Ten Thousand Islands

The Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands and mangrove islets off the coast of southwest Florida, between Cape Romano (at the south end of Marco Island) and the mouth of the Lostmans River. Some of the islands are high spots on a submergent coastline. Others were produced by mangroves growing on oyster bars. Despite the name, the islets in the chain only number in the hundreds.

The chain of islands off the coast of southwest Florida will feel like a world away from Miami. Although almost all of the islands are currently uninhabited, visitors can take kayak trips or boat tours around the masses of land and gaze at dolphins swimming in the waters below. Some of the Ten Thousand Islands are suitable for overnight visits, as dictated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Since this is a wilderness area where wind, weather and lack of fresh water can become threatening, the Wildlife Service recommends only seasoned canoeists and sea kayakers attempt the trip. To sum up, this site is one of the best secluded getaways from Miami.

Address: 1401 County Rd 951, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States
Official site: visit1000islands.com
Phone: 239-298-4443
Entrance fee: $40 for adults. Children 5 to 12 are $20.
Google rating: 4.9/5.0