Get in the water and have some fun! Year round fun can be had if you can find the right climate to jump in where it's warm and more than friendly. Kayaking is so very choice when it comes to water sports. And wakeboarding and waterskiing are awesome choices when it comes to action in and on the water. Come on in... the water's fine!
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Enjoy 10000 Island Wilderness Kayaking
Unique and wild. That is one way to sum up the 10,000 Island Wilderness in Florida's Everglade National Park. The Ten Thousand Islands area is one of the greatest secrets of the paddling world. This exotic place is located inside Everglades National Park where you will find beautiful mangrove estuaries, calm bays and unique birds and wildlife. You can also find rare trees such as the Royal Poinciana and the Plumeria.
The name "Ten Thousand Islands" is actually a bit deceptive, you will find hundreds of islands in the area, but many aren't suitable for pulling up the kayak and lying out on the beach for a break. Yet, there are some great islands with beach shorelines, such as Tiger Key. 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. Do to the many creeks, channels, and bays in this area, it is very easy to lose your way. Caution and planing is needed. You will need at least a waterproof marine chart based on NOAA charts. Don't consider carrying anything other than a waterproof chart. Also, you'll need a reliable compass. You would do well to have the navigational backup of a GPS unit as well. Please be sure you know how to use these valuable tools in a pinch.
Chokoloskee Island is a great place to go for a day or weekend if you enjoy fishing, relaxing and Florida kayaking. This is a laid back, quiet island with tons of fish from Redfish and Snook to Tarpon and Catfish. There are a plethora of paddling trails and multi-day canoe and kayak trips that can be explored and enjoyed in this area.
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. You will need mosquito netting that also blocks out sand flies and of course enough insect repellent to keep your entire group comfortable. If you go in the winter, this may not be as big of a concern.
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!
