spending a few days in the wilderness of Florida Bay is a great way to decompress and blow off some steam. This journey should be attempted only by experienced boaters and paddlers with good navigational skills and the proper equipment, or you can hire a local guide. If you are planning to visit Ten Thousand Islands, and want to go camping, remember that camping on the uninhabited islands has its challenges, which is part of the appeal. Some of the islands are high spots on a submergent coastline. 752 United States Florida Collier (County) g Ten Thousand Islands United States Florida Monroe (County) Ten Thousand Islands 773 t Richard A. Davis, Jr. Collection of Coastal and Geologic Illustrations. Every Trails Illustrated map is printed on "Backcountry Tough" waterproof, tear-resistant paper. The islands harbor an abundance of life, and the shallows serve as nursery grounds for countless marine species. With the rise of cities, people migrated to the areas around: Marco Island, Naples, and Everglades City. Everglades National Park consists of over 800 square miles of marine waters from the Ten Thousand Islands to Florida Bay. Hi Krista – I have been living in Florida for 14 years and I just learned not long ago about Ten Thousand Islands. Multiple species of animals find shelter in the NWR, including: ⇒ Birds: Almost 200 species of birds such as herons, pelicans and ospreys. Thanks! Clusters of mangroves form islands in a shallow estuary constantly fed by a flow of fresh rainfall. 40001 State Road 9336 The trail runs alongside the marshes, it is paved most of the way and is a very easy flat stroll. At the end you can find a bonus section for all the RESOURCES you need  to plan and book your trip to Ten Thousand Islands, and to make your experience as easy, safe and fun as possible. All the restaurants are owned by a local who has resided here for years. I have chosen some great options for you: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour – Experience the South Florida Everglades, observe by close distance the wildlife, including alligators, and take an education and exciting airboat tour of the National Park. Such a unique and gorgeous place! Ten Thousand Islands is one of Florida's best-kept secrets. I’ve fought off many a raccoon there to save my food. The Ten Thousand islands are a chain of islands and mangrove islets off the Gulf coast of Southwest Florida, between the southern end of Marco Island and the mouth of Lostman’s River. The Ten Thousand Islands are notorious for illegal fishing and smugglers. The boat can accommodate 12 guests and a total duration of 3-hours. Bicycles are permitted on the trail. A world traveler, adventure seeker, and an athlete who is always in search of authentic and real-life experiences. By Terry Tomalin. Camping Ten Thousand Islands. It is located about 40 minutes from the city of Naples and Marco Island, and just 90 minutes from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Fort Myers. Before you go, make sure to study the tides as the current can rip through the narrow mangrove channels and make progress seem nearly impossible. Finding your way through this area of the park can be difficult, and it is strongly recommended that visitors reference NOAA Charts #11430 and 11432 to assist them. The above map is for general location information only and does not imply access. The Ten Thousand Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Southside of Highway 41, approximately 20 miles southeast of Naples-FL. Overnight camping with “Leave No Trace“ ethics is permitted at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge during the months of October-April. Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps. … … Thanks for your support. After reading your post, I have to come back again! Fortunately I found the ecological paradise of Ten Thousand Islands, which I now bring to you so that you can also get to know, and maybe one day, also explore. Today, no one else lives on the islands of the sanctuary, and the area is as intact as it used to be when the first settlers arrived according to the Florida Environmental Protection Service. Located on the west coast of Florida and washed by the Gulf of Mexico, this chain of islands and mangrove islets stretches between Everglades City and Naples.There are actually several hundred islets, many of which were created by mangroves growing on top of oyster bars. If you love nature and off-the-beaten-path destinations I really recommend visiting Ten Thousand Islands Nature Wildlife Refugee, and enjoy this hidden paradise in Florida. Here are some of the excellent guide books that can help you to helped me to prepare for your trip to Ten Thousand Islands: My article about Ten Thousand Island in Florida, USA was magazine cover in Brazil – Article from page 50-55. The state of Florida, with its vast coastlines, wonderful climate and impressive fisheries, is undoubtedly the Fishing Capital of the World. And don’t forget the most important ingredient for any trip through the Everglades and the Ten Thousand Islands – a spirit of adventure. The Gulf of Mexico borders the southern boundary, and the eastern boundary lies just west of Everglades National Park, and FAKA Union Canal in the northern portion of that boundary. Anyone who is interested in visiting Ten Thousand Islands can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. Katy, the manatees are just so incredible and peaceful and yes, the wildlife is so rich and diverse. Those looking for some places to explore in the area may want to Also, Everglades City is the best option for accommodation if you are looking to spend a few days explore the Ten Thousand Islands. Risks are of breaking down, loosing your luggage, or even worse,  having an accident and get injured. Other features found on this map include: Big Cypress, Cape Romano, Everglades, Gullivan Bay, Marco Island, Ten Thousand Islands. 856 And how awesome you did a tour in the islands before, it is such a unique and wild area, I hope you get the chance to go back. Ten Thousand Islands is one of Florida's best-kept secrets. That night around the campfire, our group of eight had great fun concocting stories about the identity of the invaders. One of the world’s more mysterious places, the Ten Thousand Islands is where the Florida peninsula breaks apart into thousands and thousands of tiny pieces. If you are a bird lover, Ten Thousand Islands NWR is heaven! My last camping trip in Ten Thousand Islands was a success. Campers do not need to make a reservation and beach spaces are available on a first come/first serve basis. Please be ware of the Ten Thousand Islands NWR rules and regulations. The West boundary lies along county road 92. We were on a Ten Thousand Islands cruise out of Everglades Gulf Coast Visitor Center, and it was obvious that were it not for the marked channel, it would be very easy to get lost. It is actually a working Post Office still. A few years ago, I did a boat tour around the islands but unfortunately I didn’t have enough time to explore the more remote areas. Homestead, FL When you have eliminated the JavaScript , whatever remains must be an empty page. Detailed Description. Just take a look in the map above to see how unique this region is. That night around the campfire, our group of eight had great fun concocting stories about the identity of the invaders. campsites) to enhance your stewardship and … Explore More Science. We’re Florida bound this winter, adding this to the list. You will be surprised to discover this hidden gem in Florida, and fall in love with this destination. Day 2 of my RV adventure... Sunset on the road But Florida also hides a paradise, called Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), a maze of mangroves, where the waters of the Everglades meet the Gulf Coast, forming a labyrinth of water, and it is the second largest mangrove forest in the world, only surpassed by Bangladesh. Thank you so much Bettina, I am so happy to hear you enjoyed the photos. This closet-sized, 7×8-foot building used to be an irrigation pipe shed for a tomato farm. Directions to the Thousand Islands Bridge. Basketball court, while others are the size of a soccer field will... 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