Florida Kayaking – Paddling Secrets In Southwestern Florida

If you’re heading to Florida and enjoy kayaking, make sure to find the Ten thousand Islands on the southwestern tip of the state. Here you will enjoy the many wonders of the Everglades 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. There are a few islands, however, such as Tiger Key that have, over time, built up a sandy beach. Do your research if you plan to paddle overnight or visit an island for the day. Be sure its one that will be hospitable.

Top-notch navigation skills are a must for this trip. Within this mangrove wilderness lies a web of bays, creeks, and channels in which it is all too easy to lose your way. 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 will be in a good position if you can take a GPS tracking device so you are more likely to get back on track if you get lost. Naturally, you should know how to use all these navigational tools.

Do you enjoy fishing about as much as Florida everglades 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. There are a plethora of paddling trails and multi-day canoe and kayak trips that can be explored and enjoyed in this area.

Make sure to have sunscreen on hand at all times since the sun can be extremely dangerous and lead to burns. You will also need to bring along hats, long sleeved shirts, pants, and other protective clothing for wear out in this sub-tropical environment as well. Since all the water in the area is saltwater, all you will have access to is what you bring with you. Everyone coming on your trip will need to bring a gallon of water per day spent in the area. 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.

Other than winter months, sand flies and mosquitoes can be just as big of pests as the raccoons. 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. Be sure you’re in good physical shape for what could be a challenging canoe/kayak trip (depending on winds and tides), and know your wilderness navigation. You will be roughing it in some of the more natural and remote areas of the state. This is a great place to visit just be sure to have all your ducks in a row and do your homework. The solitude and beauty of the coastal Everglades awaits you. Start planning now!

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