The Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of mangrove islets off the coast of Southwest Florida. Despite the suggestive name, the number of islets in the chain only number in the hundreds. The 99-mile long Wilderness Waterway begins at Everglades City and ends af Flamingo, Florida at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Administrative control of the islands are split between Collier County and Monroe County.

Most of the islands are not big enough, therefore impractical, to inhabit, but there are some islands in the chain which are suitable for overnight visits, as dictated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. This is a wilderness area where wind, weather and lack of fresh water can become threatening; only seasoned canoeists and sea kayakers should attemp the trip.The southern tip has become a prime destination for snorkeling and water sports vacations. Some of the southeastern islands in the chain are included in the area of Everglades National Park.

External links

• Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
• Ten Thousand Islands and Rookery Bay
• Rookery Bay National Esterine Research Reserve Environmental Learning Center
• Rookery Bay Reserve, Florida
• Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Collier County, Florida | Monroe County, Florida | Islands of Florida