Things to do nearTen Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Florida is a vast coastal wilderness celebrated for its mangrove labyrinths, abundant wildlife, and pristine backcountry waterways.
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge was established to protect the intricate coastal ecosystem where freshwater from the Everglades meets the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico. This transition zone creates extraordinarily productive habitat that has supported Indigenous communities and commercial fishermen for centuries.
The refuge encompasses tidal creeks, open bays, oyster bars, and a seemingly endless scattering of mangrove islands. Bottlenose dolphins hunt in the channels, American crocodiles rest on exposed mudflats, and hundreds of bird species use the area along the Atlantic Flyway. The fishing for snook, redfish, and tarpon draws anglers from across the country.
Guided boat tours depart from Everglades City, the small fishing village at the refuge's edge, offering naturalist-led introductions to the ecosystem. Experienced paddlers can arrange multi-day canoe camping trips through the Wilderness Waterway, one of Florida's most storied backcountry routes.
For anyone drawn to raw, undeveloped nature, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers a rare chance to experience coastal Florida much as it looked long before development reached the peninsula's southern tip.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Visit during the cooler months between November and March to avoid summer heat, humidity, and the peak of mosquito season.
Bring a detailed nautical chart or a GPS device, as the islands and channels are disorienting and cell service is unreliable.
Try kayaking the marked water trails at dawn when wildlife activity is highest and the light is ideal for photography.
Watch for West Indian manatees in the warmer shallower channels, particularly in spring when they gather near freshwater outflows.
Pack out everything you bring in, as there are no trash facilities in the backcountry and Leave No Trace principles apply strictly.
Top tours & experiences near Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
4-Hour Shelling Tour of Ten Thousand Islands
Customize a private shelling adventure with expert local guidance
3-Hour Guided Shelling Tour in Goodland
Search for shells with naturalist guides in the Ten Thousand Islands
4-Hour Guided Shelling Tour in Marco Island
Find shells and learn coastal ecology with local guides
Marco Island 2-Hour Sightseeing Cruise
Explore Marco Island’s history, ecology, and coastal landmarks by boat
2-Hour Dolphin Boat Tour in the 10,000 Islands
Cruise the 10,000 Islands and look for wild dolphins and other wildlife
Dolphin & Shelling Eco Boat Tour in the 10,000 Islands
Boat through mangroves, spot dolphins, and stop to shell on a barrier island
Keewaydin Island Shelling Tour
Seek shells on Keewaydin’s boat-only beaches with expert local guidance
6-Hour Guided Shelling Tour in Ten Thousand Islands
Search for shells with local guides in the Ten Thousand Islands
Dolphin & Shelling Tour in Ten Thousand Islands
Look for coastal wildlife and rare shells on a guided boat outing
Cruise Ten Thousand Islands at Sunset
Ride through the Ten Thousand Islands for sunset views and wildlife spotting
Self-Guided Shelling Tour From Marco Island
Search remote island shores at your own shelling pace
Eco & Shelling Boat Tour in Goodland
Private island shelling and wildlife exploration with a naturalist guide
Cruise Goodland on a 2-Hour Sunset Shelling Tour
Cruise the Ten Thousand Islands and search for shells at sunset
Marco Island Dolphin & Shelling Cruise
Search for dolphins, birds, and shells on a naturalist-led island cruise
3-Hour Dolphin Study Eco-Cruise in Marco Island
Join the Dolphin Explorer survey team and look for dolphins and shells
Explore Everglades National Park by Boat & Kayak
Reach remote Everglades National Park areas by boat, then kayak and walk with your guide
Fishing & Sightseeing 10,000 Islands 3-Hour Charter
Fish and explore mangrove waterways on a flexible private charter
10,000 Islands Fishing & Shelling Charter
Fish, shell, or do both on a flexible private trip through the 10,000 Islands
6-Hour Guided Shelling Tour Ten Thousand Islands
Explore remote islands with guided shell identification and eco-conscious tips
Self-Guided Shelling Tour in Goodland
Explore island shelling grounds at your own pace with captain support
Dolphin Sightseeing Tour of 10,000 Islands
Explore shell-covered islands, mangroves, and dolphin habitat by private boat
Sunset Shelling & Dolphin Tour in Goodland
Explore remote islands, search for shells, and watch the Gulf sunset on a private cruise
Marco Island Dolphin Sightseeing Cruise
Explore shell-covered islands, mangroves, and Marco Island’s coastal wildlife
Guided Shelling Tour in 10,000 Islands
Cruise remote islands, look for wildlife and search for shells
10,000 Islands Dolphin & Shelling Cruise
Search for dolphins and birds, then shell a remote barrier island
Manatee & Mangrove Kayak Tour in Naples
Paddle mangrove tunnels through the 10,000 Islands Wildlife Refuge
10,000 Islands Wildlife Eco Tour
Explore Marco Island history and seasonal wildlife from the water
10,000 Islands Shelling Tour From Goodland
Discover shelling beaches with time for sightseeing and wildlife viewing
3-Hour Fishing & Shelling Charter in Marco Island
Fish, shell, or enjoy both on a flexible island charter
3-Hour Fishing & Sightseeing Charter in 10,000 Islands
Relaxed eco touring with fishing stops or a no-fishing option