By Kenneth Ng
Everglades National Park, photo by http2007
The finest way to experience the serenity and beauty of the Everglades – which is both desolate and lush, tropical yet foreboding is by canoing or kayaking through the excellent network of waterways that skirt the northwest portion of the park. The 10,000 islands consist of many (but not really 10,000) tiny islands and a mangrove swamp that hug the southwestern most border of Florida. The Wilderness Waterway, a 99 mile path between Everglades City and Flamingo, is the longest canoe trail in the area, but there are shorter trails near Flamingo.
Aligator, photo by GollyGForce
Most islands are fringed by narrow beaches with sugar-white beaches, but note that the water is brackish, not clear, and very shallow most of the time. It’s not Tahiti, but it’s fascinating. The best part is that you can camp on your own island for up to a week.
Getting around the 10,000 islands is pretty straightforward if you religiously adhere to NOAA tide and nautical charts. Going against the tides is the fastest way to make it a miserable trip. The Gulf Cost Visitor Center sells nautical charts and gives out free tidal charts. You can also purchase charts prior to your visit – call 305-247-1216 and ask for chart Nos 11430, 11432 and 11433.
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