Things to do nearTen Thousand Islands
Ten Thousand Islands is a vast coastal wilderness in Southwest Florida, celebrated for its labyrinthine mangrove channels, abundant wildlife, and pristine backcountry paddling.
Ten Thousand Islands forms the northwestern edge of Everglades National Park, encompassing roughly 35 miles of coastline where freshwater from the Everglades meets the saltwater of the Gulf of Mexico. The resulting estuary is one of the most biologically productive ecosystems in North America, supporting an extraordinary range of fish, birds, and marine mammals within its tangle of red and black mangroves.
The islands themselves are not dramatic in elevation but are endlessly varied in character. Some are low shell mounds built over centuries by the Calusa people, whose sophisticated culture thrived here long before European contact. Others are pure mangrove thickets, their arching prop roots creating underwater nurseries for snook, redfish, and tarpon. Anglers have long regarded these waters among the finest backcountry fishing grounds in Florida.
Kayaking and canoeing are the primary ways to explore the area, and a network of marked water trails allows paddlers of varying experience levels to navigate the channels safely. Guided tours departing from Everglades City introduce visitors to the ecology of the estuary and the history of the Calusa and later fishing communities that called this coast home.
What makes Ten Thousand Islands genuinely compelling is its scale and its silence. There are no roads here, no beachside amenities, and very few signs of the modern world once you move beyond the launch points. That absence is precisely the point, and it makes the islands one of the most rewarding wild places left along the entire Gulf Coast.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Ten Thousand Islands
Launch from Everglades City for the most direct access to the backcountry water trails and to pick up navigational charts at the local outfitter before heading out.
Visit between November and April to avoid summer heat, afternoon thunderstorms, and the heaviest mosquito activity.
Bring a tide chart and plan your paddling routes around tidal flow, as shallow flats can strand a kayak during low tide.
Watch for bottlenose dolphins, manatees, roseate spoonbills, and osprey, which are all commonly spotted among the islands throughout the year.
Camp overnight on one of the designated chickee platforms or shell mound sites to experience the area after day-trippers have gone and the night sky opens up completely.
Top tours & experiences near Ten Thousand Islands
10,000 Islands Mangrove Jet Ski Tour from Marco Island
Ride Marco Island backwaters with a guide and watch for wildlife
Pontoon Boat Rental From Isles of Capri Marina
Rent a 22' pontoon with half- or full-day options from Isles of Capri Marina
Private Ten Thousand Islands Beach Day Cruise from Naples
Cruise mangroves to a boat-access-only beach for shelling, exploring, or relaxing
Private Marco Island Sunset & Dolphin Boat Tour
Unwind on the water with an evening shaped around your group
Marco Island Gulf Parasailing Adventure
Soar above the Gulf for views of Marco Island and the 10,000 Islands
Private 4-Hour Boat Charter in Marco Island
Customize a private 4-hour boat tour around Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Private Manatee & Dolphin Sunset Cruise in Naples
Reserve a private 3-hour sunset cruise for up to 6 passengers
Private Ten Thousand Islands Shelling Charter
Private shelling charter to Ten Thousand Islands beaches, up to 6 passengers
Mangrove Maze Airboat & Everglades National Park Tours
Combine an airboat ride, alligator encounters, and a Ten Thousand Islands boat tour
Guided Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour
Cruise Everglades waterways with a naturalist and explore the city boardwalk
Manatee & Wildlife Tour in the 10,000 Islands
Quiet power-boat wildlife viewing through the 10,000 Islands
4-Hour Backwater Fishing & Shelling Charter Marco Island
Fish shallow backwaters and search barrier islands for shells
4-Hour Private Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour
Customize a private island cruise with music, swimming, and waterfront stops
Pontoon Boat Rental From Isles Of Capri Marina
Rent a 22-foot pontoon with half- or full-day options for up to 12 passengers
Ten Thousand Islands Pirate History Cruise
Trace pirate lore and Everglades history from secluded island beaches
6-Hour Private Boat Charter in Marco Island
Private 6-hour boat tour around Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands
Backwater Fishing & Shelling Charter in Marco Island
A relaxed private day of fishing, shelling, and beach breaks for all ages
10,000 Islands Shelling & Eco Boat Tour from Marco Island
Cruise the Gulf and 10,000 Islands on a shaded catamaran
Naples Dolphin & Manatee Eco Tour with Beach Time
Spot dolphins and manatees, then relax on a secluded 10,000 Islands beach in a smooth-water eco cruise
Ten Thousand Islands Backwater Fishing Charter
Fish Southwest Florida waters with an experienced local guide
2-Hour Marco Island Private Boat Charter
Shape an island outing with your captain and naturalist guide
Private 10,000 Islands Manatee & Dolphin Tour from Naples
Experience wildlife, beach time, and shelling on a private boat tour for your group.
6-Hour Shelling Tour in Ten Thousand Islands
Search secluded islands for rare shells and coastal wildlife
8-Hour Backwater Fishing & Shelling Charter
Cast, cruise and shell along the calm waters of the 10,000 Islands