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Kayak In A Tropical/Sectacular setting – Everglades Kayaking

One of this country’s best kept paddling secrets is nestled down in Florida’s southwestern tip in Everglades National Park. It is called the 10,000 Island Wilderness. This tropical location is one of the greatest US destinations for paddling! Aptly named, the Ten Thousand Islands and the mangrove estuaries by which they are composed are known for their plentiful wildlife to include manatees, dolphins, otters, birds, and sharks to name just a few. The small towns you may encounter during your travels contain tropical plants found no where else in the US. Rare tropical trees such as Plumeria, Heaven Lotus and others can be found here.

Don’t expect to go to this area and find thousands of islands awaiting your enjoyment. There are hundreds of them, but not thousands. Most of these are not suitable for camping or hanging out. Though most are not considered islands, just mangroves growing up out of the water, some are very nice. Do your research if you plan to paddle overnight or visit an island for the day. Be sure its one that will be hospitable.

This is not a kayaking trip for those who lack navigation skills. This is an area filled with channels, bays and creeks that can easily get you lost and confused. You will need at least a waterproof marine chart based on NOAA charts. Don’t consider carrying anything other than a waterproof chart. For this kind of trip a compass and knowledge of how to use it is a must You would do well to have the navigational backup of a GPS unit as well. Naturally, you should know how to use all these navigational tools.

Do you enjoy fishing about as much as 10000 Island Wilderness kayaking? If so, head off to Chokoloskee Island for a relaxing day trip of fishing and kayaking together. Kayaking and fishing are top activities on this quaint and quiet island. The variety of fish species available here is vast and includes Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, Sea Trout, Catfish, and many more. Along with that selection is a wide selection of opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. You can even take trips on the water that last more than one day.

You are heading into a sub-tropical environment that could have some risks. Don’t go into this thinking you are going to play with Mickey Mouse at Disneyland. Protect yourself from the intense sun and the many mosquitoes by wearing longer pants and shirts, hats, and of course a good sunscreen. This is a salt-water environment. No fresh water is available at your destination, so you’ll have to take it with you-at least 1 gallon of freshwater per person per day. Make sure to bring at least a gallon of water per person for every day that you plan on spending in this area of the Everglades. All the water in the area is saltwater, so even the raccoons are dying of thirst! They will chew holes through your bottles to get to the freshwater, so make sure to protect them at all times.

Now, about the bugs. Mosquitoes and sand flies are bad here, except in winter. Take lots of insect repellent. Be sure your mosquito netting bars the tiny sand flies as well as mosquitoes. Our trip in late May was comfortable but I think we were lucky as the bugs were not in full force just yet.

The Ten Thousand Islands present many opportunities to explore some of the wildest areas Florida has to offer. The Ten Thousands Islands is an exciting place to visit if you have those navigational skills and come prepared for the physical exertion of Everglades kayaking. The solitude and beauty of the coastal Everglades awaits you. Start planning now!