Ten Thousand Islands

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The Ten Thousand Islands are located near the southern end of the Florida peninsula on the Gulf Coast, west of the Everglades
The Ten Thousand Islands are located near the southern end of the Florida peninsula on the Gulf Coast, west of the Everglades

The Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands and mangrove islets off the coast of Southwest Florida. Despite the name, the number of islets in the chain only number in the hundreds. Marco Island is the largest and northernmost island in the chain.

The 99-mile long Wilderness Waterway begins at Everglades City and ends at Flamingo at the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Administrative control of the islands is split between Collier County and Monroe County.

Most of the Ten Thousand Islands are too small for human habitation to be practical, but some 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. 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.

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