Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is a sprawling protected area in Southwest Florida made up of thick mangrove forests, shallow waterways, and hundreds of small islands scattered across the landscape. The terrain consists of dense trees rooted in water, tidal channels, and open marshes that shift with the seasons.

Indigenous peoples shaped these waters for centuries, building shell mounds and fishing camps across the islands. The refuge was formally created in 1996 as a conservation area to protect the remaining mangrove ecosystems and wildlife.

Local fishing families have long maintained connections to these waterways and islands, with their boats and simple structures still visible in sheltered coves. This way of working with the water remains part of the area's identity.

Access to the refuge is easiest by foot along marked trails and from a raised observation platform where views extend across the waterways. Bring sun protection and sturdy shoes, as trails can be wet or muddy and there is little shade in most areas.

This refuge supports one of the largest concentrations of manatees along the coast, and visitors can sometimes spot these slow-moving creatures grazing in shallow water if they look carefully. Their quiet presence adds an unexpected layer to the experience of moving through the waterways.