Explore 10,000 Islands in One Vacation
The Ten Thousand Islands are a group of several protected islands off the south-west coast of Florida.
While there are not literally ten thousand of them, the area is roughly thirty-five thousand square miles of mangrove forests and islands, which extends from Everglades City to Flamingo Island. The islands are a protected area managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Although most of the islands are quite small they are still home to a wide range of wildlife species including manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.
Everglades City
Even though it could be quite easy to get lost in this labyrinth of islands, the park service offers a great map of the area. The raw beauty of Ten Thousand Islands is not just its only appeal as the location is very popular among both casual and experienced outdoor enthusiasts. When visiting you can take part in numerous activities including everything from hunting, fishing, and camping to less time consuming activities like boat tours, photography, and hiking.
For an experienced camper who is really looking to get away, the Ten Thousand Islands offers places to camp that are completely off-grid. Much like fishing and hunting in the area, permits for camping can be obtained from the ranger station in Everglades City, which can be found here. If you decide to camp it is recommended to bring extra supplies and to store them securely to prevent local wildlife from getting into them. Many of the most popular islands to camp on are also some of the largest in the chain including Pavilion, Turkey, Rabbit, Mormon, and Jewell Keys, which also double as fun places to hike and explore.
If you are interested making a visit to this unique locale there are plenty of other exciting, but less strenuous activities to enjoy. The refuge intersects with Everglades National Park, which has plenty of paths to explore and many great places to take pictures of the local wildlife. Many visitors enjoy taking boats through the maze of islands. Tourists can either choose to canoe, kayak, sail, or motorboat. For those who do not own a boat, there are many places to rent them either for a short period of time or for an all day adventure.
Whether you are interested in an intensive outdoor experience or just want to relax and take in the beautiful coastal landscape, Ten Thousand Islands has something for everyone. Its convenient location between the Everglades and Flamingo Island make it a must-see place for visitors. The preserve offers numerous chances for visitors to interact with wildlife like manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins that will not get anywhere else.
Upcoming CME Conferences & Online Learning
Want to attend a live CME conference in a beautiful locale or complete an online course from the comforts of home?
At Continuing Education Company, we provide you with options to make your medical continuing education fun, engaging, and relevant. Check out our conference calendar to view the dates and locations of upcoming conferences as well as the online learning courses and live streaming that are currently available. And, for a limited period of time, take advantage of our Special Offer! Attend one of our LIVE conferences in person and you will receive a FREE online 15 credit CME course from CME365™.